İskeçe mufti Mustafa Trampa highlights mosques’ social role in Western Thrace
Mustafa Trampa, the mufti of İskeçe (Xanthi) and president of the Consultative Council of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, has highlighted the social, religious and cultural role of mosques in the region in a message marking Mosques and Religious Officials Week, observed in Greece from October 1 to 7.
Trampa said mosques serve not only as places of worship and religious education but also as centres of solidarity, community life and cultural continuity for the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.
MOSQUES AS COMMUNITY CENTRES
In his message, Trampa said mosques have historically served functions extending beyond worship, including education, mutual assistance, consultation and community solidarity.
He pointed to activities ranging from Ramadan iftars and holiday gatherings to Quran courses, funerals and condolences as examples of the role mosques continue to play in community life in Western Thrace.
Trampa also described minarets as symbols of community belonging and collective memory.
TRIBUTE TO RELIGIOUS OFFICIALS
Trampa expressed his appreciation for imams, muezzins and Quran course instructors serving in Gümülcine (Komotini), İskeçe (Xanthi), Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli) and other parts of Western Thrace.
He said religious officials provide support not only through religious services but also during funerals, periods of illness, family difficulties and young people's questions about religion.
He described religious service as a demanding responsibility requiring dedication.
REFERENCE TO CHURCH-MOSQUE INCIDENT AND LEGAL PROCESS
Trampa also referred to challenges faced by mosques and religious services in Western Thrace, including an incident at Çınar Mosque in İskeçe during Friday prayers on October 11, 2024, and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Thanking those who supported the community during the Çınar Mosque case, Trampa said the community would continue to protect its mosques, religious officials and collective will while pursuing its rights “on the basis of law and justice.”
CALL FOR SAFER AND MORE INCLUSIVE MOSQUES
The mufti also condemned recent attacks targeting mosques and stressed the importance of ensuring the security of places of worship.
He called for mosques to remain places of peace, fraternity and solidarity and said incidents targeting places of worship should not lead to despair within the community.
Trampa further called for stronger connections between mosques and children, young people and women, arguing that mosques should function not only during prayer times but also as spaces for education, discussion, social activities and community support.
He concluded by thanking donors, trustees and foundation committees involved in the construction and maintenance of mosques, while commemorating deceased muftis and religious officials.
