Controversy follows Zaharaki’s visit to Ruşenler Village after passage of Minority Law
Greek Education Minister Sofia Zaharaki visited the village of Ruşenler, located in the municipality of Sofulu (Meriç regional unit), just one day after the Greek Parliament passed a controversial law granting a separate legal status to Bektashi–Alevi Muslims in Western Thrace.
Zaharaki was accompanied by New Democracy MP Angelos Syrigos, a politician known for his anti-Turkish minority positions, sparking strong reactions among members of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.
⚖️ Law Seen as Attempt to “Divide the Minority”
The newly adopted law introduces a distinct private legal entity status for Bektashi–Alevi communities, a move critics describe as an attempt to create a "minority within a minority." The decision has intensified concerns among the Turkish minority that the Greek state is promoting fragmentation along religious and ethnic lines under the guise of recognition.
The visit by the Education Minister to Roussen—considered one of the main centers of the Bektashi–Alevi community in the region—underscored the government’s prioritization of the legislation, particularly given its proximity to the law's adoption.
Upon her arrival, Zaharaki was received by Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, Soufli Mayor Panagiotis Kalakikos, and other officials.
🗣 “Parliament Recognized You,” Says Zaharaki
In a post on her social media account, Zaharaki stated:
“Just hours after the broad parliamentary approval of the legislation recognizing Bektashi Alevis as a private legal entity, I visited Roussen village, alongside Angelos Syrigos. This village is also home to the Committee of Bektashi Alevis of Thrace, and we were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the three-day celebration ‘Seçek 2025.’”
“Today is a historic day. The Greek Parliament and the Greek nation have recognized you, the Bektashi Alevis. I bring you the greetings of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and of a Parliament that rose above party lines to make this decision. Your history, your faith, your culture, and your identity have been acknowledged.”
Zaharaki emphasized that this recognition was not a ministerial decision, but rather one taken by the entire nation, calling it “an honor for the community.”
“I don’t know how many of you believed this day would come when this effort began. But it came. And it is happening. Right here. Right now.”
She concluded by stressing unity and democratic values, stating:
“What unites us is far more than what divides us. We are united by Greece, because we are all its citizens. We are united by democracy, because we all have equal rights and responsibilities. We are united by freedom and by hope.”
Background Context:
While Greece does not officially recognize ethnic minorities such as Turks, Macedonians, or Albanians, this legislation has been interpreted by some as selective recognition based on religious identity. Critics argue that such moves may serve to weaken the cohesion of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace and sow division among Muslim populations.
