Greek Muftis Present Thrace Model of Coexistence at International Conference

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The Mufti of Didymoteicho, Emin Serif, and the Acting Mufti of Komotini, Yasar Serif Damadoglou, represented Greece at separate international Islamic conferences in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in recent days.

Emin Serif attended the International Grand Imam Conference 2026 (IGIC 2026) in Jakarta from September 25 to 28, following an invitation from Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs.

The conference brought together Muftis, Imams and senior religious representatives from 50 countries. Key topics included mosque harmony, religious diplomacy and global peace.

Representing Greece, Serif presented participants with information about the religious, cultural and social realities of Muslims in Thrace.

During his stay in Jakarta, Serif also held meetings with senior Indonesian political and religious officials. Accompanied by Greece’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Dimitrios Michalopoulos, he met Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Chief Imam of the Istiqlal Grand Mosque, Prof. Dr Nasaruddin Umar, as well as Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Anis Matta.

The meetings focused on strengthening communication between Muslim communities, expanding religious and cultural cooperation, and developing joint initiatives and programmes.

Komotini Mufti Addresses Conference in Medina

The Acting Mufti of Komotini, Yasar Serif Damadoglou, meanwhile, attended an international conference organised by the Islamic University of Medina in Saudi Arabia.

More than 30 Muftis and 54 speakers from 34 countries participated, including religious leaders, academics and researchers.

In his intervention, Damadoglou highlighted the importance of education and coexistence in correcting misconceptions about Islam. He stressed that meaningful knowledge and direct engagement by Muslims with their religion can contribute to a better understanding of Islam and foster a balanced approach.

The two Mufti offices said the international conferences provided important opportunities for the representatives of Thrace to engage with religious leaders and institutions from around the world.

They also highlighted the role of the two Muftis in presenting Thrace as a distinct example of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cooperation between Christians and Muslims.

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