Ε ΚΘ Ε Σ Η Π Ε Π ΡΑ Γ Μ Ε Ν Ω Ν

BATI TRAKYA AZINLIĞI YÜKSEK TAHSİLLİLER DERNEĞİ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΟΝΩΝ ΜΕΙΟΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΔΥΤΙΚΗΣ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ WESTERN THRACE MINORITY UNIVERSITY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION F A A L İ Y E T R A P O R U Ε ΚΘ Ε Σ Η Π Ε Π ΡΑ Γ Μ Ε Ν Ω Ν A N N U A L R E P O R T 2009

YÖNETİM KURULU ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΙΚΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Ahmet Kara Mehmet Emin Tülay Külçioğlu Serhat Nuri Başkan Πρόεδρος Chairman Asbaşkan Αντιπρόεδρος Vice- Chairman Genel sekreter Γενικός Γραμματέας Secretary General Kasadar Ταμίας Treasurer Sinem Hüseyin Sinan Kavas Fatme Salih Y.K. Üyesi Μέλος Δ.Σ. Board Member Y.K. Üyesi Μέλος Δ.Σ. Board Member Y.K. Üyesi Μέλος Δ.Σ. Board Member DENETİM KURULU ΕΞΕΛΕΓΚΤΙΚΗ ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠΗ AUDITING BOARD Ayşe Galip Zeynep Tevfikoğlu Mustafa Katrancı Başkan Πρόεδρος Chairman D.K. Üyesi Μέλος E.E. A.B.Member D.K. Üyesi Μέλος E.E. A.B.Member We would like to thank the members of our Association who contributed to the preparation of the Annual Report. The Administrative Board W.T.M.U.G.A.

Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği 28. Olağan Genel Kurul Toplantısı, 25 Ocak 2009 Pazar günü Gümülcine nin Chrıs & Eve otelinde gerçekleşmiştir. Kongre Başkanlığını, Emekli Öğretmen Tevfik Hüseyinoğlu, sekreterlik görevlerini ise Erhan Hüseyin Ali ve Emine Subaşılar yapmıştır. 28. dönem kongresinde 181 üye oy kullanmıştır. BATI TRAKYA AZINLIĞI YÜKSEK TAHSİLLER DERNEĞİ - FAALİYET RAPORU 2009 GENEL KURUL ΓΕΝΙΚΗ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΗ 28.GENERAL ASSEMBLY 28η. Γενική Συνέλευση του Σ.Ε.Μ.Δ.Θ. πραγματοποιήθηκε την Κυριακή 25 Ιανουαρίου 2009 Η στο ξενοδοχείο chris & Eve της Κομοτηνής. Καθήκοντα του προέδρου της Γενικής Συνέλευσης ανέλαβε ο συνταξιούχος καθηγητής κ. Τεφίκ Χουσεϊνογλου, ενώ καθήκοντα γραμματέως ανέλαβαν ο Ερχάν Χουσεΐν Αλί και η Εμινέ Σούμπασιλάρ Στη Γενική Συνέλευση της 28η. περιόδου ψήφισαν 181 μέλη. 1

GENEL KURUL ΓΕΝΙΚΗ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΗ 28.GENERAL ASSEMBLY The 28th General assembly of the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (W.T.M.U.G.A.) was held on 25 January 2009 at the Chris & Eve Hotel in Komotini. The Assembly was chaired by Tevfi k Hüseyinoğlu, retired teacher Tevfi k Hüseyinoğlu, while the two secretaries were Erhan Hüseyin Ali and Emine Subaşılar. 2

YÖNETİM KURULU ZİYARETLERİ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ VISITS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD B.T.A.Y.T.D. Yönetim Kurulu resmi makamlara nezaket ziyaretlerinde bulundu. Ta μέλη του διοικητικού Σθμβουλίου του Σ.Ε.Μ.Δ.Θ. πραγματοποίησαν εθιμοτυπικές επισκέψεις στις επίσημες αρχές. The administrative Board of the W.T.M.U.G.A. paid offi cial visits in the prefecture. Yönetim Kurulu Üyelerimiz 4 Mart 2009 Çarşamba günü Rodop Valisi Aris Yanakidis i makamında ziyaret etti. Ziyaret esnasında Rodop Vilayeti Vali Yardımcıları Sibel Mustafaoğlu ve Mehmet Devecioğlu da hazır bulundu. Yönetim Kurulu Üyeleri 28 Şubat 2009 Cumartesi günü İskeçe seçilmiş Müftüsü Ahmet Mete ve İskeçe Pasok Milletvekili Çetin Mandacı yı makamlarında ziyaret etti. Τα μέλη του Δ.Σ. του Συλλόγου μας επισκέφθηκαν τον αιρετό Μουφτή Ξάνθης κ. Αχμέτ Μετέ και τον Βουλευτή Ξάνθης κ. Τσετίν Μάντατζη το Σάββατο 28η Φεβρουαρίου 2009. The members of the Administrative Board visited the elected Mufti of Xanthi Mr. Ahmet Mete and the member of the Greek parliament Mr. Cetin Mandaci at their offi ces on the 28th of February 2009. Τα μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου την Τετάρτη 4 Μαρτίου επισκέφθηκαν τον Νομάρχη Ροδόπης κ. Άρη Γιαννακίδη. Παρόν στη συζήτηση ήταν και οι αντινομάρχες Σιμπέλ Μουσταφάογλου και Μεχμέτ Ντεβετζήογλου. The members of our Administrative Board visited at his offi ce the prefect of Rodope Mr. Aris Giannakidis on the 4th of March 2009. During their stay the assistant prefects of Rodope Mrs. Sibel Mustafaoglu and Mr. Mehmet Devecioglu were present. 3

YÖNETİM KURULU ZİYARETLERİ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ VISITS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Yönetim kurulu aynı gün Rodop Evros Genişletilmiş Bölge valiliği Başkanı sn. Georgios I. Minopulos u ve Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Gümülcine Başkonsolosu sn. Mustafa Sarnıç ı ziyaret etti. Το Δ.Σ. του Συλλόγου μας την ίδια ημέρα επισκέφθηκε τον Πρόεδρο της Νομαρχιακής Αυτοδιοίκησης Ροδόπης Έβρου κ. Γεώργιο Ι. Μηνόπουλο και τον Γενικό Πρόξενο της Τουρκίας στην Κομοτηνή κ. Mustafa Sarnıç. The members of the Administrative Board visited on the same day the prefect of the Broadened Prefecture of Rodope-Evros Mr. Georgios I. Minopoulos and the consul of the Republic of Turkey in Komotini Mr. Mustafa Sarnic. Derneğimiz Yönetim Kurulu 5 Mart 2009 Perşembe günü Gümülcine seçilmiş Müftüsü İbrahim Şerif i ziyaret etti. Το Δ.Σ. του Συλλόγου μας την Πέμπτη 5 Μαρτίου 2009 επισκέφθηκε τον αιρετό Μουφτή Κομοτηνής κ. Ιμπραχήμ Σερήφ. The members of our Administrative Board visited on Thursday the 5th of March 2009the elected Mufti of Komotini Mr. Ibrahim Serif. 4

