The Diyanet has grown fond of commerce: First prayer rugs, now electronic devices...
The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, which previously made headlines with its sales of luxury prayer rugs and prayer beads, has now expanded its trade to include technological products. On its website, a wide range of electronic items, from smartwatches to Bluetooth speakers, are being offered for sale under the slogan of "deals."
12punto
The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, affiliated with the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), is expanding its commercial activities to increase its revenue. The Foundation, which previously sold religious books, prayer beads, and luxury prayer rugs, has now entered the electronic goods market.
Among the products promoted on its newly opened online store with slogans such as "Great technology opportunities" and "Unmissable prices" are smartwatches, microphones, headphones, and portable chargers.
BUDGET WAS NOT ENOUGH, TRADE STEPPED IN
The Presidency of Religious Affairs, which received a massive budget of 130.1 billion TL from the Treasury for 2025, generates additional income through donations from citizens and product sales via the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, in addition to public resources.
In addition to religious items, technological devices have also taken their place on the shelves of the foundation's online sales platform. This move has once again brought the institution's commercial side to the agenda.
PRICES DRAW ATTENTION
The prices of some products sold on the foundation's website are as follows:
Smartwatch: 1,790 TL
Bluetooth speaker: 1,890 TL
Lavalier microphone: 1,750 TL
Power bank: 949 TL
The fact that the products are promoted as "the most popular technology products" also drew attention.
IT HAD PREVIOUSLY SOLD LUXURY PRAYER RUGS
The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation had drawn public reaction in 2021 with a luxury prayer rug sold for 4,500 TL. Following the criticism, the sale of the product was halted.