Far-right Spartakos list calls for ban on Turkish language and headscarves at Gümülcine State Hospital
A far-right political group in northeastern Greece has triggered controversy after demanding a ban on the Turkish language and Islamic headscarves at the state hospital in Gümülcine, drawing criticism from representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish Muslim Minority.
The request was made by the Spartakos List, a nationalist group represented in the Gümülcine Municipal Council. In a letter addressed to the director of Gümülcine State Hospital, Eleni Rofaela, the group criticized the presence of religious symbols, the use of Turkish by medical staff, and the hospital’s food menu.
Headscarf Criticism
In the letter, Spartakos argued that doctors and nurses wearing headscarves violate what it described as the principle of “religious neutrality” in public healthcare institutions.
The group also claimed that headscarves are not worn in public hospitals in nearby cities such as İskeçe and Alexandroupoli, questioning why Komotini should be treated as an “exception.”
Call to Restrict Turkish Language Use
Spartakos further alleged that minority healthcare staff speaking Turkish during their duties causes communication problems within the hospital.
The group proposed that Greek should be the only language used in official procedures, while Turkish should be limited solely to translation purposes for patients who do not speak Greek.
In the letter, Spartakos referenced a past case involving Dr. Hüseyin Baltacı, who previously served at Xanthi Hospital, claiming that the use of Turkish in professional settings had caused operational problems and dissatisfaction among some staff and patients.
The group questioned whether hospital authorities would “silently accept the imposition of Turkish,” which it argued creates a non-welcoming environment for Greek patients and employees.
Controversy Over Hospital Menu
The letter also criticized the hospital’s food menu, claiming pork had not been served for a long time and suggesting that the menu had been adapted to Muslim dietary rules.
Spartakos argued that, as in other Greek hospitals, pork dishes and alternative meal options should be offered simultaneously.
Strong Reaction from Minority Community
The proposal has drawn strong reactions from members of the Western Thrace Turkish Muslim Minority, who view the demands as discriminatory and targeting their cultural and religious identity.
The letter concluded by noting that the hospital is preparing to move to a new building and argued that Greek citizens who finance the public healthcare system through taxes should not feel like “foreigners” when entering their city’s hospital.
Spartakos urged the hospital administration to take measures to prevent such issues from becoming institutionalized, particularly in light of investments connected to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
The controversy has once again highlighted long-standing tensions surrounding minority rights, language use, and religious expression in the multicultural region of Western Thrace.
