Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled potential progress on the Halki Seminary, a key Orthodox Christian school near Istanbul, following talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The seminary, closed for over 50 years, is central to global Orthodox education.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where the reopening of the Halki Seminary became a key discussion point. The seminary, located on Heybeliada Island near Istanbul, has been closed since 1971 but remains vital for the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Historical Significance: Founded in 1844, Halki Seminary trained generations of Orthodox clergy, including current Patriarch Bartholomew.
- Political Dialogue: Trump highlighted the seminary issue during talks, referencing a recent visit by Patriarch Bartholomew to the U.S.
- Erdogan’s Response: Erdogan stated, “We are ready to do whatever is incumbent upon us regarding the Heybeliada school” and plans to discuss the matter with the Patriarch soon.
- Orthodox Perspective: Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros of America expressed gratitude, noting reopening would affirm religious rights and restore the Patriarchate’s main theological institution.
- Next Steps: Turkey’s Education Minister inspected the seminary last year and proposed restoration plans. Renovations could allow students to return as early as next year.
The Halki Seminary closure followed a 1971 Constitutional Court ruling requiring private higher education institutions to affiliate with state universities—a mandate the Patriarchate rejected. Renewed dialogue between Erdogan, Trump, and Patriarch Bartholomew fuels optimism that the seminary may soon resume its critical role in Orthodox Christian education.
