Festive atmosphere at Hatim Ceremony in Xanthi Çınar Mosque
A khatm (Qur’an completion) ceremony held at the Çınar Mosque in Xanthi for Qur’an course students created a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a holiday in the neighborhood. The event attracted a large turnout, with members of the Turkish Muslim Minority traveling from various villages in the region to attend.
The ceremony was organized for 29 students enrolled in the Qur’an course under the Xanthi Mufti’s Office. The students’ recitations from the Qur’an, along with religious hymns and poems, were met with great appreciation from the audience. The closing supplication (du’a) was led by Xanthi Mufti Mustafa Trampa.
Strong Emphasis on Cultural and Religious Education
During the greeting speeches following the prayer, Mufti Mustafa Trampa stressed the importance of raising children with strong national and spiritual values. He emphasized that families should take special care in this regard, and urged the community to support minority schools. He also encouraged those interested to benefit from educational opportunities available in Türkiye.
Local Leaders and Institutions Express Support
Following Mufti Trampa’s remarks, several prominent figures delivered speeches, including:
- Ozan Ahmetoğlu, President of the School Board of the Minority High School of Xanthi
- Kerem Abdurrahimoğlu, President of the Turkish Union of Xanthi
- Hüseyin Baltacı, President of the Western Thrace Minority Graduates Association (WTMUGA)
- İrfan Hacıgene, Deputy Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
- Bahri Belço, Vice President of the Friendship, Equality, Peace (FEP) Party
Each speaker congratulated the students and highlighted the vital role of minority education in preserving cultural identity.
High-Level Attendance from Across the Region
The event was attended by a wide range of officials and community representatives, including:
- Mufti Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board
- Deputy Regional Governor İrfan Hacıgene
- Regional Councilors İbrahim Amuçka, Fatih İsmailko, and Salih Yörük
- Deputy Mayor of Ihanlı, Cem Salihoğlu
- Former Mayors of Mustafçova, Cemil Kabza and Rıdvan Delihüseyin
- Municipal Council Members, religious officials, educators, and NGO representatives
The ceremony concluded with the traditional offering of meat pilaf and ayran to all participants, further enhancing the festive spirit of the occasion.
