A windfall for Ali Erbaş as his term nears its end... He is becoming a 'super retiree'!

The term of the President of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbaş, ends on September 17. When his term expires, Erbaş will become a "super pensioner" with one of the highest state pensions in the country.

Following the conclusion of his term, if Erbaş retires by the end of the year, he will receive a monthly pension of 101,000 TL; if he retires after the start of the new year, he will receive 119,000 TL.

RETIREMENT BONUS EQUIVALENT TO A LIFETIME OF EARNINGS

Ali Erbaş’s retirement bonus will be between 2.3 million and 2.7 million TL. While it is known that the Diyanet previously made headlines with statements suggesting that "fitra (charity) can be given to pensioners," the pension Erbaş will receive will be six times the lowest pension in Turkey.

Today, the lowest pension in Turkey is 16,881 TL. The 101,000 TL pension that Ali Erbaş will receive is equivalent to the combined pensions of nearly six retirees. Erbaş's retirement bonus will also be equal to the monthly salary of 137 retirees.

Ali Erbaş, who has served as the President of Religious Affairs for eight years, has been at the center of numerous controversies throughout his tenure. He has made headlines for taking his personal valet on Hajj, his statement that "they begrudged me an Audi," over 140 international trips, allegations of nepotism and appointments of relatives. Furthermore, Erbaş’s sermons, his omission of the founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, controversies involving his family, and his luxury travels with his wife have also been subjects of long-standing debate.

Ali Erbaş’s four daughters have frequently appeared in the news due to controversial reports. His wife has gone on Hajj seven times, including VIP Umrah tours. Allegations that he had his security detail carry his bag were another notable issue that appeared in the press.