MP Hüseyin Zeybek slams “Kalanda” practice: “This is not an innocent cultural activity”
Hüseyin Zeybek, Member of Parliament for New Left (Nea Aristera) from İskeçe, has issued a strong reaction to reports and footage showing Orthodox Christian Kalanda hymns being performed by Muslim students at Dolaphan Middle School, despite the absence of any Christian pupils at the school.
In a written statement, Zeybek said the information that has emerged has caused deep discomfort and justified outrage within the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.
“A Religious Ritual That Cannot Be Justified Pedagogically or Legally”
Zeybek emphasized that Kalanda hymns are a religious ritual directly linked to Orthodox Christianity, traditionally performed during Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany celebrations.
He stressed that imposing such a ritual on Muslim children in a public school setting, under the supervision of teachers, cannot be explained on pedagogical or legal grounds, and should not be portrayed as a harmless cultural activity.
“The issue is not the existence of Kalanda itself, but who performs it, to whom, in what environment, and within which religious framework,” Zeybek stated.
Questions That Demand Clear Answers
In his statement, Zeybek also raised several questions that, he said, the public deserves answers to:
- Were parents informed prior to the event?
- Was parental consent obtained?
- On what grounds was the activity planned?
He added that when viewed alongside a previously held “Agios Vasilis (Santa Claus)” event at the same school, it must be clarified whether these incidents are coincidental or part of a broader pattern.
Minority Schools and Identity Protection
Zeybek noted that the incident once again underscores the importance of minority schools, describing them not merely as educational institutions but as guarantors of children’s religious, cultural, and identity security.
He warned that disregarding the religious and cultural identity of Muslim children is unacceptable and undermines trust in the education system.
Call for Immediate Measures
Concluding his statement, Zeybek called for:
- Absolute respect for freedom of religion and conscience in educational institutions
- Careful consideration of families’ religious sensitivities when planning school activities
- Immediate administrative and legal measures to prevent similar practices from recurring
Zeybek affirmed that the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace will closely follow the process and will not remain silent on issues affecting the identity, faith, and future of their children.
