Turkey has called on Greece to recognise muftis elected by the Muslim minority in Western Thrace, accusing Athens of violating religious freedoms and referring to the community as a “Turkish minority”.
In a statement issued on October 24, 2026, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry criticised Greece’s appointment process for muftis in Komotini and Xanthi, arguing that it disregards fundamental rights protected by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and other international agreements.
“The institution of the mufti is an integral part of the religious, social and cultural identity of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
The statement claimed that Greece ignores the community’s will and religious freedom by refusing to recognise the muftis it elects, and accused Athens of violating rights protected by international agreements.
“We call on the Greek authorities to recognise the legitimate muftis elected by the Minority and to abandon efforts to impose appointed muftis,” the ministry concluded.
Turkey’s statement reiterates Ankara’s position that the Muslim minority in Western Thrace constitutes a Turkish minority, a description that Greece does not officially recognise. The dispute centres on the appointment of religious leaders and the interpretation of minority rights under the Treaty of Lausanne.
(Source: AMNA)
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