Mufti İbrahim Şerif raises minority mducation concerns at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
The Mufti of Gümülcine, İbrahim Şerif, has voiced strong concerns over the state of minority education in Western Thrace during his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF).
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the forum in Antalya, Şerif highlighted what he described as a long-term erosion of educational rights for the Turkish Muslim minority in the region.
“A Systematic Decline in Minority Education”
Şerif pointed to historical agreements that guaranteed the right of Muslim Turkish communities in Western Thrace to elect their own muftis, as well as provisions ensuring Turkish-language education and the presence of interpreters in courts.
According to Şerif, these agreements also included the operation of approximately 310 Turkish primary schools within a ten-year framework. However, he argued that Greece has failed to uphold these commitments over time.
“Rights and authorities have gradually been taken away,” he said, describing a steady decline in both the quality and accessibility of minority education.
Campaign Encouraging Shift to State Schools
Şerif further alleged that an informal campaign has been underway, promoting the narrative that “education in minority schools is very poor” and encouraging families to send their children to state (Greek) schools instead.
He noted that curriculum changes have reduced Turkish-language instruction, with many courses now delivered in Greek. In the past, teachers trained in Türkiye played a key role in minority schools, he added.
“As a result, minority schools have weakened, and children are increasingly being directed toward Greek public schools,” Şerif stated.
Changing Educational Demographics
Providing current figures, Şerif said approximately 7,000 minority students are now enrolled in state schools, compared to around 3,000 in minority schools.
“This is the point our educational institutions have reached after years of policy,” he said, warning of long-term implications for cultural and linguistic continuity.
Global Context and Diplomatic Engagement
Şerif, who has attended the forum three times, emphasized the importance of international platforms like ADF in raising awareness.
“The world is going through a period of uncertainty. Everyone is trying to position themselves accordingly,” he said, noting that the forum offered opportunities to engage with diplomats and journalists from around the world.
He added that such interactions allow minority representatives to “make their voices heard” on the global stage.
