Commemoration held at the grave of Mehmet Hilmi founding member of the Xanthi Turkish Union
Journalist and educator Mehmet Hilmi, one of the founding members of the Xanthi Turkish Union (İTB), was commemorated at his grave in Xanthi on the 94th anniversary of his passing.
The remembrance ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Aşağımahalle Cemetery in Xanthi, as part of the events marking "Mehmet Hilmi Week" (June 20–25).
Organized by the Xanthi Turkish Union, the event was attended by the association's board members as well as representatives from various institutions and organizations of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Qur'an by Aydın Cambaz, followed by a prayer delivered by Ahmet Hraloğlu, Deputy Mufti of Xanthi.
In his speech, Kerem Abdurahimoğlu, President of the Xanthi Turkish Union, shared insights into Mehmet Hilmi’s life, his social activism, and his contributions to the Turkish community in Western Thrace.
Following him, Ozan Ahmetoğlu, President of the School Board of Xanthi Minority Middle and High School, Metin Hacıosman, Vice President of the Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party, Hüseyin Zeybek, MP for Xanthi, and Deputy Mufti Ahmet Hraloğlu also delivered remarks.
Speakers highlighted Mehmet Hilmi’s pioneering role in education and media, his dedication to community service, and his enduring legacy of resistance and advocacy. They emphasized that the struggle for minority rights remains relevant today and stressed the importance of preserving his legacy.
At the end of the ceremony, İTB President Kerem Abdurahimoğlu expressed gratitude to all participants for attending the commemoration.
