Greece launches official appointment process for Mufti of Gümülcine

This decision comes amid ongoing calls by the Western Thrace Turkish Minority for religious autonomy and the right to select their own mufti. On February 2, the Greek authorities announced that the Gümülcine Muftiate would receive a five-year appointment, extendable for one additional term.

According to the ministry’s announcement, candidates must be Greek citizens, members of the Thracian Muslim minority, permanently reside in the Meriç, Rhodope, or İskeçe regions, and be under 62 years of age at the end of the application period.

Eligibility also requires a degree from the Muslim Studies Entry Program at the Theology Faculty of Aristotle University of Selanik, or an internationally recognized Islamic studies diploma from a foreign theological institution. Candidates must have served at least five years as an imam or religious teacher registered in the state Religious Personnel Registry, or completed at least ten years of service following regional religious regulations after graduating from local madrasas.

Applications will only be accepted electronically, starting the day after the announcement appears in the press, and must be submitted within ten business days.

Minority Representatives Criticize Appointment Process

While the ministry claims the process is conducted under Law 4964/2022 and framed as a "selection," representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority argue it is a direct government appointment rather than a democratic election. They assert that candidates are pre-screened by the state and the final decision rests solely with the ministry, leaving little room for genuine community choice.

Following similar processes in Dimetoka and İskeçe, the mufti appointment issue in Komotini is expected to remain a key topic in regional religious and political discussions.