Show in historic Istanbul seminary stirs hope
An Istanbul seminary closed in 1971 is hosting its first public event in 40 years, raising hopes it may shortly be reopened by Turkey and once again educate priests for the Greek Orthodox community.
The European Union and the United States have pressed EU membership hopeful Turkey to reopen the historic school, which occupies a beautiful and commanding site at the top of the island of Heybeliada, or Halki in Greek.
"Tracing Istanbul," an exhibition of works by Greek artists inspired by the city, has filled the school's evocative, abandoned classrooms with paintings and brought life back to the corridors.
"This exhibition sends an invitation -- come and see the classrooms which need students and the blackboards which need teachers," said Anastasia Manou, one of the Greek organizers of the show, which is due to move to Athens in a month.
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The European Union and the United States have pressed EU membership hopeful Turkey to reopen the historic school, which occupies a beautiful and commanding site at the top of the island of Heybeliada, or Halki in Greek.
"Tracing Istanbul," an exhibition of works by Greek artists inspired by the city, has filled the school's evocative, abandoned classrooms with paintings and brought life back to the corridors.
"This exhibition sends an invitation -- come and see the classrooms which need students and the blackboards which need teachers," said Anastasia Manou, one of the Greek organizers of the show, which is due to move to Athens in a month.