YÖNETİM KURULU ZİYARETLERİ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ VISITS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Yönetim Kurulu Üyeleri 17 Mart Salı günü Gümülcine Belediye Başkanı sayın Dimitris Koçakis i makamında ziyaret etti. Ziyaret esnasında belediye başkan yardımcısı Sn.Ali Ali ve başkan danışmanı sn. Elmas Hüsemoğlu da hazır bulundu. Τα μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Συλλόγου μας την Τρίτη 17 Μαρτίου 2009, επισκέφθηκαν τον Δήμαρχο Κομοτηνής κ. Δημήτριο Κοτσάκη. Στη συνάντηση παραβρέθηκαν και ο Αντιδήμαρχος κ. Αλή Αλή και η κα. Ελμάς Χουσέμογλού. The members of our Administrative Board visited at his offi ce the mayor of Komotini Mr.Dimitrios Kotsakis on Tuesday the 17th of March 2009. During their stay the assistant mayor Mr.Ali Ali and Mrs.Elmas Husemoglu were present. Derneğimiz Yönetim Kurulu üyeleri 2 Nisan 2009 Perşembe akşamı Doğu Makedonya ve Trakya Bölge Genel Sekreteri sn. D. Stamatis i ziyaret etti. Τα μέλη του Δ.Σ. του Συλλόγου μας πραγματοποίησαν την Πέμπτη 2 Απριλίου 2009, εθιμοτυπική επίσκεψη στον Γ.Γ. Περιφέρειας Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας και Θράκης κ. Δημήτρη Σταμάτη. The members of our Administrative Board visited the General Secretary of the Prefecture of East Macedonia and Thrace Mr. Dimitrios Stamatis. Derneğimiz Yönetim Kurulu üyeleri 4 Ekim 2009 Milletvekili seçimlerinde İskeçe ve Rodop illerinden, iktidar partisi milletvekili olarak seçilen Sn. Ahmet Hacıosman ve Sn. Çetin Mandacı ya birer nezaket ziyaretinde bulundular. The members of our board of association visited the elected -by the parliament majority party- on the 4th of October 2009 elections parliament members: Mr. Ahmet Haciosman anf Mr. Cetin Mandaci. Τα μέλη του Δ.Σ. του Συλλόγου μας επισκέφθηκαν τους κυρίουε Αχμέτ Χατζηοσμάν και Τσετίν Μάντατζη που εκλέχθηκαν Βουλευτές από το κυβερνών κόμμα στο Νομό Ροδόπης και στο Νομό Ξάνθης αντίστοιχα. 5

DERNEĞİMİZE GERÇEKLEŞEN ZİYARETLER ΟΙ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΠΟΥ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΟΠΟΙΗΘΗΚΑΝ ΣΤΟΝ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟ ΜΑΣ VISITS TO ASSOCIATION İskeçe Belediyesinde Eşitlik Listesi üyeleri 5 Ocak 2009 Tarihinde Derneğimizin Gümülcine deki lokalini ziyaret ettiler. Τα μέλη του ανεξάρτητου συνδυασμού Ισότητα στο Δήμο Ξάνθης επισκέφθηκαν στις 5 Ιανουαρίου 2009 τα κεντρικά γραφεία του Συλλόγου μας στην Κομοτηνή. The members of the Equality List of the municipal council of Iskece visited our offi ces inkomotini on the 5th of January 2009. Pasok Rodop Milletvekili adayı, Av. Rıdvan Kocamümin 18 Eylül 2009 Cuma günü derneğimizi ziyaret etti. Ο υποψήφιος Βουλευτής Ροδόπης από το ΠΑΣΟΚ Δικηγόρος κ. Ριτβάν Κοτζάμουμίν πραγματοποίησε μια επίσκεψη στο σύλλογο μας την Παρασκευή 18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2009. Our association was visited by Mr.Ridvan Kocamumin, attorney at law and candidate on the recent national parliament elections, on Friday the 18th of September. 6

DERNEĞİMİZE GERÇEKLEŞEN ZİYARETLER ΟΙ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΠΟΥ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΟΠΟΙΗΘΗΚΑΝ ΣΤΟΝ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟ ΜΑΣ VISITS TO ASSOCIATION Amerika Birleşik Devletleri Atina Büyükelçiliği ve ABD Selanik Başkonsolosluğu nda görevli diplomatlar 9 Aralık Çarşamba günü derneğimizi ziyaret ettiler. Dernek başkanı Ahmet Kara ve yönetim kurulu üyeleri tarafından karşılanan ABD heyeti ile yapılan görüşmede Kadınlar Kolu ve Tiyatro Kolu Başkanı Şükran Raif, Uluslararası İlişkiler ve İnsan Hakları Kolu sorumluları Cemil Kabza ve Pervin Hayrullah da yer aldı. Διπλωμάτες της Πρεσβείας των ΗΠΑ στην Αθήνα και του Γενικού Προξενείου στη Θεσσαλονίκη επισκέφθηκαν τον σύλλογο μας την Τετάρτη 9 Δεκεμβρίου 2009. Τους επισκέπτες υποδέχτηκαν ο πρόεδρος Αχμέτ Καρά, τα μέλη του Δ.Σ., η πρόεδρος του τμήματος γυναικών και υπεύθυνη του θεατρικού τμήματος κ. Σουκράν Ραϊφ και οι υπεύθυνοι του τμήματος Διεθνών Σχέσεων και Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων Τζεμήλ Καπζά και Περβίν Χαϊρουλά. Diplomats of the Embassy of the U.S.A. mission in Athens and The General Consulate in Thessaloniki visited our association on Wednesday 9th of December 2009. The mission was wellcomed by the chairman Mr. Ahmet Kara and the members of the administrative board, the chairman of the womens barnch Mrs. Sukran Raif and the heads of the International Affairs and Human Rights Section Mr. Cemil Kabza and Ms.Pervin Hayrullah. Azeri Yazar, şair ve bilimadamı Elçin İsgenderzade 11 Kasım Çarşamba günü derneğimizi ziyaret etti. Αζέρος συγγραφέας, ποιητής και επιστήμονας Elçin İsgenderzade πραγματοποίησε μια επίσκεψη στο σύλλογο μας την Τετάρτη 11 Νοεμβρίου 2009. The Azerian writer, poet and scientist Elcin Iskenderzade visited our association on the 11th of November. 7

KİTAP TANITIMI ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΥ BOOK PRESENTATION Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği (BTAYTD) ve Batı Trakya Azınlığı Kültür ve Eğitim Şirketi (BAKEŞ) ortaklaşa bir kitap tanıtımı düzenledi. Azeri Yazar, şair ve bilimadamı Elçin İSGENDERZA- DE nin Yunancaya çevrilen şiirlerinin toplandığı şiir kitabının tanıtımı 11 Kasım Çarşamba günü Gümülcine Chris Eve otelde yapıldı. İsgenderzade nin 44 şiirinin yer aldığı Yunanca şiir kitabının tanıtımını Abdurrahim Subaşılar yönetti. Kitabın tanıtımını Paratiritis Gazetesi sahibi Ceni Kaçari-Vafiadi, eski Milletvekili Dr. Mustafa Mustafa ve gazeteci Damon Damianos yaptı. Kitap tanıtımından sonra ise uluslararası ödüle sahip şair, yazar Elçin İsgenderzade «Şiir ve barış» başlıklı bir konuşma yaptı. Σ.Ε.Μ.Δ.Θ. και η Π.ΕΚ.Ε.Μ. συνδιοργάνωσαν Ο μια παρουσίαση βιβλίου. Η Παρουσίαση του βιβλίου του Αζέρου συγγραφέα, ποιητή και επιστήμονα Elçin İSGENDERZADE που αποτελείται από ποιήματα που έχουν μεταφραστεί στην Ελληνική Γλώσσα πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 11 Νοεμβρίου 2009 στο Ξενοδοχείο Chris & Eve. Την παρουσίαση του βιβλίου του İSGENDERZADE που αποτελείται από 44 ποιήματα έκανε ο Απτουρραχήμ Σούμπασιλάρ. Το βιβλίο παρουσίασαν η εκδότρια της εφημερίδας Παρατηρητής της Θράκης κ. Τζένη Κατσαρή Βαφειάδη, ο τέως βουλευτής Μουσταφά Μουσταφά και ο Δημοσιογράφος Δάμον Δαμιανός. The Western Thrace University Graduates Association in cooperation with the Western Thrace Minority Educational and Cultural Company organised a book presentation. The presentation of the book of the Azerian writer, poet and scientist Elcin ISGENDERZADE that includes poems which have been translated to the greek language was held at the Chris&Eve Hotel on the 11th of November 2009. The presentation of the book of 44 poems was conducted by Abdurrahim Subasilar and the publisher of the newspaper Paratiritis tis Thrakis (Observer of Xanthi) Mrs. Tzeni Katsari-Vafi adi, the ex-parliameteer Mustafa Mustafa and the journalist Damon Damianos. 8

