# Religious critiques of traditional funeral customs > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/religious-critiques-of-traditional-funeral-customs > Updated: 2026-09-29T08:15:27.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. Religious leaders in Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina have issued calls to reform traditional funeral practices to reduce economic burdens and refocus on spiritual values. In Ardahan, Turkey, Provincial Mufti Adem Karadeniz led an initiative to end the tradition of providing large-scale meals during condolence periods. Karadeniz noted that there is no religious obligation to provide meals on specific days following a death and described the practice of families incurring debt for such gatherings as ‘makruh’ (disliked). He suggested that instead of the bereaved preparing food, neighbors and relatives should bring food to support them. Similarly, in southern Herzegovina, a priest from the Hutovo parish criticized certain customs as “folklore without faith” and unnecessary expenses. He specifically targeted the hiring of trumpet players and the purchase of large funeral wreaths, which he described as a display of “unnecessary honor to this passing world.” He proposed redirecting these funds toward the renovation of religious spaces and adopting simpler farewell rituals involving prayer and minimal floral arrangements. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: Herzegovina priest calls for end to traditional funeral customs A priest in Herzegovina has called for the end of traditional funeral customs like hiring trumpet players and buying large wreaths, urging families to instead donate to church and cemetery renovations. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herzegovina-priest-calls-for-end-to-traditional-funeral-customs ### 2026-09-17: Ardahan officials move to end costly funeral meal traditions Officials in Ardahan are working to abolish the tradition of providing large funeral meals to prevent grieving families from facing financial hardship and religious inconsistency. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ardahan-officials-move-to-end-costly-funeral-meal-traditions --- Cite as: Religious critiques of traditional funeral customs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/religious-critiques-of-traditional-funeral-customs