Greece Rejects Türkiye’s Western Thrace Criticism, Reasserts Lausanne Framework

By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk

Greece has rejected Türkiye's criticism over the treatment of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace, responding with a formal statement that reasserts its legal framework and interpretation of the Lausanne Treaty.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the minority in Western Thrace is defined on a religious basis rather than an ethnic one, adding that the Lausanne Treaty "is not open to interpretation" on this point.

Athens also defended its system for appointing muftis, stating that the process is regulated by law and does not provide for direct election. The ministry referred to Law 4964/2022, under which a committee drawn from members of the minority evaluates candidates before appointments are made by the state.

The statement said the appointment of the mufti in Didymoteicho has been completed and that procedures are under way for Xanthi and Komotini, presenting the process as part of an updated legal framework.

Greek officials also pushed back against Ankara's position by noting that religious officials in Türkiye are likewise appointed rather than elected, framing the issue as one of consistent state practice rather than discrimination.

The response also comes against a wider backdrop in which rhetoric on Türkiye has sharpened in parts of Greek public life, as explored in a recent Bosphorus News analysis of controversy surrounding remarks by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.

The statement follows Türkiye's April 8 position accusing Greece of violating the rights of the Turkish Muslim minority and calling for recognition of elected muftis, as outlined in Bosphorus News reporting on Ankara's dual statements.

The exchange highlights a persistent gap between the two sides. Türkiye frames the issue around religious autonomy and minority rights, while Greece anchors its position in legal definitions and state oversight.

Contacts between the two countries continue under the confidence building measures track, but the latest statements show that the Western Thrace file remains active and contested at the official level.