Turkish media spotlight returns to mufti dispute in Western Thrace
The long-running dispute over appointed versus elected muftis in Western Thrace has drawn widespread attention in Turkish media, with Hürriyet publishing a detailed report on Greece’s latest moves to appoint new religious leaders in the region.
The article, authored by Duygu Leloğlu, highlights renewed tensions following Athens’ reported efforts to appoint muftis in İskeçe and Gümülcine—two key centers of the Turkish minority.
A 40-Year-Old Crisis Rekindled
According to the report, the dispute dates back to 1985, when Greece began appointing muftis instead of recognizing those elected by the Turkish minority. While the Greek state maintains this administrative system, the minority community has continued to elect its own religious leaders, refusing to acknowledge state-appointed figures.
The issue has become a recurring source of tension between Türkiye and Greece, particularly as it intersects with broader debates on minority rights and religious autonomy.
Legal Disputes and ECHR Rulings
The report features remarks by İbrahim Şerif, who pointed to ongoing legal challenges against him and the lack of implementation of rulings by the European Court of Human Rights.
“Over the years, I have faced 25 to 30 court cases on various grounds,” Şerif said, adding that a ruling calling for his reinstatement has yet to be enforced.
Şerif also challenged Greece’s interpretation of international agreements, arguing that while Athens claims the Treaty of Lausanne does not mandate elections for muftis, provisions in the Treaty of Athens explicitly предусматривают their election.
“A Question of Rule of Law”
Mustafa Trampa described the situation as a “rule of law issue,” stressing that the community’s demands are rooted in fundamental rights.
He drew comparisons with the Greek Orthodox minority in Istanbul, noting that religious and institutional autonomy is granted in Türkiye. “Whatever rights are discussed or recognized there, the Turkish minority in Western Thrace expects reciprocity,” he stated.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The debate has also drawn political responses. Çiğdem Asafoğlu, head of the Friendship Equality Peace Party, argued that the policy reflects deep-rooted “Turkophobia” within Greek foreign policy.
“Claiming to be the cradle of democracy while denying a minority its most basic religious rights is a contradiction that cannot be justified,” Asafoğlu said, urging Athens to engage in dialogue and reverse its stance.
A Persistent Flashpoint
The mufti issue remains one of the most sensitive and enduring disputes concerning the Turkish minority in Western Thrace. As media attention intensifies, the controversy вновь underscores broader concerns over religious freedom, minority rights, and compliance with international legal standards.
