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Bolu Provincial Mufti's 'budget' remarks anger congregation: 'Hocam, don't talk politics'

While opposition criticism regarding imams 'talking politics' in mosques continues, another controversial video has emerged. Bolu Provincial Mufti Hüseyin Demirtaş, who was giving a sermon at the Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque last Friday, made statements regarding the budget of the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).

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The congregation reacted to the words of Mufti Hüseyin Demirtaş, who was giving a sermon at a mosque in Bolu. The response given by Bolu Provincial Mufti Hüseyin Demirtaş during his Friday sermon to criticisms regarding the budget of the Presidency of Religious Affairs sparked controversy. A member of the congregation confronted the mufti, saying, "Hocam, don't talk politics." The footage of those moments also caused a stir on social media.

Mufti Hüseyin Demirtaş stated that they wanted to make arrangements in some mosques in the city to provide accessibility for disabled citizens and that they had contacted the necessary authorities in this regard. Demirtaş mentioned that during this meeting, a director at the relevant authority made criticisms regarding the budget of the Presidency of Religious Affairs.

Mufti Hüseyin Demirtaş, recounting the dialogue he had with a director as part of efforts for disabled access, said, "We wanted nice things to happen in a few mosques where disabled access will be provided. We called a lady; they are the ones from the directorate who check whether it's feasible or not. A remark was made in between: 'Hocam, the Diyanet has so much money, why don't they do these things in time, etc.,' she said."

"DON'T TALK NONSENSE"

Stating that he responded to the director's words, Demirtaş said the following:

I said, 'Wait a minute, what are you talking about? What is the ratio of our budget within the general budget?' I asked. 'Hocam, it's this many billions,' etc. I said, 'My brother, it's 0.9 percent. There are 150 thousand personnel, there are overseas organizations. Don't talk nonsense,' I said. 'Be informed, don't be prejudiced. Don't fall for such things, my dear brothers.'

"TEACH US RELIGION, RELIGION! HOCAM, DON'T TALK POLITICS" REACTION

While Mufti Demirtaş's words before the prayer drew attention, a citizen reacted at that moment.

A citizen in the mosque congregation addressed the mufti, expressing his reaction: "Teach us religion, religion. The entire congregation here already knows what is what. Hocam, don't talk politics."

Mufti Demirtaş responded to this criticism directed at him by saying, "You don't talk politics, you are the ones doing it. Alright, my brother."