Zorlu condemns Greece over mufti appointment policy in Western Thrace
Kürşad Zorlu, deputy chairman of Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), has condemned Greece’s approach to appointing muftis in Gümülcine (Komotini) and İskeçe (Xanthi), arguing that it violates the rights of the Western Thrace Turkish minority.
In a statement shared on X on 25 October, Zorlu accused the Greek government of disregarding the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and other relevant international agreements, particularly regarding the minority’s rights in education and religious affairs.
“We strongly condemn the Greek government’s practices that violate the special rights of the Western Thrace Turkish minority in the fields of education and religion,” Zorlu said.
Zorlu calls for recognition of the right to elect muftis
Zorlu singled out Greece’s appointment-based approach to selecting muftis, describing it as “imposing and contrary to law.” He argued that the right to elect religious leaders is guaranteed by international agreements.
“We once again remind the relevant Greek authorities that they must abandon this approach,” he said, adding that Türkiye would continue to defend the rights of the Western Thrace Turkish minority.
Longstanding dispute over religious leadership
The selection of muftis in Western Thrace has long been a point of disagreement between the Greek authorities and representatives of the Turkish minority. The dispute centres on Greece’s official appointment procedures and the minority’s demand to elect its own religious leaders.
Zorlu’s remarks add to recent criticism from Turkish officials and minority representatives following appointments to the mufti offices in Gümülcine and İskeçe.
The issue remains closely linked to wider debates over minority rights, religious freedom and the interpretation of international agreements governing the status of the Western Thrace Turkish minority.
