Head of Turkic World Association slams Greece over provocative F-35 claims

In a written statement, Kanak described the language used in the report as provocative and irresponsible, criticizing what he called an attempt to escalate tensions through sensationalist rhetoric.

“Imitation and Provocation”

Kanak also condemned Pentapostagma’s use of the phrase “we may come overnight”, arguing that it deliberately imitates expressions historically associated with Türkiye’s security doctrine.

“Such rhetoric reflects a lack of restraint and political maturity,” Kanak said, adding that Greece should instead focus on the growing presence of U.S. military forces on its own territory, rather than issuing threats toward neighboring countries.

Criticism Over Mufti Appointment in Western Thrace

Beyond defense issues, Kanak strongly criticized the Greek government’s decision on January 9, 2026, to appoint a Mufti in Didymoteicho (Dimetoka), arguing that the move violates the religious autonomy of the Muslim Turkish minority in Western Thrace.

According to Kanak, the appointment contravenes both the 1913 Athens Treaty and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which guarantee the minority’s right to manage its own religious affairs.

Comparison with the Fener Greek Patriarchate

Kanak pointed out that Türkiye does not interfere in the internal elections of the  Patriarchate, citing the historical example of Metropolitan Athenagoras of New York, who was granted Turkish citizenship to enable his election as Patriarch.

“If Türkiye respected this autonomy even at sensitive historical moments, Greece should likewise allow Western Thrace Turks to elect their own Muftis,” he stated.

Call to Greece and the EU

Kanak emphasized that the Turkic World Association has brought these developments to the attention of both the Turkish-Islamic world and European Union policymakers.

He concluded by calling on Greece to avoid unnecessary polemics, warning that inflammatory narratives and actions undermine regional stability and minority rights.