İskeçe Mufti’s Office commemorates former independent MP Ahmet Faikoğlu

The İskeçe Mufti’s Office has released a video tribute in memory of Ahmet Faikoğlu, former Independent Member of Parliament for İskeçe, who passed away on 28 December 2023.

In the commemorative video, the Mufti’s Office highlights the life and political struggle of Ahmet Faikoğlu, who served the Muslim Turkish Minority of Western Thrace for many years as a prominent political figure.

The video tribute includes the following message:

“This is not merely a life story; it is the story of resistance of a people whose identity was denied.
Ahmet Faikoğlu was born in İskeçe in 1947.

He devoted his entire life to the struggle for the existence and rights of the Turkish people of Western Thrace. He was married and the father of two children, but he was also the voice, hope, and companion of thousands.

Throughout his life, he remained loyal to the land where he was born, to the community he belonged to, and to the values he believed in.

He was among those who understood the cost of living as a Turk on these lands.

During years when identity was denied and rights were suspended, he chose not to remain silent.

In 1985, he was elected to parliament and served as a PASOK MP between 1985 and 1989.

However, what truly defined him was his election in 1990 as an independent MP from İskeçe, entering parliament with the will of his people. He served in this role from 1990 to 1993.

Together with the late Dr. Sadık Ahmet, he voiced the legitimate demands of the Turks of Western Thrace on the basis of law and democracy.

He carried the voice of the Turkish community of Western Thrace into the Hellenic Parliament. He was not merely a politician; he represented a stance that declared, ‘We are here,’ against those who sought to deny identity.

Ahmet Faikoğlu regarded 29 January, the National Resistance Day, as a day of honor for the Turks of Western Thrace. ‘Our Turkish identity has been proven, whether it is wanted or not,’ he used to say.

These words were not expressions of anger, but of resistance and rightful determination.

He did not remain silent in the face of the seizure of foundations, the disregard for the will of the community, or the pressure imposed through appointed muftis.

In this struggle, he stood shoulder to shoulder for years with Mufti Mustafa Hilmi Aga and Mufti Mehmet Emin Aga.

He openly criticized the denial of minority rights in a state that prides itself on being the cradle of democracy, and he particularly addressed the youth:

‘Stand tall. Do not give up on claiming your rights. The future belongs to the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.’

After a long struggle with kidney disease, he passed away at the age of 76 on 28 December.

We remember Ahmet Faikoğlu with respect, mercy, and gratitude for the struggle he waged.

This video is not just a commemoration; it is a reminder.

We have not forgotten. We have not given up. And we will not remain silent.”

The video tribute was shared through the official social media channels of the İskeçe Mufti’s Office.