Erdoğan reaffirms support for Western Thrace Turks in message honoring Dr. Sadık Ahmet
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's support for the Turkish minority in Western Thrace in a message marking the 31st anniversary of the death of community leader Dr. Sadık Ahmet.
The message was delivered at a commemorative ceremony by Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, who attended the event on behalf of Türkiye.
Erdoğan paid tribute to Dr. Sadık Ahmet, saying he dedicated his life to defending the rights of the Turkish community in Western Thrace and never abandoned his cause despite pressure, obstacles and imprisonment.
The president said Ahmet had left behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire the community, adding that the recent electoral successes of the Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party reflect the unity and solidarity of Western Thrace Turks.
Erdoğan also pledged that Türkiye would continue supporting efforts to address issues concerning education, freedom of religion, the administration of charitable foundations and other fundamental rights of the Turkish minority.
He expressed hope that Western Thrace Turks would enjoy a peaceful and prosperous future in Greece, where they can freely preserve their Turkish identity and fully exercise their rights.
Concluding the message, Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue to stand by the Western Thrace Turkish minority "today and in the future, as it has in the past," a statement that was met with applause from attendees.
Erdoğan commemorates Dr. Sadık Ahmet on 31st anniversary of his death
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday commemorated Dr. Sadık Ahmet, the late leader of the Western Thrace Turkish community, on the 31st anniversary of his death.
In a post on social media, Erdoğan paid tribute to Ahmet's lifelong dedication to the rights and welfare of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
"I commemorate with mercy and respect Dr. Sadık Ahmet, who devoted his life to the cause of our brothers and sisters in Western Thrace, on the 31st anniversary of his passing," Erdoğan said.
He reaffirmed Türkiye's continued support for the Western Thrace Turkish minority, saying Ankara would remain committed to standing by the community and addressing its concerns, as it has done until now.
