“MEHMET HILMI” panel hosted by the Xanthi Turkish Union
One of the founding members of the Xanthi Turkish Union (İTB), journalist and educator Mehmet Hilmi, was commemorated with a special event held as part of “Mehmet Hilmi Week,” observed from June 20 to 25.
The event titled “Mehmet Hilmi Panel” took place on Tuesday, June 24, at the Xanthi Turkish Union's local headquarters, bringing together prominent figures from the Turkish community of Western Thrace.
The panel was hosted by İTB Secretary General İpek Salihoğlu, and began with a moment of silence in memory of Mehmet Hilmi.
Following the opening speech by İTB President Kerem Abdurahimoğlu, Aykut Ünal, the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Komotini, delivered a brief greeting.
The discussion panel was moderated by President Abdurahimoğlu and featured the following speakers:
- Mustafa Trampa, Mufti of Xanthi and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace,
- Aydın Ahmet, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union,
- Ozan Ahmetoğlu, journalist,
- Gönül Bekir Usta, teacher.
Throughout the speeches, Mehmet Hilmi’s significant contributions to education, journalism, and the rights-based struggle of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace were emphasized.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, followed by the presentation of commemorative gifts to the speakers and a traditional halva offering to all participants.
Among the notable attendees were:
- Xanthi MP Hüseyin Zeybek,
- Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt,
- FEP Party Vice President Metin Hacıosman,
- President of the BTAYTD Hüseyin Baltacı,
- President of GTGB Sedat Hasan,
- Director General of BAKEŞ Pervin Hayrullah,
- Vice Mayor of Topiros (Ihnanlı) Cem Salihoğlu,
- Deputy Chair of the Seçek Minority Education and Culture Association Mesut Şerif,
- President of the Evros Province Minority Youth Association Hasan Bekir Usta,
as well as numerous institutional representatives and members of the Turkish community in Western Thrace.
