Spiritual joy and emotional solidarity with Gaza at Hatim Ceremony in Ketenlik
A heartfelt hatim ceremony was held on Sunday, June 1, in the village of Ketenlik, part of the Mustafçova Municipality, drawing a large crowd and offering moments of deep spiritual reflection and unity.
Organized by the Ketenlik Qur'an School under the authority of the Muftiate of Xanthi, the event brought together local residents for a moving program at the Ketenlik Upper Mosque. The ceremony featured Qur'an recitations, Islamic hymns (ilahis), and poetry, all performed by students, whose presentations received great admiration from attendees.
The hatim prayer and opening address were delivered by Mustafa Trampa, Mufti of Xanthi and President of the Consultative Committee of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace. In his speech, Mufti Trampa emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and spiritual education, extending thanks to all contributors.
Prominent guests in attendance included:
- Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat
- Xanthi MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran
- Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt
- Regional Council representative Fatih İsmailko
- Ismet Tüccar, Vice President of the Turkish Union of Xanthi (ITB)
- Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Minority Middle and High School of Xanthi
- Bahri Belço, representing the Party of Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP)
- Hüseyin Baltacı, President of the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA)
During their brief remarks, the guests congratulated the students and educators, stressing the significance of preserving minority education and fostering solidarity within the Turkish community of Western Thrace.
A particularly moving moment came when students presented flowers and scarves bearing the word “Gaza” to all speakers as a gesture of solidarity. The children also handed over piggy banks filled with their own savings to Mufti Trampa, designated for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Attendees visited an emotional exhibition curated by the Qur’an school students and teachers, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The exhibition drew significant interest and further emphasized the importance of empathy and awareness.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional serving of pilav (rice with meat) and ayran (a yogurt-based drink) to all guests.
Following the event, Mufti Trampa shared a message on social media, stating:
“Our children's heartfelt tribute to Gaza touched us all. I thank the religious educators, parents, and the people of Ketenlik for their devotion. May God bless our children’s future.”
