Western Thrace Turkish Federation slams mufti appointments in Greece as “rights violation”
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) has strongly condemned recent developments regarding the appointment of muftis in Greece, accusing the state of violating the rights of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
In a statement issued following a general assembly held on April 6, the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board (BTTADK) criticized the continuation of state-led appointment procedures in İskeçe and Gümülcine, after a similar move earlier this year in Dimetoka.
⚖️ “Non-Negotiable Right” to Elect Religious Leaders
ABTTF President Halit Habip Oğlu stated that the community’s right to elect its own muftis is fundamental and protected under international law.
“The state’s unlawful and illegitimate practices amount to a clear usurpation of our rights. The right of the Western Thrace Turkish community to choose its religious leaders is not open to debate,” he said.
He added that the mufti issue is not only religious but also closely tied to the cultural and social identity of the minority.
🏛️ Legal and Political Dispute
The controversy stems from Law 4964/2022, which restructured mufti offices—traditionally autonomous religious institutions—into entities operating under the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. Under the new system, muftis are effectively appointed through state-controlled procedures and serve as civil servants.
Critics argue that this framework undermines community autonomy and replaces democratic selection with state appointment mechanisms. The process applied in Dimetoka has been described by minority representatives as lacking democratic legitimacy, despite being presented as an “election.”
🌍 International Law Concerns
The ABTTF and BTTADK assert that the policy violates key international agreements, including:
- Treaty of Athens (1913)
- Treaty of Lausanne
- They also argue that the measures are inconsistent with European human rights standards.
⚠️ Rising Tensions
Minority representatives warn that recent decisions go beyond administrative reform and may contribute to heightened social tensions in the region. The continuation of the appointment process in Gümülcine and İskeçe is seen as a signal that Athens intends to maintain its current policy direction.
ABTTF has pledged to continue raising the issue both domestically and internationally, calling for the restoration of what it describes as treaty-guaranteed rights.
