Mehmet İmamoğlu’s “Hemetli Village & Western Thrace unnder Bulgarian administration” introduced in Western Thrace
The latest work of researcher and author Mehmet İmamoğlu, titled “Hemetli Köyü & Bulgaristan İdaresinde Batı Trakya” (Hemetli Village & Western Thrace Under Bulgarian Administration), was officially introduced at the premises of the Batı Trakya Türk Öğretmenler Birliği (BTTÖB).
The event was organized in collaboration with the Batı Trakya Azınlığı Kültür ve Eğitim Şirketi (BAKEŞ) and drew a large audience, including representatives of minority institutions, academics, and invited guests. The program was moderated by Dr. Pervin Hayrullah.
Archival Research and Oral History
In his opening remarks, BAKEŞ President Hüseyin Bostancı emphasized that the book offers an in-depth examination not only of Hemetli village but also of the social, cultural, and political structure of Western Thrace during the period of Bulgarian administration. He underlined that the study is grounded in extensive archival documentation and oral history research, contributing significantly to the historiography of the Western Thrace Turkish community.
During the discussion session, İmamoğlu explained that he relied on a variety of primary sources, most notably the 1310 Edirne Provincial Yearbook (Edirne Salname), along with other Ottoman-era and regional records. He noted that the research process involved meticulous cross-referencing of historical documents and testimonies from local residents.
Striking Historical Details
One of the most remarkable findings presented in the book concerns the construction of two churches in Hemetli in 1959 and 1965, despite the absence of any Greek citizens residing in the village at the time. The author described this detail as a revealing example of the complex demographic and political dynamics that shaped Western Thrace during and after Bulgarian governance.
The program concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Mehmet İmamoğlu in recognition of his scholarly contribution.
The book is expected to serve as an important reference for researchers, historians, and readers interested in Western Thrace history, Bulgarian administration in the Balkans, and minority studies.
