Türkiye-France school dispute resolved after French concession
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 dispute between Türkiye and France concerning the Charles de Gaulle and Pierre Loti schools, operating under French diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul, has been resolved following a concession from France.
The Turkish Ministry of National Education announced that Turkish student enrollments at these schools have been suspended due to their lack of legal status.
Ongoing negotiations were addressed in a statement, which highlighted that “until these schools obtain legal status, courses in ‘Turkish language, Turkish culture, Turkish literature, Turkish history, and geography’ may be taught by Turkish citizen teachers appointed by our Ministry.”
Negotiations will continue to establish a comprehensive educational cooperation agreement, including Turkish language instruction for students in France.
It is reported that the current Turkish students in those schools will be monitored. Until legal status is granted, Turkish-taught courses will be delivered by Ministry-appointed teachers, with ongoing oversight by Turkish authorities.
