ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Greek Muslims

Greek Muslims are people who live in Greece and follow the Islamic religion. They are part of the Greek minority population, which is a group of people in Greece who belong to different ethnic and religious backgrounds than the majority Greeks. Muslims have been living in Greece since the Ottoman Empire, which was a Muslim empire that ruled parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa from the 14th to the early 20th century. The Ottoman Empire used to occupy Greece and brought Islam to the country.

Greek Muslims have faced various challenges and discrimination throughout history, including during the 20th century when Greece was trying to establish its national identity as a Greek Orthodox country. During this time, some Greek Muslims were forced to leave Greece, their homes and properties were confiscated, and they were not allowed to practice their religion freely. However, the situation has improved over the years, and Greek Muslims today have more religious freedom and civil rights.

Greek Muslims are a minority in Greece, and they make up around 1.3% of the population. They are mainly located in the region of Thrace in northeastern Greece, near the Turkish border. Thrace has a long history of multiculturalism, and Greek Muslims have been living peacefully alongside other ethnic and religious groups, including Greeks, Pomaks, and Roma people.

Greek Muslims have their own cultural traditions, language, and organizations that represent their interests. They are represented in the Greek Parliament by three members, who are elected by the Muslim community in Thrace. They also have their own Mufti, who is the highest religious authority in the Muslim community in Greece.

Overall, Greek Muslims are an important part of the multicultural diversity of Greece, and their rights and interests are protected by the Greek Constitution and international human rights laws.