Diyanet report contains 'open-ended' proposal: 'Moves to dismantle the Republic continue uninterrupted'

The Presidency of Religious Affairs' 2023 activity report has brought the topic of 'combating religious exploitation' to the agenda. 

The report states that there is a need for training programs and short, effective projects to be implemented in the field to raise public awareness and improve the professional knowledge of personnel. 

The importance of training personnel with high professional and communication skills to work in the field was emphasized, particularly to protect young people from the threats of religious exploitation. Diyanet aims to address these shortcomings by increasing personnel training measures.

VAGUE DEFINITION OF 'FIELD'

Evaluating the statements in the report for Sarp Sağkal of Cumhuriyet, retired Mufti Gani Aşık said, "We have learned from the Presidency of Religious Affairs' activity report that some projects and proposals have been presented to the presidency that bring tears to our eyes in order to prevent religious exploitation and protect young people from this exploitation." 

"WHILE THEY FEEL NO NEED TO HIDE THEIR HOSTILITY TOWARD ATATÜRK..."

Pointing out that the scope of the 'field' work is open-ended, Aşık continued: 

"Attention is drawn to the importance of the professional knowledge and communication skills of the personnel who will work in the field for these efforts. However, it is unclear whether the 'field' they refer to includes all high schools, universities, or neighborhoods and streets. The government's moves to dismantle the Republic, in cooperation with religious sects and foundations, have been continuing uninterrupted for 20 years. 

It is a proven fact that Diyanet, under the leadership of Ali Erbaş, provides active support to the destruction of the Republic through protocols signed with the Ministry of National Education, which only has 'national' left in its name. While they feel no need to hide their hostility toward Atatürk even on the anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory—which was Atatürk's miracle—it would be naive to believe in projects to 'protect youth from religious exploitation.' The possibility of another trick is high."

PERSONNEL RIGHTS

On the other hand, all of Diyanet's activity reports published in the last 10 years have stated, using different phrasing, that "the institution's trained personnel prefer other institutions due to the inadequacy of their personal rights." 

Another "weakness" identified in the institution's reports concerns assessments regarding the status of mosques.