The new school year began with concern for the three remaining Greek schools in Istanbul. At the Great School of the Nation and Patriarchal Academy of Constantinople, the oldest operating Greek school, no new students enrolled in the first grade of high school. 

“We are starting with just 30 children this year and without a single new student,” said headmaster Dimitris Zotos, expressing his disappointment.

Across the other schools, 16 new registrations were recorded: Seven at the Zografeion Lyceum, two in higher grades there, and seven at the Zappeion, the only Greek school offering all levels from kindergarten to high school. In total, 302 children now attend Greek schools in Turkey, including the island Imvros.

“This is the first time in many years that no new child joined us,” Zotos noted, recalling that even in difficult years five to ten students would enroll. Still, he underlined the school’s strong record: “We have produced very good students and maintain a high level of education.”

The teachers are mostly Constantinopolitans, joined in recent years by educators from Greece. “We continue, and that is what matters,” Zotos added.

Zografeion’s principal Giannis Dermitzakis pointed to a wider challenge: the declining size of the community itself. “In Istanbul today we are only 2,000 people. At 65, I am still considered among the younger members.”

Greek consul general in Istanbul, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, urged optimism, noting the revival of schools in Imvros. “Where once there was nothing, today there are 50 children across all levels. The important thing is not to be discouraged. The candle remains lit, and we will all work for the flame to burn brighter.”