ANKARA, July 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Turkey's foreign ministry on Sunday 
condemned a decision by Greece to close eight schools catering to the 
country's Turkish-speaking minority, accusing its neighbour of 
discrimination.

In a communique, the ministry condemned "systematic practices aimed at 
undermining the right to education of the Turkish minority in Western 
Thrace".

"We once again call on Greece to act in accordance with its contractual 
obligations regarding minority rights and fundamental rights," it added.

The number of Turkish-language schools left in the north-east region of 
Thrace -- near the border between the two countries -- is now 76.

Greek authorities have said they were closing schools, and not solely in 
Turkish-speaking areas, because of declining numbers of pupils.

According to 2021 statistics, some 120,000 Muslims of Turkish origin live in 
Thrace, where they enjoy specific rights in regards to religion and education 
under the Treaty of Lausanne, signed after the First World War.