Orthodox “Kalanda” ritual sparks backlash at Dolaphan Middle School: Muslim Turkish children involved

An event organized at a state middle school in the village of Dolaphan, located in the Mustafçova Municipality of İskeçe, has triggered strong reactions within the Muslim Turkish Minority of Western Thrace. The controversy centers on the performance of “Kalanda,” a ritual deeply rooted in Orthodox Christian tradition, by students who are entirely Muslim Turkish children.

Concerns Over Assimilation and Religious Sensitivity
The implementation of an Orthodox Christian ritual in a school attended exclusively by Muslim Turkish students has raised serious concerns among minority representatives, who describe the event as an act of assimilation and provocation.

According to available information, students performed Kalanda hymns under the supervision of teachers, accompanied by musical instruments. Kalanda is traditionally associated with Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany (Theophany) celebrations in Orthodox Christianity and carries explicit religious symbolism.

“All Students Are Muslim Turkish”
The fact that every student at Dolaphan Middle School is a Muslim Turk lies at the heart of the backlash. Critics argue that organizing a religiously affiliated ritual without considering the students’ faith and cultural identity is unacceptable.

Representatives of the Western Thrace Muslim Turkish community have described the event as an attempt at Christianization and an erosion of cultural identity, stressing that such practices undermine trust and social cohesion.

Minority Schools Back in Focus
The incident has reignited discussions within the community about the importance of Turkish minority schools, where cultural and religious sensitivities are expected to be safeguarded.

Community leaders emphasize that cultural and artistic activities in schools with minority students must respect their religious beliefs and cultural background, warning that otherwise such initiatives risk deepening alienation and resentment.

Silence from the Ministry of Education Draws Criticism
The Greek Ministry of Education has so far remained silent on the issue, a stance that has further fueled criticism. Community members interpret this silence as implicit approval of what they describe as a provocative act.

Attention has also turned to the Ministry’s General Secretariat for Religious Affairs, with calls for clarification from officials recognized for their expertise in the field.

Joint Online Event with Sikinos Middle School
Dolaphan Middle School shared details of the event on social media, stating that students connected online with Sikinos Middle School, located on a Cyclades island, to sing New Year Kalanda songs together.

The post described the experience as “emotional” and expressed hope for repeating the event in the future.

Political Reactions and Budget Allegations
Former mayor and opposition leader Rıdvan Delihüseyin accused the Mustafçova Municipality of allocating public funds for Christmas-related activities in schools.

In response, Mayor Ahmet Kurt denied any municipal payments related to the Kalanda event or New Year decorations, calling the allegations distortions and defamation. He stated that a payment request had been explicitly rejected and that no public funds were used, citing official documents to support his claim.

What Is “Kalanda”?
Kalanda refers to traditional songs performed during the twelve-day period encompassing Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany in Orthodox Christianity. Sung by children and adult men, these songs announce upcoming religious holidays and convey wishes of prosperity, health, and abundance.

While often framed as folklore, Kalanda remains inseparable from Orthodox Christian religious tradition.

Commentary: Cultural Exchange or Religious Imposition?
The core issue is not the existence of Kalanda itself, but who performs it, where, and under what circumstances. Presenting a religious ritual as a “harmless cultural activity” obscures its theological significance.

Critics pose a pointed question: Would the Greek state and Orthodox institutions react the same way if Islamic hymns praising Allah and the Prophet Muhammad were performed in a school attended exclusively by Orthodox Christian students in Türkiye? Historical precedent suggests otherwise.

For the Muslim Turkish community of Western Thrace, the reaction is not exaggerated—it is a legitimate demand for respect, equality, and recognition of identity.