Advisory Board: "Western Thrace Turks stand firm, defend their Mufti"
The provocation occurred during the opening of the İskeçe Medrese, attended by Greek government-appointed deputy Muftis. These state-appointed deputies attempted to enter the mosque under the guise of performing Friday prayers. However, the local congregation, which for years has refused to recognize the Greek state-appointed religious leaders, immediately intervened, preventing them from entering further than the shoe storage area.
The Çınar Mosque congregation, maintaining their composure, insisted that the mosque’s rightful religious leader was inside, referring to their elected Mufti Mustafa Trampa. The deputy Muftis were ultimately escorted out, marking a clear rejection of the Greek state’s attempts to impose its religious representatives on the Turkish minority.
In response, the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board also issued a condemnation, expressing full support for the congregation's stance. The statement highlighted the community's ongoing struggle for religious freedom and criticized the Greek state for not respecting the Turkish minority's right to choose their own religious leaders.
The BTTADK's statement read:
"On October 11, following the opening of the İskeçe Medrese, the Greek-appointed deputy Muftis attempted to join the Friday prayers at the Çınar Mosque. However, they were swiftly and respectfully asked to leave by the local congregation, who defended their elected Mufti, Mustafa Trampa."
The Board further emphasized:
"The people of Western Thrace have once again demonstrated their commitment to their religious freedom and their chosen leaders. We strongly condemn this provocative act and call for an end to such actions. The rightful religious leadership of the Turkish minority must be restored."
The event has reaffirmed the determination of the Western Thrace Turkish community to protect their religious rights and reject any imposed leadership.
