Western Thrace Turkish leader Dr. Sadık Ahmet commemorated with prayers on 31st anniversary
The commemoration ceremony, organized by the Friendship, Equality and Peace (DEB) Party, which was founded by Dr. Sadık Ahmet, was held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 19:00 at Kahveci Cemetery in Gümülcine, with wide participation from the community.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Turkish community of Western Thrace, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Athens Çağatay Erciyes, Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine Aykut Ünal, representatives from North Macedonia and Bulgaria, Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, politicians, civil society representatives and many members of the community.
The program began with a sala recited by İsmail Ahmet, followed by a Quran recitation by Ahmet Arif and a prayer led by Deputy Mufti of Gümülcine Fehim Ahmet.
In her opening speech, DEB Party Chairwoman Çiğdem Asafoğlu emphasized that the struggle initiated by Dr. Sadık Ahmet for the rights of Western Thrace Turks continues with the same determination today. She highlighted the importance of the 29 January Resistance as a milestone in the community’s rights movement and stated that issues related to education, religious freedoms and human rights continue to be addressed on international platforms.
Asafoğlu also stated that no punishment would deter their commitment to defending the rights of the Turkish community of Western Thrace, referring to recent legal cases involving members of the community.
President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and İskeçe Mufti Mustafa Trampa also addressed the ceremony, saying that the community’s struggle had reached today through significant sacrifices. He pointed to ongoing issues concerning mufti offices, education, minority schools and recent legal developments affecting community members.
Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Zeki Levent Gümrükçü conveyed greetings from Türkiye and read a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who commemorated Dr. Sadık Ahmet with mercy, gratitude and respect.
In the message, Erdoğan highlighted Dr. Sadık Ahmet’s lifelong dedication to defending the rights of Western Thrace Turks despite pressure, obstacles and imprisonment. He stated that Türkiye would continue supporting efforts to address challenges faced by the Turkish minority regarding education, religious freedom, foundation management and other fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Sadık Ahmet’s family, his wife Işık Sadık Ahmet thanked the participants and said that her husband’s legacy was based on democracy, law, human rights and peace rather than hostility.
She emphasized that Dr. Sadık Ahmet’s courage, honesty and dedication should continue to inspire younger generations, calling on them to protect their identity, culture and values while maintaining unity and solidarity.
The ceremony concluded with speeches from representatives of various organizations and political parties, followed by a meal served to participants.
