Balkan religious leaders convene in Skopje for 10th annual summit

The summit was hosted by Şakir Efendi Fetai, leader of the Islamic Religious Community of North Macedonia, and brought together muftis and heads of religious institutions from across the Balkans.

High-Level Participation from Across the Region
Among the participants was Safi Arpaguş, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs, alongside religious leaders representing multiple Balkan countries.

Representing the Western Thrace Muslim Turkish Minority were Mustafa Trampa, also head of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board, and İbrahim Şerif.

Focus on Coexistence and Religious Cooperation
Held under the theme “The Role and Impact of Religious Institutions in Strengthening the Culture of Coexistence in the Balkans,” the meeting emphasized the importance of interfaith harmony, social cohesion, and collaboration among religious authorities.

Arpaguş: “Islam Promotes Justice, Peace and Human Dignity”
In his keynote address, Safi Arpaguş conveyed greetings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and highlighted Islam’s foundational principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity.

He stressed that throughout history, Muslims guided by Islamic teachings have defended the right of all people to live free, honorable, and humane lives, establishing institutions such as schools, foundations, and charities to serve society.

Arpaguş also pointed to the Balkans’ rich Islamic heritage, referencing landmarks such as the Gazi Husrev Bey Madrasa in Sarajevo and historic mosques and madrasas in Skopje and Pristina as examples of this enduring legacy.

Call for Regional Collaboration
Highlighting shared historical and cultural ties, Arpaguş underlined the importance of institutional cooperation among religious authorities in areas such as:

• Education
• Culture
• Family and youth services
• Religious publications

He called for continuous dialogue mechanisms and joint initiatives, particularly in religious education and community services.

Addressing Global Challenges
The Turkish religious leader also drew attention to growing global challenges, including rising discrimination and pressure against Muslim communities in various parts of the world.

He emphasized that solidarity among faith communities is essential to counter exclusionary and divisive narratives and to promote peace and coexistence globally.

Strengthening a Shared Balkan Identity
Participants expressed hope that the meeting would contribute to strengthening both regional cooperation and a broader culture of peaceful coexistence, not only in the Balkans but worldwide.