Diyanet issues statement on 'gold-leaf invitation' reports

The Presidency of Religious Affairs has denied reports appearing in some media outlets alleging that invitations for Mevlid-i Nebi Week were 'gold-leafed.' It was stated that the invitations were designed solely as a cultural memento in commemoration of the 1500th Hijri year and that austerity measures were strictly observed.

PRESS RELEASE

The Presidency of Religious Affairs denies the slander appearing in some media outlets that "gold-leaf invitations" were printed for Mevlid-i Nebi Week.https://t.co/XwjHSpxypu pic.twitter.com/rTHP9zMhLs

— Diyanet (@diyanetbasin) August 31, 2025

"CLAIMS THAT DO NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH"

The following statements were included in the written statement issued by the Presidency:

"In recent days, claims that do not reflect the truth have appeared in some media outlets regarding our Presidency's invitations for Mevlid-i Nebi Week. This statement has been deemed necessary to inform the public accurately. This year, Mevlid-i Nebi Week will be celebrated under the auspices of our Presidency and with the theme 'Prophet Muhammad, Mercy to the Worlds, in the 1500th Year of His Birth,' as it marks the 1500th Hijri year since the birth of our Prophet (pbuh). The events, which will continue between September 3, 2025, and August 23, 2026, have been planned in accordance with the significance of this year."

"LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN"

In the statement, it was noted that, unlike in previous years, the invitations were prepared not just as invitations but as a cultural memento to honor the memory of Prophet Muhammad, adding: "The invitations were designed with a simple style, featuring a rose motif on the front and program information on the back. Furthermore, many invitations were delivered digitally. As claimed in some reports, there is absolutely no question of gold-leaf printing. The invitations were prepared using standard printing techniques available on the market, and our Presidency has never included gold ornamentation elements in any of its invitations to date. Legal action will be taken against the media and social media accounts that published these false reports, which are clearly prepared in a misleading, malicious, and intentional manner."

News Source: İHA