Endowment awareness crowned with the “Mufti Mustafa Hilmi Aga community leaders awards”
The “Mufti Mustafa Hilmi Aga Community Leaders Awards,” which have become a tradition organized by the İskeçe Mufti’s Office, were held for the fourth time this year, once again bringing the memory, struggle, and endowment (waqf) awareness of the Western Thrace Turkish community to the forefront.
The program took place on the evening of Thursday, 18 December, at the İskeçe Cultural Center Hall of the Western Thrace Minority Higher Education Association, with strong participation from religious, legal, and social representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish minority, as well as numerous members of the community.
The well-attended event began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Sezer Güvendar, a religious official affiliated with the İskeçe Mufti’s Office.
Delivering the opening speech, Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Mufti of İskeçe, emphasized that the evening was not merely an awards ceremony, but also a call for awareness and responsibility. Highlighting that the waqf institution is one of the most deeply rooted pillars of Islamic civilization, Trampa stated that endowments constitute one of the fundamental foundations sustaining the identity, existence, and continuity of the Muslim Turkish community in Western Thrace.
Mufti Trampa noted that trustee chairpersons who have served waqfs from past to present have often carried out their duties with great sacrifice. He warned that the weakening of endowment awareness would amount to a loss of collective memory, stressing that the protection of waqfs is not only a legal obligation but also a religious and national responsibility.
A recorded audio message sent by Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal, who was unable to attend the program, was also played during the event. In his message, Ünal underlined that community leadership is not limited to official positions, noting that individuals who assume responsibility, take risks, and act selflessly within their environment are of great value to society. He added that waqf trustees undertake a quiet yet vital role throughout Western Thrace.
The program continued with a striking video presentation highlighting the challenges faced by minority waqf properties. The presentation drew attention to administrative obstacles, legal gaps, and injustices in practice related to the protection of waqf assets.
Following this, a panel titled “Minority Waqf Properties” was held, moderated by Sezer Molla Ahmet, with the participation of religious official Rıdvan Topçu and lawyer Ahmet Kara.
In his remarks, Rıdvan Topçu discussed the concept of waqf within Islamic law and its historical development, stating that during the Ottoman period, waqfs played a decisive role in all aspects of life, from education and healthcare to social welfare and urban development. He noted that the waqf culture in Western Thrace continued for some time after the Treaty of Lausanne, but over the years many waqf properties were lost for various reasons. Topçu stressed that preserving this heritage is both a religious and social obligation.
Lawyer Ahmet Kara addressed the issue from a legal perspective, evaluating the problems faced by waqf properties. He pointed out that the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne concerning waqfs have not been implemented, adding that the appointment of waqf administrations in urban centers by the state has led to serious structural problems. Kara further stated that in depopulated villages, the failure to appoint trustees has left waqf properties unmanaged, resulting in neglect, damage, and eventual loss.
After the panel, a short musical performance was presented to the audience by a music group led by Özcan Kalfa.
In the final part of the program, the “Mufti Mustafa Hilmi Aga Community Leaders Awards” were presented to veteran individuals who had served as waqf trustees in their villages for many years and who continue to do so today. Described as the silent heroes of the community, the trustees received their awards to enthusiastic applause.
The meaningful evening concluded with expressions of goodwill and hopes that waqf awareness will be passed on to future generations.
