Exploring an Islamic Village in Greece

Overview

• Location: Northern Greece, primarily in Highlands
• City: Zanthi, also known as West Taria
• Population: Almost 50% Muslim
• Features: Halal restaurants, mosques, Sharia law, cemeteries

Kend Deos Village

• Proximity: 30-minute drive from Zanthi City center
• Uniqueness: Only village in Greece where 100% residents are Muslim
• Location: Bordering Turkey and Bulgaria

Pomac Tribe

• Predominance: Significant population in Zanthi and neighboring regions
• History: Integrated into the region for hundreds of years, influenced by Ottoman Turkish rule

Muslim Community in Greece

• Population: 3.5% of Greece's 10 million population
• History: Islam introduced in the 8th century, spread during Ottoman Turkish rule
• Daily Life: Easier in villages like Zanthi than in Athens; Muslims can live freely
• Religious Practices: Azan, Muslim funerals, Islamic culture visible

Islamic Culture in Villages

• Echinos Village: 90% Muslim population, visible Islamic elements such as madrasas
• Pomac Women: Skilled in crafts, cooking; adhere to Islamic daily living

Ramadan Traditions in Greece

• Food: Dates, sweets like rizogalo (rice pudding), galacta borco (sweet snack)
• Community Events: Fast-breaking, prayers, Quran reading contests, religious lessons
• Mosque Activities: Taraweeh and Tahajud prayers, Islamic teachings

Political and Social Dynamics

• Treaty of Lausanne (1923): Population exchange between Greece and Turkey
• Muslim Population: Western Thrace, significant minorities in several regions
• Rights: Equal rights under Greek Constitution; protection from discrimination
• Political Representation: Members in Parliament, local councils, deputy prefects

Education and Religious Leadership

• Schools: Primary and secondary schools with Greek and Turkish instruction
• Complaints: Issues with the appointment of Muftis by the government
• Islamic High Schools: Two in Komotini and Echinos, qualifications recognized

Challenges and Opportunities

• Citizenship Law: Revocation of citizenship for non-ethnic Greeks who leave the country
• Use of Terms: Restrictions on using “Turkish” for identifying Muslim minorities
• Human Rights: EU Court rulings in favor of Muslim minority rights
• New Mosque in Athens: Opened after 14 years of disputes, indicating progress

Cultural Influences

• Greek Thought Revival: Muslim scholars studied ancient Greek philosophy
• Learning from Plato: Integration with Islamic values, enriching Islamic intellectual tradition

Conclusion

• The integration and resilience of the Muslim community in Greece, especially in regions like Zanthi and among the Pomac tribe, showcase a unique cultural and religious dynamic. The community enjoys certain protective rights and representation, although challenges persist in terms of full societal integration and acceptance.