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Turkey Mosques and Religious Officials Week

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2026-10-09 15:30 UTC → 2026-10-10 18:40 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Turkey is observing Mosques and Religious Officials Week, held annually from October 1 to 7. Under the theme ‘Mosques and Social Life,’ the observance highlights the role of religious personnel—including imams, muezzins, and Quran instructors—in both spiritual and social spheres. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi praised religious officials for their contributions to the nation’s spiritual life, describing their service as ‘extending from the Mihrab to Hearts.’ Officials noted that these workers provide essential services in hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes. Mevlüt Tosun, President of the Isparta branch of Diyanet-Sen, referred to religious officials as the ‘spiritual architects of society.’ During the observance, Safi Arpaguş, President of the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), met with officials in Istanbul, describing mosques as essential centers for unity, brotherhood, and social interaction. Regional events have continued throughout the week. In Karatay, Konya, local authorities and religious officials gathered to discuss the social importance of mosques as centers for unity. In Samsun’s Atakum district, a traditional gathering was held for religious officials and their families, including activities for children. In Ünye, a breakfast program honored retired religious volunteers for their long-term service. Additionally, in Aliağa, İzmir, Imam Hatip Gazali Ateş donated one year of his retirement pension to the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) during a commemorative event. In Sivas, the Provincial Muftiate organized a dinner to honor retired religious officials Zöhtü Tarhan, Cafer Toprak, and Zarif Bozkurt. The Sivas events also included a child's concert to raise awareness for Gaza. In the Havza district of Samsun, a program themed ‘Life is in the Mosque’ was held, featuring speeches from Samsun Provincial Mufti Hasan Güneş and Diyanet Affairs General Director of Education Services Sadide Akbulut.

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