The head of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Christodoulos, has criticized the teaching of history to 12-year-olds, claiming they are not being taught about the impact of Ottoman rule, as Greece does not want to upset Turkey.

“Is it possible for other people to learn about our country’s history, philosophy and language but for us to discard this for the sake of friendship with any neighboring country?” said Christodoulos during his Sunday sermon.

A new history textbook for sixth-year junior high school students has sparked controversy since it was introduced some six months ago. Some people feel that it attempts to portray Ottoman rule in softer light.

The archbishop claims the book overlooks the role of the Church in the 1821 uprising. He said Greece is trying to produce more “technocrats and engineers” and neglecting the need for children to be taught philosophy and history.