Dr. Sadık Ahmet commemorated on 30th anniversary of his death
Dr. Sadık Ahmet, the iconic figure of the Turkish Minority’s struggle for rights in Western Thrace, former independent MP, and founding president of the Friendship, Equality, Peace (FEP) Party, was commemorated on the 30th anniversary of his passing in a memorial ceremony held in Gümülcine.
The ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, who also held several meetings with representatives of the Turkish Minority in the region.
As part of her visit, Minister Göktaş met with members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board (BTTADK) at the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union. She later attended a panel discussion titled “Dr. Sadık Ahmet and the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace on the 30th Anniversary of His Death”, held at the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Union. She also joined the book launch of “Dr. Sadık Ahmet and the Struggle for Minority Rights in the Records of the Greek Parliament” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Yasin Asal.
In her speech, Göktaş described the book not only as a historical document but also as a witness to a cause and a legacy of determination:
“Each line in this book reflects faith and perseverance. This panel reminds us of our shared responsibilities for the future,” she said.
Göktaş also noted the symbolic significance of the day, marking 102 years since the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, and emphasized:
“While we shape the rights of minorities within Türkiye based on universal values, it is only natural to expect the same fair treatment for our kin across borders, particularly in Western Thrace.”
She reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Turkish communities abroad:
“As the Republic of Türkiye, we are determined to protect the rights, prosperity, and future of our compatriots—wherever they may be.”
Before the main events, Göktaş visited the Turkish Consulate in Gümülcine and met with Dr. Sadık Ahmet’s family.
Graveside Memorial at Kahveci Cemetery
The final part of the day’s commemorations was held at Kahveci Cemetery in Gümülcine, where Minister Göktaş paid tribute at the late leader’s grave.
“The flame lit by Dr. Sadık Ahmet and his companions will never be extinguished,” she declared, adding that it would be further strengthened by Türkiye’s continued support.
She also read a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, honoring Ahmet’s legacy.
Distinguished Attendees
The memorial was attended by numerous Turkish and international figures, including:
- Mustafa Destici, Chairman of the BBP (Great Unity Party)
- Nurten Yontar, CHP MP for Tekirdağ
- Ahmet Kamil Erozan, İYİ Party’s Head of International Relations
- Burak Özügergin, Director General at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and former Ambassador to Athens
- Çağatay Erciyes, Turkish Ambassador to Greece
- Aykut Ünal, Turkish Consul General in Gümülcine
- Mustafa Bozbey, Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality
- Oktay Yılmaz, Mayor of Bursa Yıldırım Municipality
Also present were numerous political figures and civil society representatives from Türkiye and Bulgaria, members of the Sadık Ahmet family, FEP Party President Çiğdem Asafoğlu, Western Thrace Muftis Mustafa Trampa (İskeçe) and İbrahim Şerif (Gümülcine), and many members of the local Turkish community.
Following speeches, prayers, and recitations from the Qur’an, Dr. Sadık Ahmet’s wife, Işık Sadık Ahmet, delivered a heartfelt message of thanks on behalf of the family.
Later in the evening, the FEP Party hosted a dinner for visiting Turkish officials and representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish minority.
