Farewell message from ITB’s longest-serving president
Ozan Ahmetoğlu, who has served as the president of the Xanthi Turkish Union (ITB) for the past eight consecutive years, published a meaningful farewell message on his social media account following the General Assembly held today (Sunday, April 27, 2025).
Before his most recent term, Ahmetoğlu had previously served as president for two years, vice president for another two years, and secretary general for two years. With a total of 10 years as president, he has set a record that will be hard to surpass in the association’s history.
In his farewell message, President Ahmetoğlu said:
“Today, with the General Assembly held, I have completed my term as president of the Xanthi Turkish Union, the 'Cultural Plane Tree' of the Turks of Western Thrace, a position I carried out for ten years with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility.
Throughout my time at ITB — two years as secretary general, two years as vice president, and ten years as president — I will always carry in my heart the struggle we waged together for the protection of our community’s rights and identity.
Although my official duty at ITB has ended, I will continue to work with the same faith and dedication in the struggle of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.
I wholeheartedly thank all my colleagues with whom I worked side by side during this time. I also sincerely thank the ITB Youth Branch for the beautiful and meaningful gifts presented to me during the General Assembly.”
