The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul and the Heybeliada Theological School Halki Seminary : History, Discussions and JDP Government’s Policy

Abstract

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul and the Heybeliada Theological School Halki Seminary : History, Discussions and JDP Government’s Policy

Abstract

In countries like Turkey, issues such as minority rights/freedoms and religious rights/freedoms are generally considered painful topics of domestic and foreign policy mainly because there is usually a general belief that such issues are “imposed” by external actors like the EU and the United States. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul and Heybeliada Theological School Halki Seminary , have been targets of the nationalist and/or conservative religious media for a long time. Additionally, the traditional widespread acceptance of these institutions as Turkish by the successive Turkish governments, and the perception of the issue within the framework of “reciprocity” between Turkey and Greece, made these issues “chronic” topics of Turkish domestic and foreign policy. However, it is difficult to say that Turkish public opinion as a whole share the same view on this issue. Especially since 2002, the Justice and Development Party government, created hopes and expectations that actual steps would be taken towards the problematic title of “ecumenical” of the Patriarchate and the reopening of Heybeliada Theological School. Yet, the JDP government like its predecessors, does not recognize the ecumenicity of the Patriarchate and continues to point out t

Keywords

• Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
• “Ecumenical”
• Heybeliada Theological School
• Halki Seminary
• JDP Policies.