Comply or close: Türkiye issues ultimatum to French schools
Pierre Loti French High School welcomes approximately 1400 students of different nationalities from kindergarten to senior high school at its campuses in Beyoglu and Tarabya, Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
The ongoing school crisis between Türkiye and France remains unresolved, with the status of the Charles de Gaulle school in Ankara and the Pierre Loti in Istanbul still in dispute. These schools, originally established for the children of French diplomats, now predominantly serve Turkish students, which has brought their operational status under scrutiny by Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education (MEB).
Ministry’s ultimatum
In 2012, the MEB asserted that these schools should be affiliated with the ministry rather than the French Embassy. Despite prolonged discussions, no resolution was reached. Last week, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin criticized France’s approach, likening it to colonial behavior. He emphasized that Türkiye would follow legal procedures if the schools did not comply, and the ministry issued a formal notice (nota) to France.
The French Embassy in Ankara acknowledged ongoing communications with both the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the MEB, expressing hope for a resolution soon. According to MEB officials, Türkiye will not back down. The French schools must either integrate into the Turkish education system or stop admitting Turkish students. Failure to comply could financially cripple these institutions, potentially leading to their closure.
Expert opinions
In light of Türkiye’s firm stance, a French delegation is set to arrive in Ankara to discuss the crisis. Education expert Ilhan Sevin supports the ministry’s actions, stating that the schools should either comply with local regulations or shut down.
Retired Ambassador Uluc Ozulker emphasized that the schools have no legal grounds to oppose Türkiye’s demands. He highlighted the impracticality of the schools surviving solely on the tuition of French students.
Historical precedents
Historical tensions add to the complexity of the situation. In 2019, France opposed Türkiye’s attempt to open Turkish high schools in France, citing concerns over ideological influences. Similarly, in 2021, France imposed stringent language requirements on Turkish teachers, leading to the repatriation of 40 educators. In response, Türkiye imposed similar language requirements on French teachers.
The resolution of this crisis hinges on the upcoming negotiations and whether the French schools will accept the MEB’s conditions. The outcome will significantly impact the future of these institutions and their ability to serve the Turkish student population.
