DIPLOMATIC INSTITUTIONS OF THE MUSLIM MINORITY IN WESTERN THRACE AND MINORITY POLICY MAKING

Abstract

The only recognized by the state minority in Greece is the Muslim minority in Western Thrace. This minority is populated by Greek citizens that are Muslim in religion. The legal frame they belong to is defined by the Treaty of Lausanne and the Convention about the exchange of populations. In 1922 the Muslim minority of Thrace consisted of 86,000 people and in 1991 this number increased to 97,604. The minority includes three ethnic groups: Turkish people, Pomaks and Gypsies. Each of these groups preserves their own language and traditions. The policy that has been followed by the Greek Governments the past years regarding the handling of the problems of the minority can be characterized by moderation and consensus, especially since 1991 when law equality between Christians and Muslims was implemented. This is a viewpoint shared by some non-governmental organizations that have been closely monitoring the updates concerning minority issues. Whatever occurs in minorities is basically an issue of domestic policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a consulting role in collaboration with the other Ministries. This research examines the diplomatic institutions of the Muslim minority, the minority policy making and the role of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The research is based on bibliographical and press retrospection. The research records the history of the Muslim minority of Western Thrace, it briefly presents its current situation, it outlines the responsibilities of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it describes the bilateral relationship with Greece and it presents the Turkish viewpoint regarding the Muslim minority of Western Thrace. The research also analyzes the role of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish General Consulate in Komotini. The research seeks to explore the political interventions in the local community, the minority policy making, the related organization in both Greece and Europe and finally the attitude of the Mass Media. The outcomes of the research show that the most important policymaker diplomatic institution is the Turkish General Consulate in Komotini.