Eid festivities at the Turkish Consulate in Gümülcine
The Turkish Consulate General in Gümülcine hosted a festive Eid reception on March 20, 2026, welcoming members of the Western Thrace Turkish community for a celebration of unity, solidarity, and cultural pride.
Diplomatic Participation
Çağatay Erciyes, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Athens, attended the event alongside Aykut Ünal and his spouse, İlayda Ünal. Prior to the reception, the delegation visited the grave of the late Western Thrace leader, Dr. Sadık Ahmet, paying respects and offering prayers.
During the reception, the diplomats personally greeted attendees, exchanging Eid wishes and engaging in conversations that strengthened community ties.
Strong Community Attendance
The event drew a wide range of participants, including religious, political, and community leaders:
- Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board
- İbrahim Şerif
- Çiğdem Asafoğlu
- MPs Özgür Ferhat and Hüseyin Zeybek
Mayors, municipal council members, and representatives of local civil society organizations and student groups
Senior Greek officials also attended, including Hristodulos Topsidis, Yannis Garanis, and Apostolos Ioannis.
Celebration and Camaraderie
The reception offered an opportunity for attendees to exchange Eid greetings, engage in dialogue, and enjoy a warm, convivial atmosphere. Organizers emphasized that such events reinforce community cohesion and highlight the ongoing collaboration between the Turkish diplomatic mission and local Turkish minority institutions in Western Thrace.
