Diyanet holds overseas foundations workshop at Eliz Hotel

The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) held the ‘Overseas Foundation and Union Women’s Workshop’ from September 11–15 at the Eliz Hotel in Kızılcahamam. The event was attended by approximately 200 women working in overseas foundations and unions, alongside Diyanet general managers and department heads.

Reports indicate that the accommodation and organizational expenses for the workshop were organized by DİTİB, an entity operating within Diyanet’s overseas structure. The choice of venue has drawn scrutiny due to its ownership by Gürkan Dölekli, a business partner of Aziz İhsan Aktaş. Aktaş, who has faced legal proceedings regarding gang leadership, previously alleged in statements to law enforcement that Dölekli had provided a bribe to a municipal official.

While critics have raised questions regarding the use of luxury thermal hotels for such organizational activities, Diyanet maintains that its activities are aimed at providing religious services and support to Turkish citizens and Muslim communities across a wide geography, from Europe to Asia.