New blow to minority education in Western Thrace
The Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has introduced a controversial measure concerning the Turkish Minority education system in Western Thrace, which minority representatives describe as a serious setback.
Following the recent recognition of the Bektashi–Alevi community as a separate religious legal entity, the Ministry is preparing to implement a new curriculum introducing a “Bektashi–Alevi Studies” course in both state and minority schools.
Course Implementation
In state schools, at least 10 students will be required to establish the course.
In minority schools, however, there will be no minimum number requirement—a written request from a single student or parent will be sufficient.
Students currently exempt from religious studies and not attending alternative courses will be eligible to enroll under certain conditions.
Who Will Teach?
The law stipulates that:
Turkish-language teachers (PE73 branch) employed in minority schools who are members of the newly recognized “Bektashi–Alevi Muslims of Thrace” entity may teach the subject.
Religious instructors appointed under the highly disputed “240 Imams Law” (Ierodidaskalos) will also be eligible to teach the course.
Curriculum and Materials
Educational materials will be prepared by the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP), with the option for the Minister of Education to appoint special expert committees. Resources will be distributed free of charge via the “Diofantos” publishing house, either in print or digital form.
If materials are not ready by June 30 of each academic year, teachers may, with IEP approval, use their own selected resources.
Treaty Violations and Concerns
Traditionally, under international treaties, textbooks for minority schools are supplied from Türkiye. The new regulation risks undermining this framework. Moreover, granting the Bektashi–Alevi community separate religious legal status and introducing a distinct course is viewed by minority representatives as fostering sectarian division within the community and as a violation of the Lausanne Treaty.
