Historic Fener Greek School in Istanbul Fights for Survival Amid Dwindling Students
The historic Fener Greek Orthodox School in Istanbul faces an uncertain future due to dwindling scholar numbers. Despite maintaining high-quality education and facilities, the school has not enrolled any new scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year, leaving its doors open but its future uncertain.
The school, once bustling with 730 scholars over a century ago, now has only 30. Principal Dimitri Zotos attributes this decline to the shrinking Greek Orthodox population in Istanbul, a trend affecting many Greek Orthodox schools in the city. The school's remote location, less central than other Greek schools, may also be a factor.
Despite these challenges, the school continues to offer a high-quality education. However, the school recently had to turn away a potential scholar due to the unfeasibility of running a class with just one scholar. The school's principal emphasized its broader social value and called for support to ensure its survival.
The Fener Greek Orthodox School, a historic hub for Istanbul's Greek Orthodox community, struggles with declining scholar numbers and a remote location. With no new enrollments for the upcoming academic year, its future depends on community support to maintain its vital role in preserving Greek Orthodox culture and education in Istanbul.
