Advisory Board President Mustafa Trampa: “Attempts to divide our Minority through sectarianism are unacceptable”

The President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Mufti of İskeçe, Mustafa Trampa, emphasized that the Turkish Muslim Minority of Western Thrace will stand united against divisive attempts.

In a message marking Mawlid al-Nabi, Trampa reflected on the spiritual significance of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday while also extending best wishes to minority students for the new academic year.

“This Wednesday night into Thursday (September 3, 2025) marks the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His life, Sunnah, and exemplary conduct continue to provide solutions to the problems of our age,” Trampa said.

Turning to education, he strongly criticized the closure of minority schools in Western Thrace on the grounds of low enrollment. “We must not fall for lies that seek to detach our children from our minority schools. We must safeguard our national and religious values,” he stressed.

Criticism of New Law Proposal

Trampa also condemned a recent draft law by Greece’s Ministry of Education, Religion, and Sports, which proposes recognizing Alevi-Bektashi compatriots as a separate “religious legal entity.”

“This law aims to divide the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace on the basis of faith, turning sectarian differences into a new line of separation,” he said. “Such an initiative extends Greece’s long-standing policy of denying Turkish identity into the religious sphere — and it is absolutely unacceptable.”

He reaffirmed that the Western Thrace Turkish Minority would remain united and resist any such efforts.

Call for Prayers for Gaza

Finally, Trampa drew attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, calling on Muslims to pray:
“On this sacred night, we must strive to follow the Prophet’s example with dedication. Let us pray for an end to the human tragedy taking place in many parts of the world — especially in Palestine and Gaza.”