Western Thrace Advisory Board condemns mufti appointment practices in Greece

The Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board has strongly criticized recent developments concerning the mufti issue in Greece, stating that “no practice that excludes the will of the minority has legitimacy.”

In a written statement released on April 8, 2026, the board expressed concern over ongoing policies related to the appointment of muftis, arguing that they contradict both democratic principles and international legal commitments.

Minority Rights and International Agreements
The board emphasized that the religious autonomy of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace is safeguarded under the Treaty of Lausanne, which guarantees the community’s right to manage its own religious affairs and elect its muftis.

However, since 1985, Greece has implemented a system of state-appointed muftis, a move the board says effectively strips the minority of this fundamental right.

“Appointment Disguised as Election”
Referring to recent developments in Didymoteicho (Dimetoka), the board argued that a process presented as an “election” was in reality a state appointment, lacking legitimacy and failing to reflect the will of the minority community.

The statement warned that similar practices are now being extended to Rhodope and İskeçe, further deepening tensions.

Lack of Dialogue and Growing Distrust
The Advisory Board criticized Greek authorities for failing to engage in meaningful dialogue with elected representatives and institutions of the minority.

According to the statement, this absence of consultation undermines trust between the state and the minority community, while exacerbating a long-standing issue that has remained unresolved for decades.

Violation of International Obligations
Beyond democratic concerns, the board argued that current practices violate international agreements, including the Treaty of Athens and the Treaty of Lausanne.

It stressed that these unilateral measures disregard Greece’s obligations regarding the religious and administrative autonomy of the minority.

Call for Inclusive Dialogue
Describing the mufti issue as a matter directly tied to the community’s religious, cultural, and social identity, the board called for a genuine, inclusive, and constructive dialogue process based on the free will of the minority.

The Advisory Board concluded by condemning ongoing appointment practices in Rhodope and Xanthi, reiterating that any initiative excluding the minority’s will is “unacceptable and illegitimate.”