Xanthi Mufti Trampa in Edirne for the "Education, Culture, and Life in Western Thrace" panel

Xanthi Mufti Mustafa Trampa highlighted the efforts to preserve the Turkish language in Western Thrace during his speech at the "Education, Culture, and Life in Western Thrace" panel held at the Devecihan Cultural Center in Edirne, organized by the Teacher Academies Edirne City and Culture Academy.

Trampa pointed out that Western Thrace consists of the provinces of Alexandroupolis, Komotini, and Xanthi, where the Muslim Turkish minority resides. He reminded the audience that the Turks of Western Thrace, along with the Greeks living in Istanbul, were excluded from the 1923 population exchange agreement between Türkiye and Greece.

He emphasized that language, religion, and traditions form the three main pillars of culture, stressing that preserving the Turkish language is crucial. "We work hard to preserve our language because without it, our religion, traditions, and culture would be lost. The language carries everything. If you lose your language, you lose your culture, your religion, and your traditions," Trampa stated. He further explained that their main concern is not only religion but ensuring the survival of the Turkish language, which serves as the carrier of all cultural elements.

Trampa also expressed the ongoing support from the Turkish homeland in their efforts to maintain Turkish presence in the region, inviting Turkish citizens to visit Western Thrace. He noted, "Visit ancient Ottoman cities like Kavala and Thessaloniki, but first come to Western Thrace. Because in Western Thrace, you are there. Your values, your legacy, and your soul are preserved there. A 400-500-year-old civilization has lived there, and everything is still standing. Our presence there, together with our Muslim Turkish brothers, is crucial to maintain our heritage."

The event was attended by the Director of the Provincial Directorate of National Education Ferhat Yılmaz and various teachers.