Turkey signals reopening of Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki

·

Turkey has signalled the reopening of the Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki, which has been closed since 1971.

According to Daily Sabah, Turkey’s Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin paid a visit recently to the Greek Orthodox seminary in Heybeliada off the Istanbul coast.

Tekin said after his visit that he would like to see the Halki Theological School reopen, but the final decision would be made by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

“We simply implement their decisions. Personally, I desire the opening of the seminary to reflect Turkey’s democratic maturity and our viewpoint on secularity,” Tekin said.

Minister of National Education (front) is accompanied on a tour of the building of a high school where the Halki seminary is also located, Istanbul, Turkey, May 28, 2024. Photo: AA Photo.
Minister of National Education (front) is accompanied on a tour of the building of a high school where the Halki seminary is also located, Istanbul, Turkey, May 28, 2024. Photo: AA Photo.

He added that President Erdogan had sent him to visit the Greek Orthodox seminary to “explore” and report back methods that could be applied if Turkey decides to reopen it.

The seminary, which used to train priests for Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, an Istanbul-based religious entity with millions of followers from around the world, was closed in the 1970s after implementing a law ordering religious and military training institutions into full state control. It was part of a string of policies targeting minorities, dating back to the early years of the republic.

The issue gained renewed attention during the recent meeting between Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Erdogan in Ankara in May 2024. Mitsotakis brought up the Greek Orthodox seminary in conversation with Erdogan who reportedly hinted that it may be reopened if the Greek authorities improve the conditions of Muslim minorities in Western Thrace.

Source: Daily Sabah

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Woman who confessed to killing infants moved to high-security Korydallos prison

Eirini Mourtzoukou, the 25-year-old woman who has confessed to killing at least three infants, has been transferred to Korydallos Prison.

GOCNSW youth lead heartfelt farewell to Greek Consul General in Sydney

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

From Athens with purpose: Reflections on the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025

As the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025 drew to a close, it did so against the majestic backdrop of Athens.

Honouring Cyprus’ martyrs: Melbourne remembers the sacrifice of July 9, 1821

A hierarchical memorial service was held on Sunday, July 13, at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in North Balwyn.

Melbourne’s Greek community pays emotional tribute to the ‘Pontian Eagle’ Peter Jasonides

On a cold Friday night, a full hall at Alphington Grammar’s Lyceum brought warmth to those gathered to honour the life of Peter Jasonides.

You May Also Like

Frydenberg unveils biggest deficit since World War II

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has revealed the budget will be in the red by $85.8 billion in 2019-20 and $184.5 billion in 2020-21.

Greek athlete Eleni-Klaoudia Polak suspended for doping at Paris Olympics

Greek pole vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia Polak has been provisionally suspended from the Paris Olympics after failing a doping test.

St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in New York to hold service for first time in 20 years

Vespers will be performed at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in New York for the first time in 20 years.