BTTDD President Küçük calls for respect for the Lausanne Treaty
Hasan Küçük, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Solidarity Association (BTTDD), has called on the international community to take notice of the ongoing rights violations against the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
Küçük emphasized that the Treaty of Lausanne forms the legal foundation for minority rights between Türkiye and Greece, stating:
“While Türkiye continues to act in accordance with the spirit of the Treaty, Greece fails to show the same sensitivity.”
“The Essence of Lausanne Is Reciprocity and Mutual Respect”
In a written statement, Küçük underlined that Lausanne guarantees equal rights for the Greek Orthodox minority in Türkiye and the Muslim Turkish minority in Greece. He noted that Türkiye has made sincere efforts to meet the needs of the Greek minority, citing examples such as reopening schools on Gökçeada, renovating the Zografeion Lyceum, and supporting minority foundations.
Küçük criticized Greece for not extending the same approach toward the Turkish minority, saying:
“The Turkish identity in Western Thrace is systematically denied; associations bearing the word ‘Turkish’ are banned, minority schools are being shut down under the pretext of low enrollment, and state-appointed muftis undermine religious autonomy. These actions violate not only Articles 37–45 of the Lausanne Treaty but also rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.”
Heybeliada Seminary and the Question of Reciprocity
Addressing the issue of the Halki (Heybeliada) Seminary, Küçük stated that the matter falls within Türkiye’s domestic jurisdiction under the principles of secularism and the rule of law.
“This issue cannot be discussed while Greece continues to ignore its obligations under Lausanne,” he said.
He also rejected the Ecumenical claims of the Fener Patriarchate, noting that it is a religious institution operating under Turkish law, not an international authority.
“We Demand the Restoration of Our Rights”
Küçük urged Greece to fulfill its treaty obligations, recognize the legitimacy of minority schools, associations, and religious institutions, and act in the spirit of reciprocity.
“We, as Western Thrace Turks, do not seek privilege or superiority — only equality, justice, and respect. We will never compromise on the principles guaranteed by Lausanne.”