KİTAP TANITIMI ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΥ BOOK PRESENTATION Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği ve Papasotiriu Kitabevi ortaklaşa kitap tanıtımı düzenledi. Milletvekili Roman Yazarı Kemal Anadol un Büyük Ayrılık adlı kitabı 09 Şubat 2009 Pazartesi Gümülcine Belediyesi ne ait kültür etkinlikleri salonunda tanıtıldı. Σύλλογος Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Ο Θράκης και το Βιβλιοπωλείο Παπασωτηρίου συνδιοργάνωσαν την παρουσίαση του βιβλίου του Βουλευτή της Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας και συγγραφέα Kemal Anadol Büyük Ayrılık «Ο Μεγάλος Χωρισμός». Η παρουσίαση του βιβλίου έγινε στην αίθουσα πολιτιστικών εκδηλώσεων του Δήμου Κομοτηνής και το βιβλίο παρουσίασαν ο Gökhan Demirağ Δήμαρχος Φότσα, ο φιλόλογος Θανάσης Κούγκουλος και ο ίδιος ο συγγραφέας. T he Western Thrace University Graduates Association in collaboration with the Papasotiriu Bookstores organised the presentation of the book of the writer and parliament member of the Republic of Turkey Mr. Kemal Anadol titled: The Great Separation. The presentation was held at the cultural exhibition room of the Municipality of Komotini and was presented by Gokhan Demirdag Mayor of Foca, the literature teacher Thanasis Kukulos, and the writer himself. 9

KERMES ΦΙΛΑΝΘΡΩΠΙΚΟ ΠΑΖΑΡΙ CHARITABLE BAZAAR Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği çatısı altında, Batı Trakya Kadın Platformu tarafından 10-11 Ekim 2009 tarihlerinde, Gümülcine Şehir Parkında kermes düzenlendi. Rodop, Evros ve İskeçe den özellikle kadınların akın ettiği kermeste yaklaşık 100 kişi görev aldı. Açılışı 10 Ekim Cumartesi günü yapılan kermes, siyaset camiasını da bir araya getirdi. Açılışa Dışişleri Bakanlığı Siyasi İşler Bürosu şefi Aleksis Aleksandris in eşiyle birlikte katılması dikkat çekti. İki gün süren kermesten yaklaşık 52 bin euroluk gelir elde edildi. Rodop - Evros Genişletilmiş Bölge Valiliği, Rodop Valiliği, Gümülcine Belediyesi ve Türkiye nin Gümülcine Başkonsolosluğu tarafından da desteklenen kermesten elde edilen gelirin, Gümülcine Devlet Hastanesi ne bağışlanması kararı alındı. Πλατφόρμα Γυναικών Δυτικής Θράκης πραγματοποίησε στις 10-11 Οκτωβρίου ένα διήμερο Η φιλανθρωπικό παζάρι στο Πάρκο Κομοτηνής υπό την αιγίδα του Συλλόγου Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Θράκης. Στο Φιλανθρωπικό Παζάρι που παραβρέθηκε κόσμος και ειδικά γυναίκες απ όλες τις περιοχές της Θράκης (Ροδόπη, Έβρος και Ξάνθη), απασχολήθηκαν περίπου 100 άτομα. Στα εγκαίνια του Φιλανθρωπικού παζαριού που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στις 10 Οκτωβρίου 2009 παραβρέθηκαν μεταξύ άλλων και ο Πρέσβης κ. Αλέξης Αλεξανδρής μαζί με την σύζυγο του. Από το φιλανθρωπικό παζάρι που διήρκησε δύο μέρες μαζεύτηκαν περίπου 52.000 Ευρώ. Αποφασίστηκε, τα έσοδα του φιλανθρωπικού παζαριού που υποστηρίχτηκε από την Νομαρχιακή Αυτοδιοίκηση Ροδόπης Έβρου, από την Νομαρχία Ροδόπης, Δήμο Κομοτηνής και το Γενικό Προξενείο της Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας στην Κομοτηνή, να δοθούν στο Κρατικό Νοσοκομείο Κομοτηνής. The Western Thrace Women Platform organised a charitable bazaar at the Komotini Park on the 10th-11th of October in which an estimated 100 people from the Thrace area offered to work voluntarily. The bazaar, which lasted two days and was supported by the Perfectural Selfgovernment of Rodope-Evros, the Perfecture of Rodope, the Municipality of Rodope and The Consulate General of the Turkish Republic in Komotini managed to raise 52.000 euros which were eventually donated to the Komotini State Hospital. 10

SAĞLIK PANELİ ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΥΓΕΙΑΣ PANEL DISCUSSION ON HEALTH B atı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği çatısı altında faaliyet gösteren Köye Erişim Projesi (KÖYEP) 8-9 Mayıs 2009 tarihlerinde Madde Bağımlılığı ile ilgili Konferans, Seminer ve Çalıştaylar düzenledi. 8 Mayıs 2009 Cuma günü Chris&Eve Otelinde gerçekleşen Aile, Gençlik ve Bağımlılık konulu Konferansa yaklaşık 250 kişi katıldı. Mikrobiyolog Mustafa Mustafa nın yönettiği panelde Sayın Nurgül Yılmaz ve Sayın Burhan Baran konuşmacı olarak katıldılar. Sayın Nurgül Yılmaz aynı gün Gümülcine Türk Gençler Birliği Lokalinde gençlere seminer verdi. 11

