Greece Swears In New Muftis of Komotini and Xanthi

Greece’s Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, on Friday swore in the newly appointed Muftis of Komotini and Xanthi, completing the appointment process across all three muftiates in Western Thrace.

Bilal Kara Halil took the oath as Mufti of Komotini, while Sioukri Serif Damadoglou became Mufti of Xanthi. A 33-member advisory committee comprising imams, Muslim theologians and Islamic religious teachers selected both men.

The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports. The ministry described the selection process as an important institutional procedure that respects religious freedom and the traditions of Western Thrace’s Muslim minority.

The appointments follow the swearing-in of Emin Serif as Mufti of Didymoteicho in January 2026. Together, the three appointments complete the process of selecting and appointing Muftis in all three muftiates of Western Thrace, following years of operation under acting Muftis.

Zacharaki highlights Christian-Muslim cooperation and shared history

Addressing the new Muftis, Zacharaki spoke about the longstanding bonds between Christian and Muslim Greeks, highlighting their shared history, commitment to their homeland and the importance of peaceful coexistence.

Reflecting on Greece’s recent 28 October national anniversary, she particularly highlighted the participation of Christians and Muslims in the country’s struggles for freedom.

“During the battles of the forts, Greek Christians and Greek Muslims fought together. United as brothers, they sacrificed themselves for one another and defended their homeland and freedom together,” the minister said.

Zacharaki stressed that Western Thrace’s Muslim minority forms an integral part of Greek society, with its own historical, cultural and religious identity. She also emphasised the importance of equal participation by all citizens in a free, democratic and European country.

The minister further highlighted the compatibility of Western Thrace’s Muslim religious traditions with fundamental European principles, describing the region’s Muslim communities as an example of peaceful coexistence.

Concluding her address, Zacharaki congratulated the new Muftis and assured them of the ministry’s willingness to work with them.

“Our doors will always be open. We want to cooperate and stand ready to support your work,” she said.

(Source: AMNA)

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