Türkiye imposes reciprocity-based restrictions on Greek Minority Schools in Istanbul
In a news article published in Kathimerini by journalist Manolis Kostidis, titled "Greece and Turkey Disagree on Minority Schools," it was noted that the Turkish Ministry of National Education has implemented similar restrictions on Greek minority schools in Istanbul as a response to negative practices against Turkish minority schools in Western Thrace by Greek authorities.
The report indicated that, according to a circular sent by Turkey’s Ministry of Education, any events organized by Greek minority schools in Istanbul must be approved by Turkish authorities at least 15 days in advance. Furthermore, restrictions were placed on non-educational activities and visits.
The circular stipulates that only parents and Ministry of Education officials can visit the schools, and any other visitor requests must be submitted for approval at least two weeks in advance.
The report highlighted that this decision is seen as a reaction to restrictive measures imposed on building use and visits to Turkish minority schools in Western Thrace. The restrictions in Turkey mirror those in place for Turkish minority schools in Greece, according to the article.
The article stated:
"Tensions between Athens and Ankara over the education programs of minority schools seem to be increasing. The Turkish Ministry of Education has started imposing restrictions on events and visits at Greek minority schools in Istanbul that are not directly related to educational programs. This decision follows similar restrictions that were imposed on Turkish minority schools in Western Thrace regarding building usage and visits."
The Kathimerini article also raised questions regarding the terminology used, as the minority in Western Thrace was referred to as the "Turkish minority," which contradicts the official Greek stance. According to Greece's official policy, there is no "Turkish minority" in Greece; instead, the minority is referred to as a "Muslim minority" based on the Lausanne Treaty. Public references to a "Turkish minority" have been subject to legal action in the past.
The article raises three questions:
Did Kathimerini intentionally use the term "Turkish minority," or was it a technical error?
Will the journalist who used the term "Turkish minority" face backlash from the Greek media?
Will legal action, similar to that taken against organizations and individuals using the term "Turkish minority" in Western Thrace, be initiated against Kathimerini and the journalist?
This issue brings to the forefront ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey regarding the treatment of minority schools and the broader questions of minority rights in both countries.