SAĞLIK PANELİ ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΥΓΕΙΑΣ PANEL DISCUSSION ON HEALTH 9 Mayıs Cumartesi günü Gümülcine Türk Gençler Birliği Lokalinde gençlerle bir çalıştay yapıldı. Aynı gün İskeçe Türk Birliği Lokalinde İskeçe li gençler, aileler ve STK temsilcilerinin katıldığı bir seminer daha düzenlendi. Το πρόγραμμα «προσεγγίζοντας στην Περιφέρεια» που δραστηριοποιείται υπό την αιγίδα του Συλλόγου μας διοργάνωσε διάλεξη, σεμινάριο και εργασίες υγείας στις 8 και 9 Μαΐου 2009 με θέμα την εξάρτηση. Στην διάλεξη που πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 8 Μαΐου 2009 στο Ξενοδοχείο Chris & Eve, παραβρέθηκαν περίπου250 άτομα. Στην διάλεξη που διηύθυνε ο Μικροβιολόγος Μουσταφά Μουσταφά εισηγητές ήταν η Κ. Nurgül Yılmaz και ο κ. Μπουρχάν Μπαράν. Η κ. Nurgül Yılmaz τη ίδια ημέρα πραγματοποίησε ένα σεμινάριο για τους νέους. Το Σάββατο 9 Μαΐου πραγματοποιήθηκε μια εργασία στη Λέσχη της Νεολαίας Τούρκων Κομοτηνής, ενώ την ίδια ημέρα πραγματοποιήθηκε ένα σεμινάριο στην Ξάνθη και συμμετείχαν σ αυτό, νέοι, οικογένειες και εκπρόσωποι μη κυβερνητικών οργανώσεων. At the panel that was moderated by Microbiologist Mr. Mustafa Mustafa, Psychologist of the University of Hacettepe Mrs. Nurgul Yilmaz and the member of our association Mr. Burhan Baran were popularly attended. An estimated 250 person attended the Conferenece themed Family, Youth and Addiction that was held at Chris&Eve Hotel on Friday the 8th of May 2009. Mrs. Nurgul Yilmaz gave a seminar on the same day at the Turkish Youth Association of Gumulcine which was largely attended by youth. On the 9th of May 2009, took place at the Turkish Youth Association of Gumulcine. On the same day a seminar which was attended by the youth of Iskece, families and NGO representatives was held at The Turkish Union Of Iskece premises. 12

SAĞLIK PANELİ ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΥΓΕΙΑΣ PANEL DISCUSSION ON HEALTH Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği Kadınlar Kolu, 9 Mayıs 2009 Cumartesi günü Chris & Eve Otel de Sağlık paneli düzenledi. Mikrobiyolog Mustafa Mustafa nın yönettiği panele Onkoloji uzmanı Prof. Dr. Pınar SAİT ile Nöroloji uzmanı Prof. Dr. Sebahattin SAİT konuşmacı olarak katıldılar. Το Τμήμα Γυναικών του Συλλόγου Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Θράκης πραγματοποίησε μια ημερίδα υγείας το Σάββατο 9 Μαΐου 2009 στο Ξενοδεοχείο Chris & Eve. Στην ημερίδα που διηύθυνε ο Μικροβιολόγος Μουσταφά Μουσταφά εισηγητές ήταν η ογκολόγος Καθ. Δρ. Pınar SAİT και ο Νευρολόγος Καθ. Δρ. Sebahattin SAİT. The Women s Branch of Western Thrace University Garduates Association held a panel regarding health. The event took place at the Chris&Eve hotel and was highly attended. The panel which was moderated by Microbiologist Mr. Mustafa Mustafa was attended by the speakers oncology specialist Prof. Dr Pinar SAIT and neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Sebahattin SAIT. At the popular panel oncology specialist Prof. Dr Pinar SAIT shared information regarding the types of cancer, early diagnosis and cure, while neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Sebahattin SAIT informed about the defi nition of migraine and headaches and their cure. 13

KONFERANS ΔΙΑΛΕΞΗ CONFERENCE B.T.A.Y.T. Derneği tiyatro kolu, Tohum Tiyatro Topluluğu 30 Kasım 2009 Pazartesi günü, Chris&Eve Otelde Komşu komşuya, Kalb kalbe iletişim konulu bir konferans düzenledi. Tohum Tiyatro Topluluğu nun 10. Kuruluş Yılı etkinlikleri çerçevesinde düzenlenen konferansa Prof. Dr. Üstün Dökmen konuşmacı olarak katıldı. Το τμήμα Θεάτρου του Σ.Ε.Μ.Δ.Θ. «Ο Σπόρος» πραγματοποίησε στις 30 Νοεμβρίου 2009 στο Ξενοδοχείο Chris&Eve μια διάλεξη με θέμα «Γείτονα προς Γείτονα, καρδιά προς καρδιά επικοινωνία». Εισηγητής της διάλεξης που πραγματοποιήθηκε στα πλαίσια εκδηλώσεων για τα 10 χρόνια του ομίλου, ήταν ο καθ. Δρ. Üstün Dökmen. The theatre branch of W.T.U.G.A. named Seed Theatre Community organised a conference themed: Neighbour to neighbour, heart to heart communication on the 30th of November 2009 at the Chris&Eve Hotel. In the event which was organised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of foundation of the Seed Theatre Community Prof. Dr. Ustun Dokmen attended as a speaker. 14

EĞİTİM PANELİ ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗΣ PANEL ON EDUCATION Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği, 2 Aralık 2009, Çarşamba günü Chris&- Eve otelde Azınlık Eğitimi ve İki Dilde Eğitim konulu bir panel düzenledi. B.T.A.Y.T.D. Başkanı Avukat Ahmet Kara nın yönettiği panele Eğitim Uzmanı sayın Kelami DE- DEZADE ve Dernek üyemiz doktora öğrencisi Sebahattin ABDURRAH- MAN konuşmacı olarak katıldılar. Σύλλογος Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Ο Θράκης διοργάνωσε μια ημερίδα εκπαίδευσης στις 2 Δεκεμβρίου 2009 στο Ξενοδοχείο Chris&Eve με θέμα «Μειονοτική Εκπαίδευση και Δίγλωσση Εκπαίδευση». Στην ημερίδα που διηύθηνε ο Πρόεδρος του Συλλόγου μας Δικηγόρος Αχμέτ Καρά, εισηγητές ήταν ο ειδήμονας εκπαίδευσης κ. Kelami DEDEZADE και το μέλος του συλλόγου μας, φοιτητής διδακτορικής Sebahattin ABDURRAHMAN. The W.T.U.G.A.held a panel with theme Education of the minority and Dual Language Education on Wednesday 2nd of December 2009 at the Chris&Eve Hotel. At the event which was moderated by the chairman of the W.T.U.G.A. attorney at Law, Mr. Ahmet Kara, Education Specialist Mr. Kelami DEDEZADE and the member of our association and doctorate student Mr. Sebahattin ABDURAHMAN attended as speakers. The event that was organised with the support of the member of our association Mr. Sebahattin AB- DURAHMAN was highly popular among the people of Western Thrace and teachers. 15

SÖYLEŞİ: TARIM VE HAYVANCILIK ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ: ΓΕΩΡΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΚΤΗΝΟΤΡΟΦΙΑ CONVERSATION ON AGRICULTURE AND CATTLE BREEDING Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği Tarım ve Hayvancılık kolu 13 Mart Cuma akşamı Gökçeler köyü ilkokulunda Tarım, Hayvancılık ve Avrupa Birliği Programlarıyla ilgili bir söyleşi düzenledi. Dernek üyelerimizden Rodop Vali Yardımcısı Veteriner Hekim Mehmet Devecioğlu nun konuşmacı olarak katıldığı söyleşiye bölge halkı yoğun ilgi gösterdi. Το Τμήμα Γεωργίας και Κτηνοτροφίας του Συλλόγου Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Θράκης διοργάνωσε μια ημερίδα με θέμα «Γεωργία Κτηνοτροφία και Προγράμματα της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης» την Παρασκευή 13 Μαρτίου στο Σέλερο Ξάνθης. Οι κάτοικοι της περιοχής έδειξαν μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον στην ημερίδα στην οποία ομιλητής ήταν το μέλος του Συλλόγου μας και Αντινομάρχης Ροδόπης, Κτηνίατρος κ. Μεχμέτ Ντεβετζήογλου. The branch of Agriculture and Cattle Breeding of the Western Thrace University Graduates Association organized a conversation regarding Agriculture,cattle breeding and European Union Projects at the preliminary school of Gokceler village on the 13th of March. At the event in which the assistant prefect and veterinary Mr. Mehmet Devecioglu was speaker, a large crowd attended. Tarım ve Hayvancılık kolu 8 Nisan Çarşamba akşamı Payamdere köyü kahvehanesinde yine dernek üyelerimizden Veteriner Hekim Mehmet Devecioğlu nun konuşmacı olarak katıldığı Tarım, Hayvancılık ve Avrupa Birliği 16

