Muftis from Western Thrace ttend International Muslim Conference in Cologne
Mustafa Trampa, Mufti of İskeçe and President of the Advisory Board of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, and İbrahim Şerif, Mufti of Gümülcine, participated in the International Conference of Muslims of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia held in Cologne, Germany.
The conference brought together muftis, representatives of religious institutions and civil society organizations from multiple countries to discuss the challenges faced by Muslim communities and explore potential solutions through cooperation and dialogue.
Organized by the Islamic Community Milli Görüş (IGMG) and the humanitarian organization Hasene International, the event hosted participants from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Mongolia, Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Discussions focused on a wide range of issues including religious representation, Islamic education, training of imams, institutional development, and equal rights within constitutional frameworks in European countries. Participants also exchanged views on Islamophobia, minority rights, religious freedoms, and the preservation of religious identity among younger generations.
Representatives from Ukraine, Georgia, Mongolia and Balkan countries also shared national perspectives on the conditions of Muslim communities, highlighting educational needs and institutional challenges in their respective countries.
IGMG General President Advisor and Conference Committee Chair Abdi Taşdöğen stated that regional issues can only be addressed through global solidarity and collective reasoning, emphasizing the aim of building sustainable cooperation mechanisms.
IGMG Deputy President and Hasene International President Bekir Altaş highlighted that humanitarian work should go beyond short-term assistance and contribute to the long-term empowerment of societies.
IGMG General President Kemal Ergün noted that the conference aimed not only at dialogue but also at establishing lasting cooperation structures between Muslim communities across different regions, particularly in youth work, education, religious services and humanitarian initiatives.
In a statement shared on social media, Mustafa Trampa said that participants had the opportunity to present the challenges faced in their respective countries and discuss possible solutions through consultation. He also expressed gratitude to Kemal Ergün for the invitation.
The conference concluded with calls for enhanced cooperation and the development of joint projects among participating institutions.
