Mustafa Trampa calls for enforcement of Western Thrace Turkish Minority rights at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
The Chairman of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Mufti of İskeçe, Mustafa Trampa, has urged the implementation of internationally guaranteed rights for the Turkish minority in Western Thrace during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Speaking in Antalya, Trampa highlighted long-standing issues faced by the community, stressing that key challenges—ranging from religious freedoms to education and identity—remain unresolved despite decades of international commitments.
“Rights Must Be Implemented, Not Ignored”
Trampa emphasized that the rights of the Western Thrace Turkish minority are protected under international agreements, including the Treaty of Athens (1913) and the Treaty of Lausanne.
“We demand the implementation of the rights granted to us under international law,” he stated, adding that the community has been struggling with fundamental issues for over half a century.
Key Issues: Religion, Education, and Identity
According to Trampa, major unresolved concerns include:
- Restrictions on religious freedoms
- Disputes over the administration of waqf (foundations)
- Ongoing challenges in minority education
- Questions surrounding ethnic and cultural identity
He argued that rather than progress, these issues have deepened over time.
Mufti Appointment Dispute
A central point of contention remains the appointment of muftis. Trampa criticized the Greek state’s practice of appointing muftis instead of recognizing those elected or supported by the minority community.
“The Greek state appoints its own muftis but does not recognize those chosen by the people,” he said, noting that the issue continues to be debated at both national and international levels.
Call for Dialogue and International Engagement
Trampa underscored the lack of an effective dialogue mechanism between minority representatives and Greek authorities, claiming that decisions are often made without consultation.
He also called for the issue to be addressed not merely as a domestic matter of Greece, but as a bilateral and international concern requiring dialogue between Türkiye and Greece.
Referring to Türkiye’s approach toward the Greek Orthodox minority in Istanbul, Trampa expressed hope for reciprocal goodwill from Athens.
International Visibility and Support
Trampa noted that raising the issue at global platforms such as the Antalya Diplomacy Forum provides moral support to the minority community.
He specifically highlighted statements by Hakan Fidan as significant for drawing international attention to the matter.
On the sidelines of the forum, Trampa was also presented with a book titled “Evidence” by Anadolu Agency, documenting visual accounts related to the situation in Gaza.
