Western Thrace Turks continue to react to article on minority education
The Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board (BTTADK) has recently made a statement regarding the minority education situation in Greece. According to the statement posted on social media, the Western Thrace Turkish Minority has not been consulted on any decisions made by the state regarding minority education. The Board expressed frustration that their opinions have not been taken into consideration by the Greek government.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that Greece is not complying with the Treaty of Lausanne and educational protocols. Despite claims of benevolence towards minority schools, Greece has been accused of restricting the development of minority education. For instance, the construction of a new building for Xanthi Minority High School was reportedly blocked.
The statement also addressed the decline in the number of Turkish primary schools in Western Thrace, which has decreased significantly from 307 in 1926 to only 90 today. Additionally, Turkish teachers who graduated from education faculties in Turkey are allegedly being prevented from teaching in Turkish primary schools in the region.
One contentious point raised in the statement was the establishment and subsequent closure of the Thessaloniki Private Pedagogical Academy (SÖPA), which was created to provide teaching positions for Western Thrace Turks. The closure of SÖPA in 2014 has led to concerns about the future of Turkish education in Western Thrace.
In response to these claims, there have been conflicting opinions within Greece. Some, like Kosmidu, have argued that minorities enjoy privileges in education and that Greece is abiding by the Treaty of Lausanne and its education protocols.
The situation in Western Thrace remains a topic of debate and concern, with the BTTADK advocating for greater involvement and representation of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority in decisions regarding minority education.
