Türkiye lawmakers criticize closure of eight Turkish minority schools in Western Thrace
Türkiye’s parliamentary officials have reacted strongly to Greece’s decision to suspend the operation of eight Turkish minority primary schools in Western Thrace, describing the move as part of a broader policy that undermines the educational rights of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.
Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) and Ankara MP from the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), said the decision cannot be viewed as merely an administrative measure, arguing that it represents a continuation of policies aimed at weakening the minority’s educational rights.
In a written statement, Oktay said the justification of insufficient student numbers was incompatible with Greece’s obligations under the Treaty of Lausanne and called on Athens to fulfill its responsibilities under international law.
"Türkiye will always stand with the legitimate struggle of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority for its rights and legal protections," Oktay said.
Edirne MP Fatma Aksal also criticized the decision, stating that measures targeting the educational rights of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority are unacceptable. She emphasized that education is a universal human right and urged Greece to act in accordance with international law and human rights obligations.
According to a decision published in the Greek Official Gazette, eight Turkish minority primary schools will be suspended from the beginning of the upcoming academic year due to low student enrollment. The schools include five in Rodopi, two in İskeçe and one in Meriç.
Among the schools affected are the Dimetoka Turkish Primary School in the Dedeağaç area, Beyköy and Boyacılar Turkish Primary Schools in İskeçe, and Üntüren, Delinasufköy, Omurluköy, Çepelli and Hebilköy Turkish Primary Schools in Rhodope.
