Western Thrace Teachers’ Association marks International Mother Language Day in Gümülcine
The Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Association (BTTÖB) organized a special event in Gümülcine to mark International Mother Language Day, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Turkish language within the Western Thrace Turkish minority community.
The event, held at the association’s headquarters, brought together community leaders, local officials, and representatives from Türkiye.
Among those attending were Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine Aykut Ünal, Mufti of Komotini İbrahim Şerif, Kozlukebir Mayor Erdem Hüseyin, BAKEŞ Director Pervin Hayrullah, and Osmangazi Mayor Erkan Aydın, along with numerous members of the Western Thrace Turkish minority.
“Mother tongue is the foundation of identity”
Opening the program, BTTÖB President Aydın Ahmet highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the Turkish language, referring to the legacy of Ali Şîr Nevaî and the emphasis placed on national language and identity by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
He reiterated demands for Turkish-language kindergartens and called for the protection of minority schools from closure due to declining student numbers.
“Losing language means losing identity”
Osmangazi Mayor Erkan Aydın stressed that language is inseparable from collective identity, expressing continued support for the rights of the Western Thrace Turkish minority.
Consul General Aykut Ünal referenced the Orhun Inscriptions, describing language as a bridge between past and future and urging younger generations to safeguard their linguistic and cultural heritage.
Cultural Program
The event concluded with a poetry and music performance themed “One Poem, One Song,” followed by a plaque presentation ceremony.
