While in Athens the government continues to repeat its narrative of “calm waters,” the Erdoğan regime presses ahead, having sensed the Greek leadership’s unwillingness to react. Turkey closes the Great School of the Nation after 571 years!
As reported by Maria Zacharaki for Open TV, the Erdoğan regime has ordered the evacuation of the Great School of the Nation (Megali tou Genous Scholi) after 571 years of continuous operation, citing insufficient earthquake protection.
According to the Turkish press, the 144-year-old building that houses the school — which has operated without interruption for over five centuries — is now considered unsafe for students and staff, leaving the institution facing possible temporary or even permanent closure.
Under the Turkish directive, the building requires urgent seismic reinforcement to meet current safety standards, but the cost exceeds €10 million, an amount the school cannot afford.
As reported by dimokratia.gr, the school’s director, Dimitris Zotos, expressed his shock:
“We had no warning about the evacuation. We are in an extremely difficult position. We are already searching for a new building, but the cost of earthquake strengthening exceeds €10 million — we simply cannot cover it.”
He added that the school community has informed Greek community foundations, but financial constraints are severe.
“We don’t want to move into an unsuitable or unsafe building. We want to continue our history with dignity,” he emphasised.
Zotos also reminded that Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin personally visited the school in 2023, expressing concern about the building’s condition, while the Istanbul Governor’s Office had supported maintenance works. However, despite those efforts, the new safety requirements remain unmet.
Decline of the Greek community and school closures
The school’s administration has begun an urgent search for a suitable new site, though this year no new students enrolled. Currently, only 31 students attend the school.
The Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul has dwindled to around 2,500 members, leading to the gradual closure of many Greek schools. Some of their buildings are now used for cultural and artistic activities — possible temporary solutions for the Great School.
Zotos stressed that any new building must fully meet safety standards, particularly in seismic analysis. The administration is exploring all available options to save the school, prioritising:
- Securing a building with certified earthquake protection
- Ensuring educational continuity for the 31 students
- Seeking funding from the Greek community
- Considering external support if necessary
“Our primary goal remains the continuation of the Great School of the Nation, which has served education for 571 years, without putting our students at a disadvantage,” said Zotos.
A blow to the Greek Orthodox (Rum) community
Many view this decision as another Turkish blow to the Rum (Greek Orthodox) community, which today numbers barely 2,500 people.
The Great School of the Nation, operating continuously since the 15th century, is the oldest Greek educational institution in Istanbul and a living emblem of the city’s Hellenic heritage.
The development has sparked deep emotion and strong reactions, as it contradicts recent statements by President Erdoğan about “respect for religious minorities” and “support for reopening the Halki Theological School.”
The decision has shocked the Greek Orthodox community and raised serious concern, as the school is the oldest functioning educational institution in Constantinople and a symbol of Hellenism’s historic presence in the city.
