Kalanta controversy escalates: State targets Turkish Minority representatives as “self-appointed”
Tensions are rising in Western Thrace after a written statement by the Regional Education Directorate criticized Turkish minority institutions that had objected to a “kalanta” event held at Dolaphan State Middle School.
The incident, initially centered on a New Year “kalanta” performance linked to Greek Orthodox tradition, has now evolved into a broader dispute over minority representation, religious sensitivity and state rhetoric.
Official Statement Sparks New Backlash
The statement was issued by the Primary and Secondary Education Directorate of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, under the signature of Acting Regional Education Director Marigoula Kosmidou.
While defending the event as a simple children’s New Year song activity rather than a religious ceremony, the Directorate used language that drew strong reactions from Turkish minority circles.
The statement suggested that criticism stemmed either from “insufficient knowledge of the Greek language” or from the “instrumentalization of religion,” and characterized objections as “fake news.”
“Self-Appointed Protectors” Remark Deepens Tensions
Particular controversy surrounded the phrase describing dissenting minority institutions as “self-appointed guardians of the minority.”
Observers in Western Thrace interpreted the wording as dismissive toward organizations that have long advocated for the legal, cultural and religious rights of the Turkish minority.
The dispute began after the “kalanta” activity at Dolaphan State Middle School was perceived by some minority representatives as disregarding the religious and cultural sensitivities of Muslim Turkish students.
Sikinos Online Connection Highlighted
The Education Directorate also defended the event by referencing an online exchange between students in Dolaphan and students on the island of Sikinos, describing it as an innovative and exemplary educational initiative.
However, critics argue that the core issue is not the exchange itself, but whether state school activities sufficiently consider the cultural and religious identity of minority students.
Broader Debate on Minority Rights and Education
Turkish minority media outlets had previously reported concerns that certain cultural and artistic activities in state schools are implemented without adequate regard for the students’ religious identity, potentially fueling social tension.
The latest statement, rather than easing concerns, is seen by some as escalating the situation by directly targeting minority institutions.
Although the Directorate emphasized that schools should not become arenas for political conflict or personal interests, the tone of the official communication has raised fresh questions about trust and dialogue between state authorities and the Turkish minority community in Western Thrace.
What began as a local school event has now evolved into a wider debate on minority representation, religious freedom and state-minority relations in the region.
