Messages of unity and solidarity echo from Hifz Ceremony in Şahin Village
A meaningful religious gathering took place in Şahin village, Xanthi (İskeçe) on Sunday, August 3, as the local Muslim Turkish community came together for a Hifz (Qur’an memorization) ceremony, delivering strong messages of unity and solidarity.
The event honored Hafiza Melika Sar, Hafiz Hamza Amuçka, and Hafiz Ömer Faruk Güler, featuring Qur’anic recitations and communal prayers. Separate ceremonies were held at Şahin Yeşil Mosque for Melika Sar and at Şahin Tekke Mosque for Hamza Amuçka and Ömer Faruk Güler. The opening prayer was led by İskeçe Deputy Mufti Ahmet Hraloğlu.
High Attendance and Spiritual Atmosphere
The ceremony attracted a significant turnout, with not only local participants but also guest scholars from Türkiye taking part. Their Qur’an recitations enriched the spiritual atmosphere and reinforced the strong ties between the Turkish community in Greece and religious circles in Türkiye.
Among those delivering greetings and remarks were Deputy Mufti Ahmet Hraloğlu, Xanthi MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran, Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt, Bahri Belço (Vice President of the FEP Party), Ozan Ahmetoğlu (President of the School Board of İskeçe Minority Secondary School and High School), as well as Muhammed Masum Vanlıoğlu, a preacher from Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs and Director of the İsmailağa Qur’an School.
Criticism of New Greek State Policies
Speakers at the ceremony voiced strong criticism against recently adopted legislation by the Greek government, which is seen by the community as a deliberate attempt to divide the Muslim Turkish minority in Western Thrace along religious lines.
Community leaders condemned the move, emphasizing that such efforts had failed in the past and would fail again. The speakers stressed that as long as the Turkish minority in Western Thrace maintains its unity, divisive policies will remain ineffective.
The event served not only as a religious milestone but also as a clear expression of cultural resilience and communal strength in the face of political challenges.
