Western Thrace Turkish Minority urges Athens: “Address our issues at the table”
Leading figures of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace have called on the Greek government to establish a direct consultation mechanism to address the community’s long-standing issues. The appeal coincides with January 29 – the National Day of Resistance and Social Solidarity of the Turks of Western Thrace, a day symbolizing the community’s struggle for rights and identity.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
Mustafa Trampa, elected Mufti of İskeçe, highlighted the enduring significance of the January 29, 1988, events, marking the fight for freedom and fundamental rights. He recalled the challenges faced by the community in the 1980s, including:
- Closure of associations carrying the “Turkish” designation
- Expropriation of Turkish-owned lands
- Revocation of citizenship for those leaving abroad
- Imprisonment of Turkish politicians
- Trampa also noted the vandalism attacks on Turkish shops on January 29, 1990, illustrating the historical repression of the minority.
Despite the passage of decades, key issues—such as foundations, education, and mufti appointments—remain unresolved. Trampa emphasized that even the use of “Western Thrace” in association names is still problematic.
“Decisions are being made without consulting the minority. Our voice, our values, are not considered. We are ready to engage in dialogue, but the door remains closed due to prejudice,” he said.
Community Leaders Stress Identity and Rights
Journalist Ozan Ahmetoğlu, President of the Board at İskeçe Minority Secondary-High School, recalled the 1988 mobilization of tens of thousands of Turkish citizens as a societal response to cumulative injustices. He stressed:
“We protested the denial of our identity, but we also demanded to live as human beings. We are not outsiders; we are citizens, human beings, and have been living on these lands for centuries.”
Ahmetoğlu underscored that the Turkish minority has consistently advocated for equal rights under international law, while stressing that their continued marginalization persists in various forms.
Calls to the Greek Government
Both Trampa and Ahmetoğlu urged the Greek state to:
- Treat minority education as a right, not a threat
- Consult the community on mufti appointments
- Implement economic and social development programs
- Recognize and respect the Turkish identity of Western Thrace citizens
- Ahmetoğlu concluded by emphasizing that the Turkish minority poses no national security threat; rather, it represents cultural richness and diversity for Greece.
