Balkan Studies Foundation holds two panels in Western Thrace in a single day

The first panel, titled “Periodicals in the Balkans: The Journey of Islamic Thought, 1918–1990”, took place at the Bihlimder Cultural Center in Komotini. Prior to the event, representatives of the foundation paid courtesy visits to the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye, Aykut Ünal, and the Mufti of Komotini, İbrahim Şerif.

Opening remarks at the Komotini panel were delivered by Mehmet Emin Ahmet, President of Bihlimder; Dr. Sevba Abdula, President of the Balkan Studies Foundation; and Ali Tosun, Deputy Consul of Türkiye in Komotini.

Moderated by Dr. Ahmet Köroğlu, the panel featured the following presentations:

“Periodicals and Islamic Thought in Western Thrace, Greece” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamdi Çilingir

“Periodicals and Islamic Thought in Albania” by Dr. Fatih Shabani

“Periodicals and Islamic Thought in Serbia and Montenegro” by Enisa Alomerovic

After the session, the foundation also visited Dr. Hüseyin Bostancı, President of the Cultural and Educational Company of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace.

The second panel of the day took place in Xanthi at the local branch of the Association of Higher Education Graduates of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace. The event was hosted by Rıdvan Topçu, Director of Religious Services at the Mufti’s Office of Xanthi.

Opening speeches were given by Hüseyin Baltacı, President of the Association; Dr. Sevba Abdula, President of the Balkan Studies Foundation; and Mustafa Trampa, President of the Consultative Committee of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace and Mufti of Xanthi.

The panel presentations mirrored those in Komotini and were also chaired by Dr. Ahmet Köroğlu. Following the presentations, Rıdvan Topçu delivered closing remarks.

The panel in Xanthi drew significant attendance, including notable figures such as:

• Mustafa Trampa, President of the Consultative Committee and Mufti of Xanthi
• Hüseyin Baltacı, President of the Association of Higher Education Graduates
• Irfan Hacıgene, Deputy Governor
• Cemil Kabza, Former Mayor of Mustafçova
• İsmet Tüccar, Vice President of the Turkish Union of Xanthi
• Cengiz Ömer, President of the Çınar Association
• Bilal Budur, Publishing Coordinator of Millet Newspaper

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Sevba Abdula presented commemorative gifts to Mufti Mustafa Trampa and Hüseyin Baltacı in appreciation of their support and contributions.