Meaningful event held at Xanthi Central Turkish Primary School to celebrate 150th anniversary

The event was hosted by Hüsnüye Arabacıoğlu, a member of the School Parents’ Association, who opened the program by sharing the school’s historical background.

Aliye Deli, the President of the Parents’ Association, delivered the opening speech. A moment of silence was observed at the end of her remarks in memory of former teachers who served at the school and have since passed away.

Following that, Hüseyin Baltacı, President of the School Board, addressed the audience and announced that a series of events would be held throughout the year to commemorate the school’s 150th anniversary.

Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Chairman of the School Board of Xanthi Minority Secondary and High School, highlighted the historical significance of the institution, emphasizing its central role in the region’s history and community. He noted that the school has educated generations of students, including many community leaders, and served as the foundation for the establishment of the Xanthi Minority Secondary and High School in 1965.

Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Mufti of Xanthi, underlined the vital role the school plays in preserving the cultural and educational heritage of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace. He praised the organizers and reiterated the importance of supporting minority schools as a communal value and asset.

Türkiye’s Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal, also took the stage, congratulating the school community and commending the students, parents, and teachers who recently achieved success in chess and robotics competitions. He emphasized the importance of Turkish minority schools in maintaining cultural identity and values and reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to support their sustainability.

During the event, retired teachers Mehmet Ago, Çetin Müminoğlu, and Adnan Raifoğlu were honored for their contributions to the school, receiving plaques and flowers from current teachers Nurgül Durmaz Aydemir, Suzan Kadri, and Melek Karadayı.

A cultural program followed, featuring a folk dance performance by the Xanthi Turkish Union’s Children’s Folklore Group and a poetry recital by students from the BTAYTD-affiliated Miracle Theater Group. The event concluded with a mini-concert by a local music group consisting of Batuhan Hasan, Mümin Ali, and Mehmet Mustafa. Additionally, a historical photo exhibition and a short video presentation about the school were showcased.

Notable attendees included Consul General Aykut Ünal and his wife İlayda Ünal, Mufti Mustafa Trampa, MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran, FEP Party President Çiğdem Asafoğlu, and leaders of various community organizations.