SÖYLEŞİ: TARIM VE HAYVANCILIK ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ: ΓΕΩΡΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΚΤΗΝΟΤΡΟΦΙΑ CONVERSATION ON AGRICULTURE AND CATTLE BREEDING Programlarıyla ilgili bir söyleşi düzenledi. Στις 08 Απριλίου 2009 η ημερίδα με το ίδιο θέμα πραγματοποιήθηκε στο χωριό Πάτερμα Ροδόπης. The branch of Agriculture and Cattle Breeding of the Western Thrace University Graduates Association organized a conversation regarding Agriculture,cattle breeding and European Union Projects at a café at the village of Peyamdere on the 8th of April in which the assistant prefect and veterinary Mr. Mehmet Devecioglu was speaker. Nisan Perşembe akşamı Yahyabeyli köyünde belediye binasında 9 çiftçilere dermek üyemiz Veteriner Hekim Mehmet Devecioğlu tarafından Avrupa Birliği programları, alternatif ürünler hakkında bilgiler verildi. Ayrıca hayvan yetiştiricilerine et ve süt verimlerinin arttırılması, ahır ve ağılların yasallaştırılması konularında bilgi verildi. Στις 9 Απριλίου 2009 το τμήμα Γεωργίας και Κτηνοτροφίας του Συλλόγου μας ήταν στα Αμάραντα Ροδόπης. Ο κ. Ντεβετζήγλου ενημέρωσε τους παρευρισκόμενους για τα προγράμματα της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, για τις εναλλακτικές παραγωγές. Επίσης στους κτηνοτρόφους δόθηκαν πληροφορίες για το πώς μπορεί να αυξηθεί η παραγωγή κρέατος και γάλακτος και πως μπορούν να νομιμοποιηθούν οι στάβλοι και τα μαντριά. On the 9th of April, at the village of Yahyabeyli municipal building, our farmers were informed about European Union projects and alternative products by our member and veterinary Mr. Mehmet Devecioglu. In addition, breeders were informed on how to increase the production of milk and meat-stock, and on how to legalise stables and folders. 17

AİLE GECESİ ΧΟΡΟΣ TRADITIONAL ANNUAL BALL Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği ile İskeçe Türk Birliğinin Kurban Bayramı vesilesi ile ortaklaşa düzenledikleri Aile Gecesi 28 Kasım 2009 tarihinde Filia Düğün Salonununda gerçekleşti. χορός που ήταν Ο συνδιοργάνωση του Συλλόγου Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Θράκης και της Τουρκικής Ένωσης Ξάνθης πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 28 Νοεμβρίου 2009 στο Κέντρο Φιλία. The tradiotional annual ball was organised on 28th of November 2009. 18

AZINLIK SANATÇILARI RESİM SERGİSİ ΕΚΘΕΣΗ ΖΩΓΡΑΦΙΚΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΚΑΛΛΗΤΕΧΝΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΜΕΙΟΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ THE ART EXHIBITION OF MINORITY ARTISTS Derneğimiz, Gümülcine Belediyesi Kültürel Kalkınma Teşkilatı ile ortaklaşa Resim Sergisi düzenledi. Trakya nın Kurtuluşu etkinlikleri çerçevesinde gerçekleşen Resim Sergisinin açılışı 15 Mayıs 2009 Cuma günü, Gümülcineliler Kulübü Sanat Galerisi nde (Leshi Komotineon), yapıldı. Üç gün boyunca resim sevenlerin beğenisine sunulan sergide Batı Trakyalı Türk sanatçıların eserleri sergilendi. Σύλλογος μας συνδιοργάνωσε με τη Δ.ΕΠ.Α.Κ μια Ο έκθεση ζωγραφικής. Τα εγκαίνια της έκθεσης που πραγματοποιήθηκε στα πλαίσια των Ελευθερίων Θράκης έγιναν την Παρασκευή 15 Μαίου στην Αίθουσα Εκδηλώσεων της Λέσχης Κομοτηναίων. Στην έκθεση που παρέμεινε ανοιχτή για τρεις ημέρες εκτεθήκαν τα έργα των Τούρκων της Δυτικής Θράκης. Our Association organized an Art Exhibition in cooperation with the Department of Cultural Development of Komotini Municipality. The opening of the exhibition, which was realised within the framework of the celebration events of the Liberation of Komotini, was held on 15th may 2008. various paintings of Turkish Minority artists were exhibited during three days. 19

FOTOĞRAF SERGİSİ ΈΚΘΕΣΗ ΦΩΤΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION Derneğimiz Prof. Dr. Ömer Türel ve Kamil Ercüment Atak ın katılımıyla 25 30 Nisan 2009 Tarihlerinde Komşudan Büyük Kartpostallar isimli bir resim sergisi düzenledi. Gümülcineliler Lokali Sergi Salonununda gerçekleşen etkinliğe ilgi büyüktü. Σύλλογος μας πραγματοποίησε μια έκθεση Ο φωτογραφίας Μεγάλες Φωτογραφίες απο το Γείτονα με συμμετοχή των Καθ. Δρ. Ömer Türel και Kamil Ercüment Atak. Η έκθεση παρέμεινε ανοιχτή από τις 25 έως 30 Απριλίου. Η προσέλευση του κόσμου στην έκθεση που πραγματοποιήθηκε στην αίθουσα εκθέσεων της Λέσχης Κομοτηναίων ήταν πάρα πολύ μεγάλη. Our association organised a photograph exhibition themed: Cartpostals from the neighbour with the participation of Prof.Dr. Omer Turel and Kamil Ercument Atak. 20

KLASİK MÜZİK KONSERİ ΣΥΝΑΥΛΙΑ ΚΛΑΣΙΚΗΣ ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗΣ CLASSIC MUSIC CONCERT Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği Piyanist Esra Ramanoğlu-Fritz in katılımıyla 21 Nisan 2009 Salı günü İskeçe Belediye Amfi-tiyatrosunda ve 22 Nisan 2009 Çarşamba günü Gümülcine İşçi Merkezi Salonunda Klasik Müzik Konseri düzenledi. Σ.Ε.Μ.Δ.Θ. διοργάνωσε συναυλία κλασσικής Ο μουσικής με την συμμετοχή της πιανίστριας Esra Ramadanoğlu-Fritz στις 21 Απριλίου στο Δημοτικό Αμφιθέατρο Ξάνθης και στις 22 Απριλίου 2009 στο Εργατικό Κέντρο Κομοτηνής. The W.T.U.G.A. Organised a classical music concert with pianist Esra Ramadanoglu-Fritz on April 21st at the Municipal ampitheatre of Xanthi, and on April 22nd at the Komotini Labour Centre. 21

