“Kalanda” event at İskeçe’s Dolaphan Secondary School raised in Turkish Parliament

The issue was raised by Mehmet Akalın, Member of Parliament for Edirne from the İYİ Party, who addressed the matter both in parliament and via a video statement shared on social media.

The event in question took place at Dolaphan Secondary School in the village of Dolaphan, affiliated with Mustafçova Municipality in the Xanthi (İskeçe) region of Western Thrace. The school is attended entirely by students from the Muslim Turkish minority.

“Unacceptable Practices,” MP Says

In his parliamentary remarks, Akalın stated:

“What has happened at Dolaphan Secondary School in İskeçe is unacceptable.”

“Practices that contradict the faith and identity of Muslim Turkish minority children cannot be tolerated.”

“Authorities must immediately assume responsibility.”

The event involved the performance of “Kalanda,” a tradition associated with Orthodox Christian culture. Its organization in a school composed entirely of Muslim Turkish students sparked strong reactions within the Western Thrace Turkish minority community.

Debate Over Identity and Education

Critics described the event as inconsistent with the religious and cultural identity of the students, framing it as an issue of minority rights and educational sensitivity. Some community members characterized the development as “assimilation” or a “provocation,” intensifying public debate.

Addressing the matter at the Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi, Akalın emphasized the necessity of safeguarding students’ faith and cultural identity in educational institutions in Western Thrace. He called on relevant authorities to take responsibility and ensure respect for minority rights in line with international agreements.

The incident has added to ongoing discussions regarding minority education policies and cultural autonomy in Western Thrace.