Ankara leveraging Halki bargaining chip
Greek officials assert the seminary’s reopening is a matter of religious freedom, not politics
Ankara is apparently leveraging the potential reopening of the historic Greek Orthodox Halki theological seminary in Turkey as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with Greece.
The seminary, which has been closed since 1971, represents not just an educational institution but also a symbol of the complexities in Greek-Turkish relations. Recent meetings between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and representatives of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace highlight Ankara’s commitment to its long-standing policies regarding ethnic and religious minorities in the region. As Turkey seeks concessions from Greece, the future of the Halki seminary may hinge on broader diplomatic exchanges and potential compromises related to the rights of Muslim communities within Greece.
For the past five months, representatives from Turkey’s Ministry of Education have been engaged in dialogue with the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding the future of Halki.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has publicly expressed optimism about the talks, suggesting that they may pave the way for the establishment of a higher educational institution under Turkish law, which would include a theological school. This development signals Turkey’s intent to foster a more inclusive approach toward religious education, yet it also raises questions about the potential conditions attached to such a reopening.
As part of the negotiations, Turkey appears to be seeking reciprocal concessions from Greece. Although specific new demands have not been articulated, there are ongoing discussions regarding the rights of Muslim communities, particularly concerning their ability to appoint their own religious leaders rather than accepting those designated by the Greek state.
Greek officials have emphasized that the issue should not be politicized and that the restoration of the seminary is fundamentally tied to the right to religious expression and education. They argue that, unlike issues concerning the Muslim minority, which are regarded as internal matters of the sovereign state, the Halki seminary’s reopening pertains to the universal principles of religious liberty and the historical ties of the Orthodox community.
The discussions surrounding Halki also touch upon Turkey’s demands for the preservation of Ottoman monuments within Greece, another point of contention that complicates negotiations. Athens remains firm in asserting that the maintenance and restoration of historical sites fall under its jurisdiction.
