Greek Defense Minister Dendias sparks reaction after referring to Western Thrace Turks as “Greek Muslim Minority”

The remarks were made during an event held in Yassioren, a village in the municipality of Mustafçova, honoring approximately 65 minority soldiers who lost their lives while fighting for Greece during World War II.

Dendias Repeats Controversial Terminology
Speaking at the ceremony, Dendias described the minority community as an inseparable element of the region’s identity and a valuable part of Greece.

“The Greek Muslim minority is an integral element of this region’s character and an indispensable part of Greek identity,” the defense minister said.

The terminology immediately triggered reactions among members of the Turkish minority community in Western Thrace, where many organizations and community representatives identify themselves ethnically as Turks rather than solely on a religious basis.

Ceremony Honors Minority Soldiers
During his address, Dendias emphasized that the fallen soldiers died defending the Greek state and should remain part of the country’s collective national memory.

He also referred to Thrace as a region shaped by coexistence and cultural diversity despite historical challenges.

The ceremony was attended by local officials, military representatives, and residents of the village. Among those present was Burhan Baran.

The event began with the reading of the names of the deceased soldiers, followed by wreath-laying ceremonies, a moment of silence, and the Greek national anthem. Students from minority primary schools and kindergartens in Yassioren and Basaykova also recited poems during the commemoration program.

Identity Debate Remains Sensitive Issue
The issue of how the minority in Western Thrace is officially defined remains one of the most sensitive political and legal debates in Greece.

Greek authorities traditionally refer to the minority based on the provisions of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which recognizes a Muslim minority in Western Thrace on religious grounds.

However, many members of the community self-identify ethnically as Turks and object to official terminology that excludes the word “Turkish.”

Critics of Dendias’ statement argued that repeating the phrase “Greek Muslim minority” ignores the ethnic identity of the community and perpetuates a long-standing dispute surrounding minority recognition and identity rights in the region.