The 29th of January 1988 marks the date when the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace peacefully marched in Komotini to advocate for identity recognition, democracy, and human rights. On the 29th of January 1990, the democratic and legitimate demands of the Turkish minority became the target of hostility and acts of vandalism, culminating in widespread violence against members of the minority in the region. Since then, the 29th of January has been embraced by the Turkish Minority as the Day of National Resistance and Solidarity, serving as a moment of remembrance and unity.
Today, the Turkish Minority continues to encounter significant challenges, particularly regarding the recognition of their identity, freedom of association, minority education, and political representation. As EFA, we express our solidarity with the Turkish Minority in their peaceful and lawful efforts to secure minority rights and uphold fundamental human rights. We join them in commemorating the Day of National Resistance and Solidarity and in honoring the memory of those who dedicated their lives to the pursuit of equality, justice, and human rights in Western Thrace.