Ukrainian national converts to Islam in Van, Turkey

Anastasiia Podrezova, a Ukrainian national, has converted to Islam in Van, Turkey. Following a ceremony held at the Van Provincial Mufti's Office, she has taken the name ‘Zeynep’.

Podrezova’s interest in the religion began during a holiday in Turkey in 2021, when she heard the call to prayer (ezan) for the first time. Since then, she has conducted extensive research through internet videos, blogs, and conversations with Muslims. She noted that the communal aspect of Ramadan and the tradition of iftar meals particularly moved her.

Podrezova stated that the conflicts in Ukraine served as a significant turning point, prompting deeper reflection on her faith. She also mentioned that reconnecting with Emrah Genç, an individual she met in Van years ago, played a role in her journey. She expressed that the process felt like a spiritual destiny, stating, ‘I don’t know what guided me to this, I think Allah destined this for me.’