Diyanet discussed how to spend its multi-billion lira budget: A musical meeting at a five-star hotel

It has been learned that the Presidency of Religious Affairs Strategy Development Department chose a five-star thermal hotel in Kızılcahamam, Ankara, for a meeting to evaluate its 2024 budget.

According to a report by Mustafa Bildircin from BirGün; participants of the organization, which took place in February, were instructed, "Do not share a single photo from the hotel regarding the meeting," due to concerns that it would draw backlash.

"WE SHOULD HAVE THAT MUCH AUTHORITY"

It was reported that the meeting lasted for one week. To those who pointed out that choosing a five-star hotel for the meeting would cause public backlash, it was reportedly said, "The budget is very large. We will evaluate it for a week. There are accumulated issues. We are managing a massive budget; we should have that much authority."

It was stated that the meeting covered how expenditure items would be evaluated, how budget transfers would be handled, and how billing processes would be organized. On the other hand, it was claimed that the meeting at the five-star hotel also evaluated letters sent by provincial mufti offices to the presidency regarding their expenditures.

A MUSIC GROUP WAS BROUGHT IN

Administrative personnel dealing with the budget from 81 provinces attended the meeting.

It was also alleged that a music group was brought to the hotel for the Diyanet meeting.

According to the claim, high school students who came from Ankara performed a musical recital for those attending the meetings.

Diyanet's expenditures for the January-March 2024 period were listed as follows:

• January: 9 billion 726 million TL

• February: 7 billion 165 million TL

• March: 7 billion 454 million TL

News Source: 12punto