YTB Head condemns Greece’s appointment of mufti in Dimetoka

The President of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Abdülhadi Turus, strongly criticized Greece’s recent appointment of a mufti in Dimetoka (Didymoteicho), calling the decision contrary to both the Treaty of Lausanne and democratic principles.

In his statement, Turus emphasized that the religious autonomy of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, as guaranteed under the Treaty of Lausanne, and their right to elect their own religious representatives had been clearly violated.

Turus further noted on social media that YTB is closely monitoring these appointments, which ignore the will of the minority population. He stated:

“We are deeply concerned by coercive measures that violate the religious autonomy and representative rights of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, as guaranteed under the Treaty of Lausanne. These actions are incompatible with the rule of law and democratic values.”

Impact on Community and Democratic Principles

Turus described the appointments as not only legally questionable but also damaging to social peace, emphasizing:

“Processes that disregard a community’s conscience and are conducted without regard for religious and cultural sensitivities cannot gain legitimacy.”

Mufti as a Reflection of Faith, Not State Administration

Highlighting the importance of minority rights in a democracy, Turus stressed that:

“The mufti institution should not be an administrative tool of the state. It must reflect the spiritual life, freedom of belief, and free will of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.”

YTB’s Clear Stance

Concluding his statement, Turus reaffirmed YTB’s support for elected muftis and commitment to upholding law and democratic norms, emphasizing:

“We stand firmly with the Western Thrace Turkish Minority in defending their internationally recognized rights and the muftis they freely elect.”