Allegations of coordinated online campaign target Western Thrace Mufti Mustafa Trampa
Social Media Post Sparks Controversy Amid Debate Over “Kalanta” Event
A social media post containing harsh criticism and inflammatory language directed at Mustafa Trampa, Mufti of İskeçe and Chairman of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board, has triggered strong reactions within the minority community.
The post, shared by a social media account operating under the name “Voice of the Pomaks,” criticized Mufti Trampa’s public statements regarding a “Kalanta” event organized at Dolaphan State Middle School. Observers within the minority community argue that the language used in the post went beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to personal attacks and hate speech.
Dispute Over School-Based “Kalanda” Activity
The controversy centers on the inclusion of “Kalanda,” a traditional Greek custom practiced before New Year and Epiphany (Fota), in which children go door to door singing songs accompanied by small musical instruments.
The social media post expressed support for children performing poems and songs as part of the tradition. However, critics maintain that public reaction was not directed at the tradition itself, but at its implementation within a school attended by Muslim Turkish minority children.
According to representatives of the minority community, concerns focus on whether the activity was culturally appropriate within the specific educational context. They argue that the event has been presented as a routine cultural activity while overlooking sensitivities within the Muslim Turkish community.
Concerns Over Divisive Rhetoric
Particular attention has been drawn to the use of references to a “Pomak” identity within the post, which some community members interpret as an attempt to create internal divisions among the Muslim minority population of Western Thrace.
Community representatives claim that such rhetoric risks exacerbating identity-based tensions within the region.
Allegations of Anonymous Campaigns
Following the backlash over the school event, minority figures suggest that anonymous or pseudonymous social media accounts have been mobilized to discredit community leadership. They argue that the attacks specifically targeting Mufti Trampa reflect broader political and cultural tensions.
Supporters of the Mufti describe the online rhetoric as an attempt to undermine both his leadership and the institutional representation of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.
Ongoing Sensitivities Around Minority Rights
The incident has once again highlighted longstanding debates in Western Thrace concerning minority education, cultural expression, and identity.
Representatives of the minority community have stated that they intend to respond through legal and democratic means, emphasizing their commitment to protecting religious, cultural, and educational rights.
Further developments may follow as reactions continue within both minority and broader public spheres.