HIDRELLEZ ŞENLİKLERİ FESTİVALİNE KATILIM ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗ ΣΤΟ ΔΙΕΘΝΕΣ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ «ΧΙΔΡΕΛΛΕΖ» HIDRELLEZ SPRING FESTIVAL B.T.A.Y.T.D. Folklor Ekibi 9-11 Mayıs 2009 tarihlerinde Makedonya Çalıklı da gerçekleşen 18. Hıdrellez Bahar Şenlikleri Festivaline katıldı. Σύλλογος Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Θράκης συμ- Ο μετείχε στο 18ο Διεθνές Φεστιβάλ Χιδρελλέζ που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο χωρίο Τσάλικλη της ΠΓΔΜ. Our folk dances group joined the 18. Hidrellez Spring Festival in Macedonia during 9-11 May 2009. SELANİK GEZİSİ ΕΚΔΡΟΜΗ ΣΤΗ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ DAY TRIP TO THESSALONIKI Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği Şahin şubesi, Selanik e 03 Nısan 2009 Cuma günü bir gezi düzenledi. Geziye, B.T.A.Y.T.D. Yönetim Kurulu üyesi Sinan Kavaz ve şube sorumluları yanısıra birçok kadın ve çocuk katıldı. Το παράρτημα Εχίνου του Συλλόγου μας διοργάνωσε μια εκδρομή στη Θεσσαλονίκη στις 3 Απριλίου 2009.Στην εκδρομή συμμετείχαν, εκτός από το μέλος του Δ.Σ. Σινάν Καβάς και των υπευθύνων του παραρτήματος, πολλά παιδιά και πολλές γυναίκες. The Echinos Branch organised a day trip to Thessaloniki on April 3rd 2009. Except from the member of tha administrative board Mr. Sinan Kavaz, the heads of the branch and a high number of women and children attended the trip. 22

III. Uluslararasi Bati Trakya Türkleri Araştirmalari Kongresi III. Ulslararasi Batı Trakya Türkleri Araştirmalari Kongresi Almanya Münih te, Park Otel Theresian Höhe Kongre Salonunda 31 Ocak 1 Şubat 2009 tarihleri arasında gerçekleşti. BATTAM ve KİBATEK tarafından düzenlenen kongreye derneğimizi temsilen üyemiz Özer Hatip katıldı. Özer Hatip Batı Trakya daki Türk Kültür Kurumları adlı bir sunum yaptı. Το 3ο Διεθνές Συνέδριο Ερευνών Τούρκων Δυτικής Θράκης πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 31 Ιανουαρίου και 1 Φεβρουαρίου στην αίθουσα Theresian Höhe, του Ξενοδοχείου «Park Otel» του Μονάχου Γερμανίας. Στο συνέδριο που διοργανώθηκε από το BATTAM και την KİBATEK συμμετείχε και ως εκπρόσωπος του Συλλόγου μας ο Οζέρ Χατίπ και πραγματοποίησε μια εισήγηση με θέμα «Οι Τουρκικές Πολιτιστικές Οργανώσεις στη Δυτική Θράκη» Mr. Ozer Hatip, representing our association paricipated to the 3. Internatinal Congress of Research of Western Thrace turks at Munich during 31 January and 1 February 2009. 23

Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği Temsilcileri Medeniyetler İttifakı Forumuna Katıldı 6-7 Nisan 2009 Οι εκπρόσωποι του Συλλόγου Επιστημόνων Μειονότητας Δυτικής Θράκης παραβρέθηκαν στο Φόρουμ συνασπισμού πολιτισμών- 6-7 Απριλίου 2009 Representatives of Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association attended the Forum for Coalition of Cultures on 6th and 7th April 2009 Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği eski yöneticilerinden, BAKEŞ Genel Müdürü Pervin Hayrullah ve Dernek üyesi ve Sussex Üniversitesi Uluslararası İlişkiler Bölümü doktora öğrencisi Ali Hüseyinoğlu Medeniyetler İttifakı Forumunda Batı Trakya Azınlığı Yüksek Tahsilliler Derneği ni temsil etti. 6-7 Nisan 2009 tarihinde İstanbul da düzenlenen Forumda temsilcilerimiz 2. ve 3. genel kurul oturumları dışında eşzamanlı düzenlenen farklı çalıştaylara katıldılar. πρώην αντιπρόεδρος του Συλλόγου μας και νυν Γενική Διευθύντρια της Π.ΕΚ.Ε.Μ Περβίν Χαϊρουλά και ο Η φοιτητής Διδακτορικής Διεθνούς Δικαίου στο Πανεπιστήμιο Sussex και μέλος του Συλλόγου μας Αλί Χουσεΐνογλου εκπροσώπησαν το Σύλλογο μας στο φόρουμ συνασπισμού πολιτισμών. Στο φόρουμ που πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 6-7 Απριλίου στην Ιστάνμπουλ οι εκπρόσωποι μας εκτός από την 2η και 3η Γενική συνέλευση συμμετείχαν και σε διάφορες ομάδες εργασίας. The former vice president of our Association and now Director General of P.EK.E.M Pervin Hayrullah and PhD student in the University of Sussex and a member of our Association Ali Huseyinoglu represented our Association in the forum for the coalition of cultures. The forum, held on 6-7 April in Istanbul. Our representatives except the 2nd and 3rd General Assembly participated in various working groups. 24

Yuvarlak Masa Toplantısı - 27-28 Nisan 2009 Συνεδρίαση Στρογγυλού Τραπεζιού 27-28 Απριλίου 2009 Round Table Meeting 27-28 April 2009 Batı Trakya Türkleri nin sorunları Romanya nın Cluj şehrinde düzenlenen yuvarlak masa toplantısında dile getirildi. İtalyan Sosyal Bilimler Konseyi nin bir alt kuruluşu olan Ethnobarometer tarafından düzenlenen Güney Avrupa da yerel yönetim siyaseti, uygulamalar ve azınlıklar konulu toplantıya derneğimizi temsilen eski başkanımız Cemil Kabza katıldı. Τα προβλήματα των Τούρκων της Δυτικής Θράκης φέρθηκαν άλλη μια φορά στο προσκήνιο στη συνεδρίαση στρογγυλού τραπεζιού που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Κλούζ της Ρουμανίας. Στην εκδήλωση με θέμα «Η πολιτική τοπικών αυτοδιοι- κήσεων στη Νότια Ευρώπη, εφαρμογές και οι μειονότητες» που διοργανώθηκε από το Ethnobarometer που ενεργοποιείται υπό την αιγίδα του Συμβουλίου Κοινωνικών Επιστημών της Ιταλίας το σύλλογο μας εκπροσώπησε ο πρώην πρόεδρος μας Τζεμήλ Καπζά. The problems of Turks in Western Thrace brought once again to the fore in a round table meeting held in Cluj Romania. The event entitled The policy of local government in Southern Europe, applications and minorities organized by the Ethnobarometer triggered under the auspices of the Social Sciences of Italy. Our association was represented by former president Cemil Kabza. 25

