Turkey Moves to Reopen Historic Orthodox Seminary

The Turkish president has urged officials to restart talks on reviving an Orthodox Christian school that shut its doors in 1971. Located on a small island near Istanbul, the seminary once served as the main training hub for Eastern Orthodox clergy. Its closure has long been a flashpoint between Turkey and nations such as Greece, the United States, and the European Union.

President Erdogan’s Call

Erdogan’s decision follows a recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is slated to visit Ankara for a NATO meeting. Trump highlighted the seminary issue in their discussions last year, pressuring Turkey to reassess its stance.

Historical Significance

Founded in 1844, the school played a pivotal role in shaping the Eastern Orthodox Church, producing leaders like current Patriarch Bartholomew. The Patriarchate has consistently advocated for reopening, citing its essential role in sustaining religious education within Turkey.

New Phase of Negotiations

Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, overseeing the Istanbul area for the church, reported that the matter has entered a “new phase.” Erdogan directed the higher education authority to resume discussions with the Patriarchate’s committee, a development viewed positively by church officials as a step toward restoring seminary operations.

Challenges Ahead

• Renovation: The old building complex still requires extensive refurbishment.
• Legal Framework: Both parties must agree on a framework that allows the seminary to function independently while complying with state regulations.

The original 1971 closure stemmed from a Constitutional Court ruling that private universities must be integrated into state institutions—an outcome the Patriarchate could not accept. Reopening would signal a significant shift in Turkey’s approach to religious education and its international relations.