Azerbaijani poet celebrates Turkish Minority in Western Thrace
The Western Thrace Turkish Minority Graduates Association (WTMUGA) hosted a book launch and award ceremony for Azerbaijani poet Prof. Dr. Elçin İskenderzade. The event took place on December 19 at the association's central office in Komotini.
WTMUGA President Hüseyin Baltacı opened the event, expressing honor in welcoming the poet. He emphasized the significance of preserving the culture, history, and literature of the Western Thrace Turkish minority, highlighting the contributions of local author Dr. Hasan Ahmet. Baltacı also conveyed the greetings of Türkiye's Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal.
Prof. Dr. İskenderzade praised the achievements of Turks worldwide, equating the value of Azerbaijanis to that of Western Thrace Turks. He celebrated Dr. Hasan Ahmet as a distinguished individual whose poetry has been recognized internationally, notably with a Chekhov State Medal awarded by Russia's Writers' Union.
The event concluded with awards for Dr. Hasan Ahmet, his wife, and daughter, honoring their contributions to literature. Attendees included notable figures from the Turkish minority community in Western Thrace.
