Muftis of Western Thrace criticize Greece’s religious sites report

The elected muftis of Western Thrace, İbrahim Şerif and Mustafa Trampa, have issued a joint statement criticizing Greece’s 2024 report titled “Incidents Against Religious Sites in Greece,” arguing that it fails to adequately reflect the experiences and expectations of the Turkish minority.

In their written statement, the muftis said the report largely presents state policies as positive and compliant with international law, while overlooking long-standing legal and practical concerns raised by members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.

Minority Identity “Not Limited to Religion”

The muftis objected to the characterization of the minority’s status solely as a religious minority under the Treaty of Lausanne. They argued that such an interpretation narrows the historical context of the treaty and does not align with contemporary international human rights standards.

According to the statement, minority identity should be understood not only in religious terms but also through language, culture, collective identity, and the right to self-identification. The report, they said, does not sufficiently address these dimensions.

Concerns Over Appointment of Muftis

The muftis also criticized the institutional structure under which mufti offices operate as public institutions directly linked to the executive branch. They argued that the state’s decisive role in appointing muftis raises concerns regarding religious freedom and community-based autonomy.

While the report references consultative mechanisms introduced under recent legislation, the muftis maintained that these mechanisms are limited in scope and do not ensure the community’s full right to freely choose its religious leaders.

Alevi-Bektashi Regulations and Island Communities

The statement further described the report’s portrayal of recent regulations concerning the Alevi-Bektashi community as a “historic turning point” as overly optimistic. The muftis argued that broader issues affecting the minority — including identity recognition and institutional autonomy — remain unresolved.

Regarding restoration efforts at places of worship in Rhodes and Kos, the muftis acknowledged these as positive steps for preserving cultural heritage. However, they stressed that the continued lack of Turkish-language education since 1972 and the direct state control over waqf administrations indicate that minority rights are not fully safeguarded.

Call for Dialogue

Şerif and Trampa concluded by emphasizing that a rights-based approach reflecting the lived experiences of minority members would help strengthen mutual trust between the state and the minority community. They called for constructive dialogue and cooperative frameworks to address longstanding issues.

The statement underscores ongoing debates over minority rights, religious autonomy, and the interpretation of international agreements in Greece.