Facts about the Muslim Minority in Thrace from the "Pan-hellenic
Association of Pomaks"
Representing the Pomak population in Greece, our "Pan-hellenic Association
of Pomaks" wishes to present our action for the promotion of our special identity
and needs, as a distinct component of the Muslim Minority in Greece.
Pomaks in Greece reside in the most northern parts of Thrace Region. They
are proud of their identity which they achieved to maintain through the
centuries, despite attempts of assimilation by the majoritarian Muslim
component of turkic origin, with which we share the same religion.
The Pomaks have founded cultural associations in Thrace for the preservation
of their own tradition, customs and our language, which is a unique combination
of ancient Greek and Arabic and Slavic.
The "Pan-hellenic Association of Pomaks" engages with the Greek authorities
for the promotion of our claims for the growth of the region of Thrace in order
to achieve better opportunities for Pomaks in the economy, including the labour
market. It is an active member of European Organizations for minority rights
where we advocate our clear distinction from the other components of the
Muslim Minority of Greece.
Our independent newspaper "Zagalisa" is the voice of Greek Pomaks.
We are proud to be Pomaks who, as Greek citizens, enjoy religious freedom,
educational rights and advantageous regulations for our entry to Greek
Universities and employment in the public sector. We also enjoy all liberties
guaranteed to Greek citizens by the Greek Constitution.
We do not like to be called Turcs just because we are Muslims and we
appreciate the policy of the official authorities to respect our identity as well as
our rights as a minority deriving from the Treaty of Lausanne.
At the same time, as residents of a multicultural region, we are trying to make
use of policies aiming at social inclusion, peaceful coexistence within the
Muslim minority and living in harmony with the Christian population.