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.
