The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) submitted a written statement to the 63rd regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 7 to October 7.
In the statement, titled “Ongoing interference in the religious autonomy of the Western Thrace Turkish minority in Greece and violations of freedom of religion,” the religious status and rights of the minority were described as being guaranteed under the 1913 Treaty of Athens and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.
Emphasis on the right to elect muftis
ABTTF stated that the Western Thrace Turkish minority has the right to elect its muftis and administer its religious institutions. The federation said the minority elected its own muftis until 1985, while muftis began to be appointed by the state after a legal change in 1991.
The statement argued that this practice eliminated the right to elect muftis. ABTTF said Law No. 4964, enacted in 2022, changed the status of the mufti offices and transformed them into public institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.
Appointments in Didymoteicho, Xanthi and Komotini
ABTTF said a mufti was appointed by the state in Didymoteicho in 2026, while similar appointment processes were underway in Xanthi and Komotini.
The federation stated that members of the country’s other recognized religions can elect their religious leaders, while the religious institutions of the Western Thrace Turkish minority remain under state control. It said this situation raises concerns regarding freedom of religion and belief and the principle of equality.
In Greece, the religious leaders of the Western Thrace Turkish minority, the muftis and the governing boards of minority foundations are appointed by the state. The Turkish minority opposes these practices and wants the muftis it elects to serve in office.