CSS/ETHNOBAROMETER Southeast Europe: Minorities, Regional Stability & Security a European Perspective Workshop 27th April 2099 Cluj/Romania THE TURKISH MUSLIM MINORITY OF WESTERN THRACE-GREECE THE REGION Western Thrace is located in the northeast part of Greece between the rivers Evros and Nestos, in the east and in the west, and Rodopi Mountains and the Aegean Sea, in the north and in the south. It is one of the nine regions of Greece. Its area is 8575 square kilometers and it is divided into three provinces. Ksanthi, Rodopi, and Evros. According to population census of 18th March 2001 the total population of the Thrace region is: 362.038 Xanthi:101.856 (approximately 40% of the total population is Turkish Minority) Rodopi: 110.828 (approximately 50 % of the total population is Turkish Minority) Evros: 149.354 (approximately 15-20 % of the total population is Turkish minority) According to the above fi gures the total population of the Turkish Muslim Minority of Western Thrace is estimated 127.000 (All Greek citizens, members of the minority living in Greece. Including the Greek citizens living in Europe, USA, Australia and Turkey, the total population of Greek citizens members of the Turkish Muslim Minority of Western Thrace is approximately 150.000) WHO WE ARE? Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA) was established in 1982 by 21 university graduate members of the Turkish Minority. With its 850 members (all university graduates, from different departments) today, it is one of the most important (minority) NGO s in the region. Its main offi ce is based in Komotini. It has two main branches in Xanthi and Thessaloniki and more than 10 other sub-branches mainly for its candidate members (university students from the Minority studying in Greek universities allover Greece). Until recent years, this NGO was the only offi cially recognized minority association. The main objective of WTMUGA is to promote and protect its members and Minority s rights. It mainly deals with political, social, cultural and multicultural issues affecting the minority. It is the only NGO representing the minority in the international meetings, conferences. (UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, European Parliament, OIC, ext.) Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association is also supporting and promoting good relations and co-operation between Greece and Turkey and plays a key role for the dialogue between the minority and the state. 26

THE TURKISH MUSLIM MINORITY OF WESTERN THRACE Members of the Muslim Turkish Minority who have been living in this region for centuries identify themselves as ethnic Turks. The legal statute of this minority was established with the Peace Treaty of Lausanne signed in 1923, the bilateral agreements signed between Greece and Turkey and the international instruments concerning human and minority rights which Greece signed and ratifi ed. In recent years, the situation has relatively improved in Turkish Minority s everyday life, living conditions and constitutional rights owing to the Greek government s policy of Equality before law and equal citizenship which was announced in the beginning of 1990s. Yet there has not been a progress in the fi eld of minority rights. Greece alleges that equality among citizens policy provides suffi cient reforms and continues to ignore its obligations regarding the rights of the Turkish Muslim Minority by violating the bilateral and international treaty obligations to which is a party. Denial of the Turkish Identity, Occupation of the Charitable Foundations and practice of the state-appointed muftis instead of the elected muftis continue unabated. More than 60.000 people still suffer from the deprivation of the article 19 of the citizenship law that was abolished in 1998 and the situation of minority education continues to be as miserable as ever. Since the early years of 19th century, the existence of the Turkish minority has been one of the most important issues of the Greek state. The historical relations between Greeks and Turks affected the existence of Turkish Minority within the Greek territory. The perception of minority by the Greek administrators has been changed due to the changing relation of Greece and Turkey. Starting from the Peace Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 till 1950s the Lausanne spirit dominated relations in the two sides of the Aegean. However, the year 1955 was one of the turning points for the minority issues because of some specifi c reasons (ex: September incidents in Istanbul and Cyprus incidents). The situations started to worsen day by day. Especially during the Military Junta Regime (1967-1974) human and minority rights violations reached the highest level. These unlawful and unacceptable applications continued till mid-1990s. At this point, it is important to stress that Greece has become a full member of the European Union in 1981. The new minority policy, announced after 10 years of EU membership, made positive contributions to the minority s life in terms of basic citizenship rights. However, as for the application of minority rights, no major positive step has yet been taken by the year 2009. After the announcement of the policy «equality for all citizens», getting driving licenses, permission to build and repair houses, getting bank credits and buying land started to be permitted for the fi rst time after many years of oppression in public and economic spheres. For more information about the issues of recognition, freedom of religion and belief, freedom of assembly and association, minority education and other, please see the documents distributed. 27

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION/REPRESENTATION ON THE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEVEL According to EU regulations Greece announced a new bill on local administration in 1994. The new bill reduced the prefectures and sub districts number from 6.000 to 1034 across Greece, by means of combining many sub districts and establishing new prefectures. 13 regions were established with the new bill, known as «Kapodistrias I» where the secretary general of the region is appointed by the government. With this new arrangement, the new bill reduced the number of prefectures and sub districts where the majority of the population is inhabited by the Turkish Minority and also the number of the elected authorities from the Turkish Minority, therefore negatively affecting the constituency power of the minority. THE ROLE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL The Secretary General is the highest authority person in the decision making procedure in the region. Municipalities and Prefecture Assemblies decisions have to be approved by the Secretary General who also has the right to veto. The power of the Secretary General has always been criticized of not being in line with the spirit of democracy and democratic governance. The appointed secretary general is usually a member of the political party in power. In many cases the approval of such development projects of prefectures of the region are taken according to political view of the prefecture council. Prefectures decisions (which are governed by Turks) taken by the local council do not always have the same chance of taking approval as the majority prefectures. The secretary general of each region should be elected by the Greek citizens of each region. The Secretary General of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has the statutory responsibility for the supervision of rights provided to the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs retains an important advisory role. It should also be important to stress the existence of a Local Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Western Thrace which is located in the city of Xanthi and plays a key role in the implementation of the state minority policy. The person in charge of this offi ce, which is offi cially called Thracean Political Affairs Bureau was transferred to the Greek Consulate General in İstanbul recently. And the Greek Consulate General of İstanbul became the Director of Political Affairs Bureau in Xanthi. There is no offi cial explanation of the existence and the role of this foreign affairs offi ce within Greece. It is still unknown if there is another such example throughout the world. 28

MUNICIPALITIES There are 54 Municipalities in Greece. With the bill 2240/94 in the region of Thrace two extensive Prefectures combining regions was established. The one is based in Xanthi called The Extensive Prefecture of The Regions of Xanthi-Kavala-Drama and the other is based in Komotini called The Extensive Prefecture of Rodopi-Evros regions. In the extensive assembly, all elected members of Prefectures assembly participate and they regularly meet once a month. There is also the Extensive Prefecture of Athens-Pireous. The Turkish Minority members believe that the combination of the Prefectures is an obstacle for the minority to elect its own governors. (Especially in Rodopi region where more than half of the population is Turkish minority) Members of the Turkish Minority and especially elected people in the local administration announced their opposition to the new bill and used all channels to explain that the new regulations aimed to reduce Turkish Minority s representation in the local administration. The new local administration bill was presumably introduced as a bill for more powerful local administration to the outside world by the Greek state. However, even after nearly 15 years Greek academicians and some politicians fi nally can announce the real aim of the combination of the Prefectures publicly. In fact the Extensive governor does not have any authority or responsibility towards the real development programs. Their role is more symbolic and politic rather than productive. REPRESENTATION IN NATIONAL LEVEL There are two minority members in the Greek Parliament today. Both members are from the opposition party (Socialist Party.) The new law on election adopted in 1991, does not allow the election of an independent MP. The new law put in force a quota of 3% of the total votes. In short, an independent MP candidate needs to collect more than 300.000 votes. (The minority until the new regulations had elected two times in Rodopi and once in Xanthi independent Minority MP s) Due to this new electoral regulation the minority was forced to indicate MP candidates through the majority political parties. Although there are two minority MP s in the Greek parliament today, their infl uence on the decision making structures is insignifi cant. So the 3% quota is assumed as another obstacle for the minority to elect their independent members for the Greek Parliament. MP of the Turkish Minority, are obliged by their political parties to follow the Party s regulations and political vision. Practices prove that non of the majority political parties in Greece have a positive minority policy, (the minority policy is decided by the party leaders and most of the time in consensus) so, minority MP s instead of defending minority rights in the parliament, become are obliged to act as majority MP s. REPRESENTATION IN REGIONAL LEVEL In the regional administration approximately 280 members of the minority are elected in all three provinces. 29

