Turkish Official slams Greece over non-recognition of elected Muftis in Western Thrace
Zafer Sırakaya, Deputy Chairman of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and head of foreign relations, has strongly criticized Greece for refusing to recognize elected muftis of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
Sırakaya stated that the policy constitutes a violation of rights guaranteed under the Treaty of Lausanne, which safeguards the religious and cultural freedoms of minority communities.
“Violation of Fundamental Rights”
In a statement shared on social media, Sırakaya said:
“Greece’s practices of not recognizing the elected muftis of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace are a violation of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne.”
He emphasized that Türkiye and the AK Party reject any measures that disregard the identity, faith, and democratic will of the minority community.
Support for Western Thrace Turkish Minority
Sırakaya reaffirmed Ankara’s continued support for the Turkish population in Western Thrace, describing them as “an inseparable part” of the nation’s historical and cultural ties.
The issue of mufti appointments has long been a point of contention between Türkiye and Greece, with debates centered on religious autonomy and minority rights.
Commitment to International Legal Framework
The Turkish official stressed that Türkiye will continue to defend the rights of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority within the framework of international law.
He added that Ankara remains committed to raising the issue on international platforms and advocating for the recognition of the community’s elected religious leaders.
