Turkish expatriates will be able to attend the imam-hatip schools thanks to plans by the Turkish Ministry of National Education that envision such schools in countries with large Turkish populations. Imam translates to “preacher” and these schools are specifically focused on addressing the community’s religious needs.

The imam-hatip schools offer students a curriculum of Islam as well as non-religious subjects. Their focus on relgion has often drawn criticism both in and out of Turkey.

The ministry is already eyeing buildings owned by Turkey in Austria, France and the United States. These schools will cooperate with the Diyanet Foundation of Turkey’s Presidency of Relgious Affairs, a top state-run authority on religious affairs.

Turkey is currently providing training for staff of religious schools in Greece, Bulgaria, Russia, Romania and Somalia and also offers these countries educational materials.