XANTHI Out of 7 municipalities in Xanthi, 2 of them are governed by Muslim Turk mayors. There are 3 subdistricts in Xanthi where all of them are governed by Muslim Turks. In the other 5 municipalities where the population is mixed, there are vice-mayors in some and members of the local council in almost all. In the prefecture of Xanthi council, there is one vice-governor from the minority and 6 elected members at the prefecture council. RODOPI Out of 9 municipalities in Rodopi region, 3 of them are governed by Muslim Turk mayors. There are also 3 subdistricts in Rodopi where both of them are governed by Muslim Turks. In the other 6 municipalities where the population is mixed, there are vice-mayors in most of them and some members at the local councils. In the prefecture of Rodopi council, there are two vice-governors from the minority and 10 elected members at the prefecture council. EVROS In the Evros region, there is only one member of the minority elected in the Orfeas Prefecture council. During the national and regional elections, while members of the minority vote for Orthodox Christian Greek candidates, electoral results prove that Orthodox Christians do not vote for Muslim Turkish candidates. EMPLOYMENT There is no minority-majority balance at least based on population rates in the public administration sector. Although half of the population in Rodopi region is consisted of Muslim Turks, the employment percentage in the public administration does not reach 10 per cent. Although this number is slightly increasing in the last 5 years, it is still quite low compared to the demographic structure of Western Thrace and continues to be discriminatory against the Minority. The Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyanni, on February 2007 announced a special quota of 0.5% for minority members in the national examination for employement in the Greek public administration. This announcement was welcomed by the minority, but it is still to be implemented. Also, many EU-fi nanced programs in business and agricultural sectors were implemented in the area. However, due to lack of information and healthy disclosure regarding these funds, only a few members of the minority can benefi t. 30

CONCLUSION Although the Muslim Turkish Minority of Western Thrace offi cially continue to live in the region since 1923, Greece, even today, continues to ignore its existence and implement different policies of discrimination. The national and local political systems, do not allow the full participation of minority in the decision making process and hinder their political representation. Multi-ethnic and multicultural life is matter of fact in today s Europe. People with different ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds have to learn how to live together side by side without prejudice. Tzemil Kapza Westher Thrace Minority University Graduates Association 31

CSS/ETHNOBAROMETER Southeast Europe: Minorities, Regional Stability & Security a European Perspective Workshop 27th April 2099 Cluj/Romania MOSQUES IN WESTERN THRACE Mosques and minarets are one of the most important parts of the Muslim Turkish Minority s religious and cultural life. Although the historic monuments inherited from the Ottomans have been subject to systematic eradication, as of the year of 2006 there are 301 mosques in Western Thrace. 24 are closed and 277 of them still operate. Most of these mosques have minarets. In the last years only 14 minarets were built across the region. Much permission for building or restoring mosques and minarets are still pending in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Education. Building a minaret up to 16 meters high was easier until the year of 2004. Since then, permissions for building mosques and minarets up to 16 meters and higher are still pending. There are 161 mosques in Komotini. 157 operate and 4 are closed. 11 new mosques and 12 new minarets were built in Komotini in the last years. The total number of mosques in Xanthi is 115. 97 mosques operate and 18 are closed. 10 new mosques and one minaret were built in the last years. 23 out of 25 mosques operate in Alexandroupolis, while 2 new mosques and one minaret are to be built. PERMISSION PROCEDURE The law no 1363/1938 which was later replaced by law no 1672/1939 conducts the procedure of getting permission to build any kind of house of prayer as well as mosques and minarets. This law later was changed by the new law 1577/1985. According to article 21, paragraph 2 of this law the height of the minarets has been reduced from 16m and over to 7.5 m. However in the same paragraph, there is a deviation (discretionary power) which gives the right to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Education for reasonable and special cases to give permissions for the heights of minarets 16m and over. According to this law, permissions for mosques, minarets and any other kind of house of prayer needed the authorization of the bishop of the region. The authority, which was given to the region s bishop was transferred to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Education in 1997. The Bishop of Komotini and Maronia region in many cases used the right to veto or postponed the permits. Furthermore in some cases he recalled his permissions. For example: In July 1995 The Bishop of Komotini and Maronia region signed the 16m permission of the Peleketi (Arabacikoy) minaret. The same bishop in 13-11-1996 recalled his permission of 16m and reduced it to 12m on the bases of the Greek Orthodox community s objections living in the same village. After the transformation of the authorization of the bishop to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Educa- 32

tion, up to the year of 2004 many applications for building minarets were approved. However this is not the case since then. Many applications for building mosques and minarets up to 16m were refused or not answered at all by the Ministry. Applicants complain that the deviation (discretionary power) of article 21 is used more for political pressure rather than positive measures. MP of Rodopi Region Ahmet Hacıosman, led a question to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Education on 15/5/2008 regarding the permissions for building minarets in the Venna (Demirbeyli), Kallindirio (Kalenderkoy) and Filira (Sirkeli) villages of the region of Rodopi. Minister of Education and Religious Affairs of the period Evripidis Stilianidis on his answer stated that the law permits of the length of the minarets is only 7.5m and that the bill should be implemented. The problem mentioned above is still to be resolved. The issue in question is not only limited to the heights of the minarets. The Greek Administration often raise diffi culties for giving construction permits for restoration attempts of old mosques. In some villages, restoration permit applications of the members of the Minority have either been repeatedly denied or procrastinated. In some cases, because the restoration applications have been denied, these old ruins present a danger to the community of the villages. WHY THE MINARET IS IMPORTANT Minarets, are important and an essential part of the mosque. Minarets are used to call prayers to gather in the mosque when the prayer time comes. This happens 5 times a day. The length of the minaret is important to reach the farthest point. The taller the minaret the farthest point you reach. In the mosque s minaret architecture the length of the minaret has to be over twice as tall as the mosque s height. Length is also important in terms of aesthetics of the minarets. The policy of the Greek Administration to shorten the heights of the Minarets is based on a feeble policy to hide that the village in question is a Turkish village and to pretend that Western Thrace is not densely populated by Turks. Hence the policy to build churches to every single village, even to those that have no Christian populations at all. CITY PLANS According to city plans of Komotini and Xanthi drawn in 1930 s almost all mosques, mesjids, pious foundation lands, cemeteries and private Minority school buildings lose part of their property. The report on this issue prepared by Ibrahim Baltali (Journalist-researcher) gives a clear clarifi cation on today s situation. (Please fi nd attached.) *** The above mentioned issues create a setback for the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, regarding their religious rights that have been granted by several international and bilateral agreements and conventions, specifi cally those rights that have been safeguarded by the Treaty of Athens as well as by the Treaty of Lausanne. The above examples are a clear violation of these rights and prove that the Greek Government is not yet ready to provide for the needs of the Turkish Minority. The Minority on the other 33