Mufti office controversy: No one but the mufti can sit in the fatwa seat

Evaluating the situation after the photo was released to the public, Gül stated that according to state protocol, only the President of Religious Affairs or the governor, who is the administrative superior of the provincial mufti, may sit in the provincial mufti's chair.

Gül argued that it is inappropriate in terms of state traditions and protocol rules for district governors, deputy governors, acting deputy governors, trainees, or other public officials to use the office chair.

Drawing attention to the spiritual weight and institutional prestige represented by the office of the mufti, Gül noted that many governors also act in accordance with the understanding that "no one but the mufti can sit in the fatwa seat."

Emphasizing that the issue is about the prestige of the office regardless of the individuals involved, Gül said, "As a union, we do not find such images that damage the reputation of the mufti's office to be correct, and we invite all institutions to act in accordance with state traditions and protocol sensitivities."