Western Thrace Turkish teachers warn school closures threaten identity

The Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union (BTTÖB) has called for the protection of minority schools in Greece’s Western Thrace region, warning that their continued closures could seriously undermine the Turkish minority’s sense of identity and belonging.

In a message issued ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year, the union stressed the importance of students receiving education in an environment where their Turkish mother tongue and cultural identity are respected.

The union also emphasized the importance of students learning both Turkish and Greek, the country’s official language, saying proficiency in both languages can provide young people with greater opportunities in different fields.

BTTÖB called on teachers to contribute to raising the quality and standards of education, while urging parents to encourage their children to read and pursue their education.

It also encouraged parents to send their children to minority schools, stressing that an educational environment where children can preserve their culture and use their mother tongue is important for their personal development and self-confidence.

8 more minority schools closed

The union criticized the continued closure of minority schools in recent years, particularly those shut down over declining student numbers.

According to the statement, eight more minority schools were closed ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year.

BTTÖB said the schools were closed on the grounds that education was being “temporarily suspended,” but noted that minority schools previously closed under the same justification had not been reopened.

The union warned that the complete disappearance of minority schools could cause serious damage to the Turkish minority’s sense of identity and belonging.

It called on members of the Western Thrace Turkish minority to act together to address the issue and protect minority education.

The closures come amid a long-term decline in the number of Turkish minority schools in Western Thrace. Greece cites insufficient student enrollment as the reason for closing the schools, while representatives of the Turkish minority have criticized the policy, saying schools closed over low enrollment are not reopened when student numbers increase.

Türkiye has also condemned the closures, saying they undermine the educational rights of the Western Thrace Turkish minority.

DAILYSABAH