Advisory Board marks January 29 as Day of National Resistance and Social Solidarity
In its message, the Advisory Board emphasized that January 29, 1988, was the day when the community stood up to human and minority rights violations with full awareness of their Turkish identity and Greek citizenship, proclaiming their struggle to the world.
“January 29: Our Day of Social Solidarity and National Resistance”
The BTTADK statement read:
“For the Muslim Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, January 29 is not just a date on the calendar—it is the symbol of a glorious resistance, where we proudly asserted our existence, identity, and just cause. On this day, we honor the courage and unity of a people who did not bow to oppression and faced injustice together.”
The statement recalled that the events of January 29, 1988, in Gümülcine’s central square, echoed the community’s declaration: “I exist, and I am Turkish.” This act of peaceful resistance was a demonstration of dignity and a defense of rights.
“Unfortunately, two years later, on January 29, 1990, dark events marked history, as organized attacks targeted the Turkish community in Gümülcine and İskeçe, threatening lives and property. Even in those dark days, our community stood firm, resisting provocation and defending justice against violence,” the statement added.
The Advisory Board also highlighted that injustice continues in new forms, from restrictions in education and religious freedoms to limitations on association rights and administration of foundations, showing that the demand for equal citizenship has not yet been fully realized. The continued denial of European Court of Human Rights rulings and insistence on ignoring the community’s identity remain unacceptable from the perspective of democracy and human rights.
“Drawing strength and inspiration from our past, we continue our struggle with faith in the rule of law and democracy. The spirit of January 29 is not just a remembrance of the past—it is a commitment to a hopeful future and to leaving our children a free and just society,” the statement concluded.
The Advisory Board ended the message by honoring all those who sacrificed for the cause, emphasizing that the Turks of Western Thrace will continue to pursue justice, unity, and solidarity.
