Türkiye Diyanet Foundation donation fund controversy

The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) has faced allegations regarding the mismanagement of donation and zakat funds intended for needy regions, including Palestine and Gaza. Initial reports suggested that these funds were placed into investment funds to protect against inflation, resulting in a reported 48 percent loss after an attempt to withdraw capital led to significant financial setbacks.

Critics noted that such investments might have contradicted a 2022 ruling by the High Board of Religious Affairs, which prohibits charitable organizations from investing zakat funds before they are distributed.

In response to the controversy, three high-level executives, including General Manager İzani Turan, were removed from their positions. While some reports linked these dismissals to allegations of fund diversion and personal misuse of resources, the TDV officially denied the claims. The foundation stated it holds no assets in the liquidated funds mentioned and maintains that its only investment is in the interest-free TLK fund. The TDV asserted that the management changes were part of a pre-existing agenda and has initiated legal proceedings against those spreading the allegations.