Commemoration held at grave of İsmail Molla Rodoplu on fifth anniversary of his death
A commemoration ceremony was held today for İsmail Molla Rodoplu, former independent Member of Parliament for Rhodope, journalist, and the longest-serving president of the Western Thrace Minority Higher Education Association (WTMUGA), on the fifth anniversary of his passing. The event was organized by WTMUGA, where Rodoplu led for many years.
The ceremony took place at Rodoplu’s grave in Semetli village cemetery near Gümülcine, his birthplace. It began with a one-minute moment of silence in memory of Rodoplu and all deceased members. WTMUGA board member Şükriye Mehmet read a brief biography of Rodoplu, followed by a Quran recitation and prayer led by religious official İsmail Karagöz from the Gümülcine Muftiate.
WTMUGA Vice President Ali Alioğlu spoke on behalf of the association, noting that WTMUGA President Hüseyin Baltacı could not attend due to being abroad and sent his regards. Alioğlu highlighted Rodoplu’s significant contributions to the Western Thrace Turkish community, calling him “a dedicated advocate who advanced the cause of our minority.”
Türkiye’s Deputy Consul in Gümülcine, Adnan Öztürk, also addressed the gathering, offering condolences to Rodoplu’s family and admirers. He emphasized Rodoplu’s long tenure as WTMUGA president, his leadership in representing the Turkish minority internationally, and his service as an MP for the minority. Öztürk remarked: “He was a highly educated and prolific figure who brought the minority’s cause to international attention. On the fifth anniversary of his death, we remember him with respect and prayers. May he rest in peace.”
The ceremony concluded after the speeches. Attendees included Sedat Hasan, President of the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Association; Metin Hacıosman, Vice President of the FEP Party; Hülya Emin, President of the Rhodope Turkish Women’s Cultural Association; Batuhan Hasan, Vice President of the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union; Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Head of the İskeçe Minority Secondary School Committee; members of the Rodoplu family; and other community members.
