What does Greece aim to achieve with the latest appointment in the Xanthi Mufti Office?
Greece’s contentious policies toward the religious freedoms of the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace are back in the spotlight. The state has escalated tensions with its latest decision in the Xanthi (state-appointed) Mufti Office. Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Kyriakos Pierrakakis signed an order removing Necden Hemşeri, the state-appointed Deputy Mufti of Xanthi, and replacing him with Cihat Halil Bilal, the Deputy Mufti of Komotini, on a temporary basis.
What Is the Purpose Behind the Appointment?
The official reason for this move, cited in protocol number 146767/Θ1, is ""Necden Hemşeri's request for unpaid leave" and "to address urgent operational needs in the Xanthi Mufti Office." However, the Turkish Minority views the decision with suspicion. The removal of Hemşeri without a stated reason and his replacement by someone from Komotini is perceived as a deliberate provocation aimed at creating further unrest.
A Controversial Figure
Cihat Halil Bilal has a contentious history. His actions during a past visit to Xanthi, particularly at Çınar Mosque, drew criticism from local Muslims, damaging his reputation as a unifying figure. His appointment is seen as an extension of Greece’s policy of undermining the Turkish Muslim community’s autonomy.
A Pattern of Suppression
Since 1991, Greece has disregarded the community’s right to elect its religious leaders, appointing muftis based on state interests rather than minority consent. This practice violates the Treaty of Lausanne and international law, infringing on both religious freedoms and fundamental rights.
Wider Implications
This appointment is not merely administrative but part of a broader strategy to erode the identity of the Turkish Minority. It reflects the Greek state’s reluctance to acknowledge minority autonomy and its preference for exerting control through controversial figures.
Minority Representatives Speak Out
Representatives of the Turkish Minority have condemned the decision, emphasizing that it undermines religious freedoms and regional harmony. They assert that such actions aim to create chaos rather than foster peace.
Conclusion
The latest appointment in the Xanthi Mufti Office underscores Greece’s ongoing attempts to suppress the Turkish Muslim community's identity and autonomy. As tensions rise, minority leaders reiterate their determination to continue their struggle for rights, calling for international attention to address these injustices.
