Safi Arpaguş calls for unified Turkic state strategies against religious extremism

Safi Arpaguş, President of Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs, has called for Turkic states to develop unified strategies and a common discourse to counter harmful movements that threaten internal security and social peace.

Speaking at the 7th Meeting of Religious Affairs/Religious Administration Heads of Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member countries in Baku, Azerbaijan, Arpaguş warned against groups that exploit religious sentiments for immoral purposes. He stated that these movements sow discord and threaten both Islamic values and social stability.

Arpaguş also addressed the rise of systematic pressure on Muslims globally, noting that Islam is frequently misrepresented as violent or associated with terrorism. He emphasized the need for a strong institutional stance against growing Islamophobia and xenophobia in the West. To combat these issues, he advocated for increased experience sharing between institutions and solidarity among Turkic states to present a ‘single voice.’

Additionally, Arpaguş highlighted the social challenges brought by globalization, artificial intelligence, and digitalization. He stressed the importance of creating joint guidance projects to protect the family unit and younger generations from new moral and social risks.