Turkey moves to resume discussions on reopening Halki Theological School

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered the resumption of talks concerning the potential reopening of the Halki Theological School near Istanbul. The institution, which served as the primary seminary for the Ecumenical Patriarchate until its closure by the Turkish state in 1971, was established in 1844. The decision follows discussions regarding the school's status raised by U.S. President Donald Trump during meetings in Washington last year. The matter is expected to be a topic of conversation during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara next month. Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon stated that the issue has entered a new phase, with Erdogan directing the Turkish Council of Higher Education to engage with a committee from the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Although no specific timeline has been established for the reopening, the current process involves addressing necessary renovations to the school's facilities. Additionally, both parties must negotiate the legal and educational framework required for the school's future operation. The move follows years of sustained pressure from Greece, the United States, and the European Union for the school to resume operations.