Deputy FM Amanatidis visits Greek community schools in Istanbul

Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Amanatidis carried out visits to Greek community schools in Istanbul on Tuesday, 1 December. Amanatidis was given a guided tour of the historic building of the Patriarchate’s Great School of the Nation, talked to pupils and teaching staff, and had the opportunity to admire the rare collection of incunabula housed in the school’s library. Addressing the School staff, he praised the longstanding contribution of the oldest Greek school to sustaining the Greek language and Greek education, key components of the conscience and identity of the Nation and the unbroken historical continuity of Hellenism.

Amanatidis then visited the Zografeion Lyceum, where he was shown round the institute’s premises by Principal Dermitzoglou and the teachers, was briefed on the longstanding and rich cultural, educational and social activities of the Zografeion school, and talked, as an educator, with the youth of the Greek community of Istanbul.

At the neoclassical building of the Zappeion Girls’ School, Amanatidis exchanged views with the teaching staff and the pupils regarding the experience of attending and teaching at an historic school of Constantinople, while they also discussed the school’s problems and prospects.

Amanatidis also met with members of the Board of Directors of the Association for Support of Greek Community Foundations, at the Sismanoglio Megaro, recording firsthand the issues of concern to the Greek community of Istanbul.