The Muslim Minority of Thrace is a religious minority. The Treaty of Lausanne of 1923, which governs its legal status, does not allow for multiple interpretations, and its religious - not ethnic - character is indisputable.
The Treaty of Lausanne contains no provision for the election of Muftis by the Minority, nor could it, given that they are entrusted with additional judicial and administrative duties.
Greece, under Law 4964/2022, provided for the establishment of a committee composed of members of the Minority, including women, which evaluates and nominates the most suitable candidates for the position of Mufti. Pursuant to this Law, the appointment of the new Mufti of Didymoteicho has been completed, while calls for applications for the positions of Muftis of Xanthi and Komotini have already been published. This is taking place at a time when, in Türkiye itself, Muftis are appointed.
Greece, as a European state governed by the rule of law, addresses matters concerning the Muslim Minority in Thrace with utmost responsibility, on the basis of the principles of equality and equal treatment, and, above all, ensures the religious freedom of its members. This will not change, and neither will the designation of the Minority, as provided for by International Law, simply because some refuse to acknowledge the obvious.
April 9, 2026