For the first time in 571 years of history, the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation in Istanbul no student was enrolled in the 1st year of high school, which causes strong concern for the future of Romiosyni and Greek schools in Turkey.
The School Director, Dimitris Zotos, told iefimerida.gr that this fact is particularly worrying, as the School is the oldest school of Hellenism"We Would like our school to be in the news for the great things it has offered To hellenism for centuries and not for such unpleasant news," he emphasized.
Despite the decrease in students, the School continues to have active role in the community: it maintains an online presence, publishes educational materials, participates in civic affairs and offers cultural activities. As Zotos said, "the Greek Diaspora must protect what is left of it. Out of 60 schools, only three or four are left."
The director recalled that the School has faced crises in the past. "40 years ago we had no students in some classes, there was a risk of closing, but we prevented it then. This year we are facing a similar situation, but we are doing everything to continue," he said, emphasizing the historical significance of the School.
Its continued operation depends on strengthening the Greek Diaspora and cooperation with the wider HellenismZotos noted that it is important for Greeks in Greece to enroll their children in the School, contributing to the renewal of the student population.
According to the data, in greek schools in Turkey, including imvros, Are currently studying 302 studentsIn Istanbul schools, new enrollments for the current school year amounted to just 16 students.
The Great School of the Nation remains symbol of education, Romanism and Hellenism, and its preservation is considered crucial for the survival of Romanism in Constantinople.
