According to Turkish media, the Halki Greek Orthodox seminary on Istanbul’s Heyebeliada island, which was closed by the government 42 years ago, may finally re-open as part of a democratization package and as Turkey still hopes to join the European Union.
The seminary would open again after its education status returns to its previous state as a part of a new democracy package that means the school will be excluded from constitutional limitations regarding private universities.
While the Turkish Constitution prohibits the opening and operation private universities – another of the many problems with it’s bid to join the EU – government officials said they disagree and would move to change it.
Greece and the Diaspora around the world have long been arguing for the seminary to open again, as have a number of American Presidents and political leaders, all of whom have been rebuffed.
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