Greece Officially Installs Three New Muftis in Thrace

by · Greek City Times

Greece has officially installed three new Muftis in Thrace following a selection process that allowed members of the Muslim minority to choose their own religious leaders, in a ceremony held in Komotini on Friday.

Education and Religious Affairs Minister Sofia Zacharaki highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, describing the region’s shared commitment to living, celebrating, facing hardships and prospering together as a defining feature of Thrace.

The ceremony took place in a packed conference hall at the Regional Unit of Rhodope, attended by the three newly appointed Muftis, four Metropolitans serving the region, representatives of political and military authorities, Muslim organisations and institutions, and members of the public.

The event marked a new chapter for the institution of the Muftiates following the introduction of a legislative process that gives members of Greece’s Muslim minority the opportunity to select their own religious leaders.

Zacharaki: Muslim minority chose its new Muftis

Read more: Greece Swears In New Muftis of Komotini and Xanthi

Zacharaki emphasised the Muslim minority’s place in Greece’s vision for economic development, prosperity and equal opportunities for all citizens.

She described the minority as an integral part of this future, highlighting the important role of younger generations who speak languages, attend universities, seek greater opportunities and look towards a future in Europe without fearing the loss of their cultural identity.

She also stressed the importance of religious leaders in maintaining harmony between the two communities.

“The role of the Metropolitans and Muftis in this unique coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Thrace is exceptional,” she said, describing peaceful coexistence as a strategic advantage for the region.

Addressing the new legislative process, Zacharaki said it had, for the first time, given the Muslim minority the opportunity to select its own religious leaders.

She acknowledged that legislation could always improve, adding that its practical implementation would reveal opportunities for further improvements.

“A historic change has taken place, which we now have the opportunity to experience, live through and, of course, evaluate,” she said.

She stressed that democratic institutions and procedures allowed authorities to correct mistakes and improve policies.

“The new Muftis of the Muslim minority are the ones whom Muslims themselves elected. And that is the truth of the facts,” she said.

Zacharaki concluded by urging people to look towards the future rather than remain attached to the past.

“Those times are over. Things have changed and will change even more, at an even faster pace,” she said, calling for equal access to quality education, better schools and universities, and improved employment opportunities for all children.

Emin Serif: Love, tolerance and interfaith respect must come first

New Didymoteicho Mufti Emin Serif spoke about the responsibility of his appointment and thanked Zacharaki and the selection committee.

He described Thrace as a longstanding example of peaceful coexistence, where people from different religious and cultural backgrounds live together harmoniously and respect one another.

He also congratulated the newly appointed Muftis of Komotini and Xanthi, saying they shared a responsibility to preserve the region’s tradition of peaceful coexistence and strengthen an atmosphere of love and tolerance.

“The true values of Islam call for love, justice, social cohesion and respect for religion,” he said.

Serif pledged to address the religious and social needs of Muslims while avoiding extremism and promoting interfaith respect.

He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with educational institutions to help young people develop strong moral values, reject racism and become constructive members of society.

He said he would maintain open communication with regional institutions and representatives of other religious communities.

Bilal Kara Halil: Our shared journey is our greatest strength

New Komotini Mufti Bilal Kara Halil expressed emotion and a strong sense of responsibility as he assumed his new duties.

He thanked the Greek state, the Education Minister, the selection committee and the religious teachers of the Komotini Muftiate for their support.

Kara Halil stressed that a Mufti’s responsibilities extended beyond religious and spiritual duties to include community service, family support and the preservation of social cohesion.

“We are all one family, one strong and supportive team,” he said.

He identified peace, solidarity, justice and respect for others as the central values guiding his leadership.

He also pledged to work closely with the state, local authorities and institutions through dialogue, transparency and trust.

Supporting young people and education would remain another priority, he said, describing knowledge and learning as the strongest foundations for a better future.

Addressing relations between Christians and Muslims, he said:

“Christians and Muslims live together, share the same place, the same concerns and the same hopes for progress. Our shared journey is our greatest strength, and we have a duty to protect it as the apple of our eye.”

He pledged to serve every citizen without discrimination, with sincerity and compassion.

Sioukris Serif Damadoglou: I am here to serve people, not to be served

New Xanthi Mufti Sioukris Serif Damadoglou described his appointment as an opportunity to serve people and society rather than simply hold an official position.

He said he accepted the responsibility with a full understanding of its significance, drawing on teachings from the Holy Quran to emphasise that people demonstrate the value of responsibility through their actions and service, rather than words.

Damadoglou pledged to remain close to the community, listen to people’s concerns, understand their needs and support them through difficult times.

He identified young people, families, children and older citizens as particular priorities.

He said religious leadership should extend beyond speeches and formal duties to play a meaningful role in people’s everyday lives.

A Mufti, he added, should remain approachable, inspire trust, uphold justice and promote respect, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

Quoting the Prophet Muhammad, he said: “Whoever is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah.”

He described appreciation, respect and service to others as integral parts of religious faith.

Summing up his approach to the position, he declared:

“I am not assuming this position so that people can serve me, but so that I can serve people.”

Metropolitan Panteleimon: In Thrace, people respect one another

Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini highlighted the historic significance of the appointments for Thrace and Greece, delivering a greeting on behalf of all four Metropolitans serving the region.

He said the selection of the new Muftis and their official installation sent a clear message to the international community: Christians and Muslims in Thrace live peacefully together and demonstrate the possibility of harmonious coexistence through their everyday actions.

He drew a distinction between tolerance and genuine mutual respect.

“In Thrace, people do not merely tolerate one another. In Thrace, one person respects another person, and this must be understood,” he said.

Panteleimon described peaceful coexistence as a distinctive virtue of Thracian society, rooted in the character and values of its people.

He invited anyone wishing to understand this relationship to visit Thrace and witness its social reality firsthand.

He added that successive generations had inherited these values, continued to cultivate them and sought to pass them on to future generations.

Political representatives attend ceremony

Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Christos Dermentzopoulos, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, and Rhodope MPs Evripidis Stylianidis and Ilhan Ahmet also attended.

In their addresses, speakers highlighted peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims and the significance of implementing the new legislation, which allows members of the Muslim minority to elect the Muftis who represent them.

The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere of unity, cooperation, solidarity and emotion, marking an important moment for the Muftiates and publicly reaffirming the shared future of the region’s two religious communities.

The central message was that peaceful coexistence in Thrace represents not merely a declared principle but an everyday reality that everyone has a responsibility to preserve and strengthen.

(Source: AMNA)

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