Türkiye Criticizes Greece’s Policies Toward Muftis of Turkish Minority in Western Thrace

By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk

Türkiye's Foreign Ministry said on April 8 that Greece was continuing "appointed mufti" practices in Western Thrace without consulting the Turkish minority's representatives and institutions, and warned that similar steps were now being extended beyond Didymoteicho (Dimetoka) to Rodopi (Rodop) and Xanthi (İskeçe).

The ministry said the process presented as an election in Didymoteicho did not reflect the will of the community and described the broader approach as unacceptable. Ankara framed the issue as one of recognition, arguing that Greece continues to deny the elected religious leaders of an officially recognized minority.

The position reflects a longstanding dispute between the two sides. Greece maintains that the minority is defined on a religious basis under the Lausanne framework and defends its system of appointing muftis through state regulated procedures, as outlined in earlier Bosphorus News reporting.

Türkiye's Foreign Ministry also said that ending what it described as repressive practices toward the Turkish minority in Western Thrace would contribute positively to bilateral relations, adding that Ankara would continue to closely follow developments affecting the minority's rights.

Ankara issued a statement regarding the matter earlier this week.