Greek Government’s new bill raises concerns over division of Turkish Minority

A new legislative proposal introduced by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has raised serious concerns among the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, amid fears that it could deepen internal divisions along religious lines.

The draft law proposes the formal recognition of the Bektashi-Alevi community as a separate religious legal entity under the name "Religious Legal Entity of Thrace’s Bektashi-Alevi Muslims". 

The proposed structure would be based in Ruşenler (Russa) village of Sofullu (Soufli Municipality) and would receive legal status without judicial approval — a rare measure under Greek law.

While the government frames the bill as a step toward recognizing religious diversity, many in the minority community interpret it as an attempt to institutionalize sectarian division. Critics warn that the move undermines the unity of the Muslim Turkish Minority in Western Thrace and contradicts the principles of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which protects the rights of the minority as a whole.

Separate Administration for Foundations and Worship

The bill also includes provisions for a new administrative body to manage religious foundation (vakıf) properties tied to the Bektashi-Alevi community. This would further separate governance of religious affairs from the existing structures under the elected Muftis — from which the new entity would be legally excluded.

Places of worship such as cemevis and tekkes, along with future sites, would be overseen by the newly established body based on internal regulations.

Community Reaction and Legal Concerns

Legal experts and community leaders argue that the proposed changes could be used to weaken collective minority rights by fragmenting religious representation. They stress that such a step risks setting a precedent that could harm minority cohesion and facilitate political interference in religious affairs.

The bill is currently open for public consultation until July 22. If passed, it is expected to significantly alter the legal and administrative framework under which the Turkish Muslim Minority in Thrace operates.