AN ONGOING DEBATE IN THE TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS: ELECTION OF THE MUFTIS IN GREECE

In the post 1999 era, although a number of minority issues have been resolved between Turkey and Greece, no progress has been made on the issue of the election of muftis in Greece. In spite of the presence of Protocol No. 3 that was annexed to the 1913 Treaty of Athens, which recognizes the right of Muslims to elect their muftis, Greece argues that the Treaty of Athens and Protocol No. 3 are invalid. The underlying reason for this argument is the fear stemming from the extensive secular and judicial authorities of the muftis and the possibility of politicization of their authority. This paper aims to discuss the validity of the 1913 Treaty of Athens and Protocol No. 3 and to examine relevant international treaties on the election of muftis. The paper further aims to explain the positions of Turkey and Greece and ongoing developments on this issue