BTTADK President Mustafa Trampa attends opening of CENTERCIF in Ankara

Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board (BTTADK) and Mufti of Xanthi, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Center for Combating Islamophobia and the Islamophobia Research Institute (CENTERCIF) at Ankara Science University.

The event, held at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, brought together key figures including Türkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş, and various academics and diplomats.

In a statement shared on his social media account, Mufti Trampa said:

“On Thursday, May 22, we were in Ankara to attend the opening of the Center for Combating Islamophobia at Ankara Science University. We firmly believe that the Center’s work will yield beneficial results for humanity in the international fight against Islamophobia.”

The newly established center aims to conduct scientific research into the causes of Islamophobia, monitor and report relevant incidents through national and international collaborations, support victims, and raise public awareness on the issue.

Minister Ersoy: “Islamophobia Is Hostility Towards Humanity”

In his opening speech, Minister Ersoy emphasized that racism, discrimination, and exclusion pose serious threats to the future of humanity. He argued that the West’s long-standing belief in racial superiority has taken on new forms under the guise of Islamophobia, and warned that global peace will remain elusive unless such ideologies are dismantled.

Ersoy also reflected on the historical misuse of religion as a political tool, citing the Roman Empire's persecution of early Christians and the subsequent religious oppression carried out across Europe. He called for greater awareness and grassroots mobilization against Islamophobia, stating:

“Those who doubt whether the masks can be lifted should look to the noble people of Palestine and the heroes of Gaza.”

He expressed hope that CENTERCIF would play a crucial role through its research, monitoring, cooperation networks, and support services, becoming a national and international hub in the fight against Islamophobia.

Diyanet President Erbaş: Islamophobia is Becoming Institutionalized

President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş also addressed the ceremony, warning of the increasing institutionalization of Islamophobia. He noted that what began as mere opposition to Islam has, over time, evolved into widespread hostility, particularly in Europe.

Erbaş cited data from the Presidency's Islamophobia reports, stating that Islamophobic incidents have been rising annually:

• 925 incidents in 2021
• 956 in 2022
• 1,463 in 2023

He highlighted a significant increase in institutionally driven acts of Islamophobia, especially in the last quarter of 2023, which saw a doubling of incidents compared to previous months.

Erbaş underscored the need for legal reforms to recognize Islamophobia as a punishable offense and called for collaborative efforts among institutions to ensure a more effective global response.

Academic and Diplomatic Participation

Ankara Science University Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Demir emphasized the importance of fostering a global sense of tolerance and cooperation, while Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Cem Harun Meydan introduced the mission and vision of the center.

Other prominent attendees included Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran, RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı, Constitutional Court Member Recai Akyel, conductor Prof. Rengim Gökmen, as well as numerous scholars and foreign diplomats.