Abttf conducts fact-finding visit to Western Thrace with European language equality network
FACT-FINDING MISSION IN WESTERN THRACE
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) organized a fact-finding visit to Western Thrace on 2 May 2025 in collaboration with the European Language Equality Network (ELEN), of which ABTTF became a member earlier this year.
ABTTF President Halit Habipoğlu and Director of International Affairs Melek Kırmacı accompanied the ELEN delegation, which included ELEN President Elin Jones and Secretary-General Davyth Hicks. The purpose of the visit was to examine first-hand the human rights issues faced by the Turkish minority in Greece, particularly concerning freedom of association and education.
MEETINGS WITH RELIGIOUS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
The delegation first visited Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and elected Mufti of Xanthi. Discussions focused on the infringement of the community’s religious autonomy as guaranteed by international treaties, as well as the challenges faced in religious affairs.
The group then visited the Xanthi Turkish Union (ITB), one of the region's oldest civil society organizations, which was shut down by Greek authorities due to the use of the word “Turkish” in its name. The delegation was briefed on the Union’s decades-long legal struggle and Greece’s continued refusal to implement a European Court of Human Rights ruling in favor of the ITB, despite repeated calls by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe over the past 17 years.
STATE CONTROL OVER RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
The delegation also met with Ibrahim Serif, the elected Mufti of Komotini, who shared concerns over a recent law titled “Modernization of the Muftis in Thrace.” According to the Mufti, the law allows the state to exert full control over formerly autonomous religious institutions, effectively transforming them into standard state departments and undermining their independence.
VISITS TO BANNED MINORITY ORGANIZATIONS
As part of the visit, the ELEN delegation met with representatives of other associations banned due to the presence of the word “Turkish” in their names, including the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union (BTTÖB) and the Turkish Youth Union of Komotini (GTGB). The delegation received information about each organization’s history, ongoing legal battles, and activities.
POLITICAL REPRESENTATION CHALLENGES
At the headquarters of the Friendship, Equality, and Peace (DEB) Party — the only political party representing the Turkish minority in Greece — the delegation was informed of ongoing political pressure. It was reported that Turkish minority politicians are frequently targeted both by Greek politicians and media. DEB officials also noted that a 3% electoral threshold, introduced on 24 October 1990 and applied nationwide including to independent candidates, has effectively prevented Turkish minority candidates from gaining representation in the Greek Parliament.
