Zeybek evaluated the Ministry's response regarding the plundered Petinos (Horozlu) cemetery
The Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs answered Hüseyin Zeybek's question.
Xanthi Deputy Hüseyin Zeybek stated that the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs responded to his parliamentary question regarding the Petinos (Horozlu) cemetery.
In the statement Zeybek said, "While the response of the Authorized Ministry emphasized the temporary solution regarding the transfer of the tombstones to a safe area for protection, they remained silent about the real problem, which is the property status."
Zeybek’s statement is as follows:
“In response to our question number 4018/18-03-2022 about the complete destruction of the Muslim cemetery in the Petinos (Horozlu) settlement of Avdira (Bulustra) Municipality in Xanthi, the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs perceived the disrespect towards cemeteries regardless of religion as an important issue.
Therefore, the Prosecution authorities took over the investigation of the act of contempt.
As a matter of fact, a ministry decision in 1978 stipulated the use of abandoned cemeteries as green areas. (art. 16 Paragraph 2 Y.A A5/1210/1978) If the cemeteries are not used for more than 20 years, the Municipality can use this area as a green area.
However, there is a difference in the fact that Muslim cemeteries, whose ownership status is different, belong to the Foundation Committees.
The municipality's move to destroy the cemetery in question ignores the Foundation Committee by challenging its property status above all else.
Aside from this unprecedented act of disrespect, even the municipal authority's decision-making process was not conducted in a procedural manner.
The mayor caused this inhumane event without even the approval of the city council.
The Response of the Authorized Ministry emphasized the temporary solution of moving the tombstones to a safe area for preservation, while remaining silent on the main issue, the property status.
Therefore, it is necessary to find a permanent solution to this problem in order not to witness such events again. At the same time, we hope that the authorities will quickly clarify the case and those responsible will be brought to justice immediately.”
