“Motherland’s support for Western Thrace Turks once again draws criticism,” says ABTTF President
A July 26 article by the Greek news site Nikh.gr criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his recent remarks commemorating Dr. Sadık Ahmet, the late leader of the Turkish community in Western Thrace, on the 30th anniversary of his passing. The outlet labeled Erdoğan’s message as “provocative,” alleging it violated the spirit of the Treaty of Lausanne and expressed contempt for Greece.
The article reiterated the Greek state's long-standing position that Western Thrace hosts only a “Muslim minority,” not an ethnic Turkish one, and accused Türkiye of attempting to implement expansionist plans in the region. It also called on the Greek government to officially respond and to veto Turkey’s participation in EU support programs.
Erdoğan’s Statement on July 24
In his post, President Erdoğan stated:
“I commemorate with mercy Dr. Sadık Ahmet, who played a major role in securing the rights of our Turkish brothers in Western Thrace, on the 30th anniversary of his passing. We will continue to stand with the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace with all our means.”
ABTTF Responds: “Double Standards”
In response, Halit Habipoğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), issued a strong statement defending Erdoğan’s words:
“Some circles in our country seem once again disturbed by our homeland’s reaffirmation of support for the Turkish identity of our community. Just as Greece supports the Greek minority in Albania and the Greek Orthodox minority in Turkey, our homeland supports us unconditionally and protects our rights.”
Habipoğlu also pointed out a perceived inconsistency in Greece’s own discourse:
“When Greek officials visit Orthodox schools and churches in Istanbul, Gökçeada, and Bozcaada, they refer solely to the ‘Greek’ minority. However, the Treaty of Lausanne uses the term ‘non-Muslim minorities’ for communities in Türkiye. So why is the ‘Turkish’ identity denied here? This is nothing short of blatant double standards.”
He further referenced a June 2025 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Greece for refusing to allow the registration of a civil association with “Turkish” in its name, calling on the Greek government to end its policy of denying the Turkish identity of the minority in Western Thrace.
