Turkey Condemns Greece Over State-Appointed Muftis in Western Thrace
Turkey slammed Greece over the appointment of state-backed muftis in Western Thrace, claiming it violates international treaties. The dispute escalates amid school suspensions and ongoing minority rights tensions.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry sharply criticized the Greek government over the weekend, accusing Athens of continuing to ignore the fundamental rights and religious freedom of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace. According to a report by the state-run Anadolu Agency, Ankara's anger was triggered by Greece's decision to appoint state-backed muftis in the cities of Komotini and Xanthi, a move Turkey argues violates the Treaty of Lausanne and other international conventions.
In an official statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that the institution of the mufti is an integral part of the religious, social, and cultural identity of the local Turkish minority. Ankara called on Greek authorities to recognize the legitimate muftis chosen by the community itself and to cease imposing state-appointed figures. Despite strong opposition from the minority, a presidential decree published in the Greek government gazette established that Bilal Kara Halil will be appointed mufti of Komotini and Sukru Serif Damatoglu as mufti of Xanthi, both for five-year terms.
The dispute surrounding religious appointments is not new, dating back to 1985 when Greek authorities began unilaterally appointing muftis. In 1991, Athens institutionalized this appointment system and abolished regulations that allowed for internal community elections. This has created a parallel structure where state-appointed muftis operate alongside those chosen by the Turkish community.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe called on the European Union to apply the same sensitivity regarding minority rights to Greece that it demands from candidate countries seeking EU accession. The organization argues that Greece denies the ethnic identity of the community and has ignored rulings by the European Court of Human Rights for over 18 years.
The crisis over religious appointments is accompanied by ongoing tensions surrounding the educational system. Mustafa Trampa, recognized by the minority as the elected mufti of Xanthi, told Anadolu Agency that eight minority primary schools have been suspended ahead of the upcoming academic year. These include five institutions in Rhodope, two in Xanthi, and one in Evros, with closures directly threatening the preservation of the Turkish language and culture.
