Western Thrace association criticises mufti appointments in Greece
The Western Thrace Turks Solidarity Association has criticised the Greek authorities' latest appointments to the mufti offices in Gümülcine (Komotini) and İskeçe (Xanthi), calling on Greece to recognise the Turkish minority's right to choose its own religious leaders through democratic procedures.
In a public statement published on 25 October, the association argued that the mufti issue cannot be treated merely as an administrative matter, stressing that it is directly linked to religious freedom and the minority's right to determine its own religious representation.
The association said İbrahim Şerif in Gümülcine and Mustafa Trampa in İskeçe continue to serve as muftis elected by the will of the Western Thrace Turkish minority and enjoy community recognition.
Association calls for recognition of elected muftis
The association argued that the Greek authorities' continued reliance on appointments for five-year terms deepens the discrepancy between the state's administrative practices and the minority's demands for representation.
It maintained that the legitimacy of a religious office should not rest solely on administrative decisions, but should also reflect the will of the community it represents and relevant democratic standards.
The association called on the Greek authorities to replace the appointment-based approach with a process that allows the minority to determine its religious leaders democratically.
Treaty obligations and European human rights rulings
The statement referred to the 1913 Treaty of Athens and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, arguing that the minority's demand to elect its muftis is rooted in historical agreements and international commitments.
It also cited European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgments in the cases of İbrahim Şerif and Mehmet Emin Aga, highlighting the religious freedom dimension of the dispute.
The association urged Greece to take international human rights standards and relevant court rulings into account, arguing that the demand for elected muftis is not a request for special treatment but for the equal and fair exercise of rights.
The issue has long been a source of disagreement between the Greek authorities and representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish minority over the appointment of religious leaders and the recognition of community-elected muftis.
Association draws comparison with the Greek Orthodox community in Türkiye
The association also referred to the process through which the Greek Orthodox community in Türkiye determines its religious leadership under its institutional procedures.
It called for consistency in the treatment of minority religious rights in Greece and Türkiye, arguing that reciprocity should not be used to restrict rights but should instead encourage both countries to protect their respective minorities fairly.
The statement stressed that the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne should be implemented equitably by all parties.
Call for dialogue and a resolution
The Western Thrace Turks Solidarity Association said it would continue to defend the minority's identity, culture and religious institutions on legal and democratic grounds.
It urged the Greek authorities to review the current appointment practices, recognise the muftis elected by the minority and take consultative steps towards resolving the long-standing dispute in accordance with international obligations.
The association concluded by calling for a democratic process based on equal rights, respect for the minority's will and the avoidance of double standards.
