Türkiye’s YTB Chief slams Greece over mufti appointments in Western Thrace

Abdülhadi Turus, head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), has strongly criticized Greece over its recent mufti appointment practices affecting the Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace.

In a written statement, Turus argued that the ongoing process of appointing state-backed muftis in the regions of Rhodope and İskeçe undermines the community’s democratic rights and religious freedoms.

“Community Will Cannot Be Ignored”
Turus emphasized that recent developments signal a renewed challenge to the minority’s right to elect its own religious leaders, a principle he said is incompatible with international law and democratic norms.

“The will of the Turkish community in Western Thrace cannot be disregarded,” he stated, underscoring that the mufti institution is not merely a religious authority but also a cornerstone of communal identity and unity.

Disputed Legitimacy of Appointment Process
According to the YTB chief, the current system—described as elections in form but appointments in practice—lacks legitimacy in the eyes of the local population. He called on Greece, as a member of the European Union, to fully respect the religious autonomy of its citizens.

Turus further argued that these practices contradict protections guaranteed under the Treaty of Lausanne, which secures minority rights in the region.

Ongoing International Advocacy
Reaffirming Ankara’s position, Turus said YTB will continue to support the Western Thrace Turkish community’s efforts to safeguard their identity, faith, and fundamental rights on international platforms.

The issue of mufti selection has long been a point of contention between Ankara and Athens, reflecting broader tensions over minority rights and legal interpretations of international agreements.