Deep-state provocation fails: Turkish Minority of Western Thrace stands firm
The incident unfolded following the inauguration of the Xanthi Madrasa, attended by Yorgos Kalantzis, General Secretary of Religious Affairs at the Ministry of Education. After the inauguration, the state-appointed Muftis attempted to enter the mosque dressed in religious attire (robes and turbans), which the community saw as an affront to Islamic and universal legal principles. The congregation swiftly blocked the provocation with a calm yet firm response, thwarting yet another attempt by the Greek deep state to impose its will on the Turkish minority.
In a statement issued by the Çınar Association, it was emphasized that the Western Thrace Turkish Minority remains committed to defending its internationally recognized rights and is determined to preserve its independent religious leadership. The incident highlighted the fundamental principle that religious leaders must be accepted by the conscience of the people, further demonstrating the unity and resolve of the Muslim community.
The Çınar Association's statement read:
"The Greek state continues its systematic violations of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority's internationally guaranteed rights in the fields of religion and education. This latest provocation in Xanthi is yet another attempt to undermine the will of the minority. On October 11, following the inauguration of the Xanthi Madrasa, attended by Education Ministry's General Secretary of Religious Affairs, Yorgos Kalancis, state-appointed Muftis attempted to enter the Çınar Mosque dressed in religious garb. This action, which contradicts the basic principles of Islam and universal law, was recognized as a deliberate provocation by the congregation, who swiftly intervened and successfully blocked the attempt. The Greek deep state’s malicious ploy has once again been stopped by the steadfast resolve of the Turkish minority.
The Turkish Minority of Western Thrace has long demonstrated its respect for the freedom of worship. However, such respect does not extend to individuals who lack the legitimate authority of the Muslim community, whose presence violates the principles of Islamic unity (Tawhid and Wahdat). These principles of unity and solidarity are foundational to the Muslim Ummah and cannot be overridden by the Greek state's impositions. When the appointed Muftis attempted to enter the mosque, the congregation, showing grace, offered them the chance to remove their religious attire. When they refused, the congregation, upholding their beliefs, escorted them out of the mosque."
The event reaffirmed the Turkish Minority’s determination to defend its independent religious leadership and reject any external impositions. The community’s collective decision to perform the Friday prayer under the leadership of their elected Mufti, Mustafa Trampa, sent a powerful message against the state’s appointment policies, emphasizing the community’s desire for peace and respect for its religious autonomy. The mosque, a place of sincere worship, cannot be used for provocations.
Yorgos Kalancis, long known for his role in the oppressive policies toward the Turkish Minority, once again failed in his latest attempt. This incident highlights the reality that lasting peace and stability in Western Thrace will only be achieved through respect for the minority's rights and its self-determination. We strongly condemn the Greek state's actions in using appointed Muftis as part of their provocations and reaffirm our commitment to defending the Turkish Minority’s right to choose its religious leaders, in accordance with universal human rights and minority rights."
This incident further underscores the Greek state’s ongoing disregard for the rights and wishes of the Turkish Minority, which remains united in its resistance against such provocations and remains steadfast in defending its religious and cultural autonomy.