Turkey criticizes Greece over closure of minority schools in Western Thrace

Sunday 19 July 2026 - 17:15

By: Sahili Aya

Turkey criticizes Greece over closure of minority schools in Western Thrace

Turkey has strongly criticized Greece following the closure of eight primary schools serving the Turkish minority in Western Thrace, arguing that the decision undermines minority education rights protected under international agreements.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the schools were shut because of what Greek authorities described as insufficient student enrollment. Ankara rejected the move, expressing concern that the closures further reduce educational opportunities for the Turkish minority in the region.

According to the ministry, the number of schools serving the minority has now fallen to 76. Turkish officials accused Greece of pursuing policies that systematically weaken the community's access to education and called on Athens to uphold its commitments regarding minority protections and fundamental rights.

The issue adds to a series of longstanding disagreements between the two neighboring countries over the treatment of minority communities, a sensitive subject that has periodically strained bilateral relations.

Greek authorities maintain that the closures are part of broader educational restructuring driven by declining student populations and are not directed specifically at the Muslim minority in Western Thrace. Athens argues that similar measures have affected schools in other parts of the country facing demographic challenges.

Western Thrace, located in northeastern Greece near the Turkish border, is home to a Muslim minority of Turkish origin numbering approximately 120,000 people, according to 2021 figures. The community enjoys specific protections relating to religious freedom and education under the Lausanne Treaty, the post-World War I agreement that continues to define minority rights between Greece and Turkey.

The latest disagreement is expected to fuel renewed diplomatic discussions over minority rights, an issue that remains one of the most sensitive aspects of Greek-Turkish relations.