FEP Party criticizes Orthodox “Kalanta” event at Minority School in İskeçe, calls for equal respect in multicultural education

In a statement released on February 10, 2026, the FEP Party expressed concern over the event, which reflects Orthodox Christian tradition, being held in a school attended entirely by students from the Turkish Muslim minority of Western Thrace.

Concerns Over Religious Freedom in Education
While acknowledging that the region’s multicultural identity is a source of richness, the party emphasized that diversity cannot be protected “without the consent of families or by disregarding the religious identity of children.”

According to the statement, images circulating from the school have raised public questions. The party argued that the inclusion of Orthodox Christian religious content in an educational institution composed exclusively of minority students cannot simply be described as a cultural “event.”

DEB officials stated that such practices risk undermining the principle of freedom of religion and conscience in education.

“How Would It Be Received in Reverse?”
To illustrate its concerns, the party posed a rhetorical question:

“How would a similar practice involving Islamic religious rituals be received in a school attended by Greek Orthodox students?”

The FEP Party said this question captures the essence of the debate, stressing that genuine pluralism cannot be one-sided.

Call for Balanced Multicultural Policy
The statement highlighted that true pluralism requires mutual sensitivity and equal respect, rather than unilateral adaptation.

Educational institutions, the party noted, should operate within clear pedagogical guidelines, ensure parental consent where appropriate, and safeguard children’s religious freedoms.

The FEP Party called on authorities to act with prudence and maintain a sensitive balance in managing religious and cultural matters in public education.

The announcement was released bearing the logos of the FEP Party and the European Free Alliance (EFA), signaling its broader European political alignment.