Hatim ceremony joy in Xanthi: A meaningful program from Gökçepınar and Muhacir Mahalle Qur’an course students
The Gökçepınar and Muhacir Mahalle Qur’an Courses, operating under the authority of the Xanthi Mufti’s Office of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, earned great appreciation for the hatim (Qur’an completion) ceremonies held on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Festive Hatim Ceremony in Gökçepınar
The hatim program in the village of Gökçepınar drew large crowds from nearby villages and was marked by enthusiasm and celebration. Students, educated under the supervision of instructors Salih Belço, Erkan Azizoğlu, Büşra Belço, and Salih İmam, impressed the audience with their performances.
The ceremony was attended by Honorable Mufti Mustafa Trampa, as well as protocol members arriving from the earlier program in Muhacir Mahalle. Distinguished guests included:
- Kerem Abdurrahimoğlu, President of the Xanthi Turkish Union
- Cengiz Ömer, President of the Çınar Association
- Salih Yörük, Member of the Regional Council
- Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Chairman of the School Board
- Former Mayors of Mustafçova Cemil Kabza and Rıdvan Delihüseyin
- Municipal council members, religious leaders, and other institutional representatives
Following the recitation of the hatim prayer, several protocol members delivered brief congratulatory speeches to the students and instructors. The ceremony concluded with a traditional serving of rice and meat.
Festival Atmosphere at Muhacir Mahalle Ceremony
The earlier ceremony at the Muhacir Mahalle Qur’an Course was likewise marked by joyful celebration. It featured Qur’an recitations, poetry readings, and hymns performed by students trained by instructors Sinan İsmailko and Nesrin İmam.
Attendees included:
- Mufti Mustafa Trampa, Chairman of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board
- MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran
- Ahmet Kurt, Mayor of Mustafçova
- Bahri Belço, Deputy Chairman of the FEP Party
- İsmet Tüccar, Vice President of the Xanthi Turkish Union
Held in the Muhacir Mosque, the program included a short greeting by Mufti Trampa, who congratulated the students, their families, and the religious staff. After the ceremony, the official delegation proceeded to Gökçepınar for the second event of the day.
At the close of the Muhacir program, Deputy Mufti Ahmet Hraloğlu offered a prayer and brief speech. Other speakers included Deputy Regional Governor İrfan Hacıgene and Dr. Hüseyin Baltacı, President of the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (B.T.A.Y.T.D.).
The event ended with certificate presentations to the students and the traditional pilaf offering.
Qur’an Courses Nurturing Educated Generations
Operating under the supervision of the Xanthi Mufti’s Office, the Qur’an courses aim not only to teach students how to read the Qur’an, but also to instill national and spiritual values, raising them to become responsible and conscientious individuals. Officials emphasized that such programs significantly contribute to strengthening young people's awareness of their identity and faith.
