Orthodox Christian Institutions Plundered in Turkish Muslim-Nationalist Campaign

Turkey’s government continues its systematic policy of plundering the properties of Greek Orthodox religious foundations and interfering in their organizations. Two cases currently pending before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) are glaring illustrations of these practices. 

In one case, the plaintiffs are two foundations of the Greek Orthodox community established in 1834. The foundations seek restitution for certain immovable properties that belonged to them. These properties were listed in their 1936 declaration and if they cannot be returned, the foundations are alternatively seeking compensation corresponding to their value. However, the Directorate General of Foundations, a Turkish public institution under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, refuses to comply.