Dimetoka appointment crisis escalates: Advisory Board accuses Greek State of violating democratic will and rule of law

Speaking to the press, Advisory Board President and Mufti of Xanthi (İskeçe), Mustafa Trampa, stated that the appointment disregards the will of the Turkish minority and constitutes a clear violation of democratic principles, the rule of law, and international legal norms.

Advisory Board Convenes in Gümülcine
Members of the Advisory Board gathered on Monday, 26 January 2026, at 13:30, at the premises of the Komotini Turkish Youth Union, where they evaluated the controversial appointment. The official statement was delivered by Mustafa Trampa in his capacity as both Advisory Board President and Mufti of İskeçe.

“The Mufti Institution Is Vital for the Turkish Minority”
In his address, Trampa emphasized that the Mufti institution holds not only religious, but also social and cultural significance for the Western Thrace Turkish community. He underlined that the legitimacy of the Mufti Office must stem from the free will of the community, warning that ignoring this will inevitably leads to persistent problems and social tension.

Minority Will Ignored Since 1990
Trampa recalled that until 1990, a system accepted by the minority community had been in place. However, after that date, the state began appointing Muftis unilaterally, sidelining the will of the Turkish minority. In response, the community adopted the “Elected Mufti” model in İskeçe and Gümülcine, which continues to enjoy broad public support among minority members.

“This Is Not an Administrative Act, but a Fundamental Right”
Highlighting the legal dimension of the issue, Trampa stressed that the determination of a Mufti is not a mere administrative procedure, but a fundamental right of a community to choose its own religious representative. He noted that this right is safeguarded by international treaties, yet systematically eroded in practice.

Dimetoka Appointment at the Center of Criticism
The Advisory Board outlined several key objections regarding the Dimetoka appointment:

• The law regulating Mufti appointments was adopted without consulting the minority
• Appointment was favored despite clear opposition from the community
• The approach offers no new solution, merely institutionalizing the appointment system
• Participatory democracy has been ignored
• Long-standing calls for dialogue on the Mufti issue have gone unanswered

Trampa stated that the latest appointment reflects a preference for maintaining tension rather than resolving the issue, adding:

“The claim that this problem has been resolved is a blatant lie.”

Emphasis on International Law and Democracy

The Advisory Board President warned that the appointment entails serious violations of international law and democratic standards, undermining freedom of religion and conscience, damaging representation rights, and disregarding European norms.

Reaction to MP İlhan Ahmet
Strong criticism was also directed at Rhodopi MP İlhan Ahmet, who attended the oath-taking ceremony of the appointed Mufti. According to Trampa, his presence caused deep disappointment within the minority community, as it was perceived as granting indirect legitimacy to an unlawful and undemocratic process.

“Our Expectation Is Dialogue, Not Imposition”
Concluding the statement, the Advisory Board called on the Greek state to acknowledge that the Dimetoka appointment does not reflect the will of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority. The issue was framed not merely as a religious matter, but as one of democracy, representation, and fundamental rights, urging dialogue instead of unilateral decisions.

Final Declaration – Key Messages
The Advisory Board emphasized the following points:

• The Mufti appointment in Dimetoka does not reflect the will of the minority
• The problem is being deliberately prolonged rather than resolved
• The Mufti issue is fundamentally a matter of democracy and rule of law
• All Mufti appointments that violate international law and minority rights are strongly condemned
• The struggle is not against the state, but a call for law, democracy, and minority rights

The Advisory Board reaffirmed that the Western Thrace Turkish Minority possesses the maturity, legitimacy, and democratic will to elect its own religious leaders.