Mufti tensions escalate in Western Thrace: Hüseyin Zeybek says “new cover, same imposition”
“The Problem Was Not Solved, Only Repackaged”
New Left Party MP for İskeçe, Hüseyin Zeybek, stated that the long-standing mufti issue—unresolved since 1985—has not been settled by the 2022 legislation, but rather continues under a different method.
“There is no genuine election here. What we see is once again an appointment, merely presented under the appearance of a new procedure,” Zeybek said.
“An Election in Name Only”
Zeybek also questioned the legitimacy of the so-called electoral body involved in the process, noting that it is largely composed of religious officials appointed under the controversial ‘240 Imams Law’, a regulation rejected by much of the Turkish minority.
“A process carried out by a board rooted in a law rejected by the community cannot be described as an election. This is an appointment, not a democratic choice,” he stressed.
“A Regulation Made Despite the Minority”
According to Zeybek, the Greek government failed to seize an opportunity for genuine dialogue:
“A law was enacted without consultation with the minority community or its representatives. A regulation was imposed despite the minority, supposedly for the minority.”
He emphasized that although the method has changed, the essence of state control over the appointment remains intact.
“Nothing Has Changed for the Minority”
Zeybek underlined that the Didymoteicho appointment has brought no positive change for the Turkish minority:
“This appointment solved nothing. Once again, we are faced with an imposed decision. We already have muftis whom we have chosen, and we will continue to stand behind them.”
Oath Ceremony Controversy
Commenting on the oath ceremony held at the Ministry of Education—attended by hodope MP İlhan Ahmet—Zeybek confirmed that he deliberately chose not to attend, despite being invited.
“Our position was clear from the beginning. We did not take part in a process we do not accept or approve. Everyone bears responsibility for their own choices.”
“The Minority Will Decide”
Zeybek concluded with a message to minority voters:
“The minority will decide what kind of representatives it wants. History and society will ultimately record who stood on the right side and who did not.”
