Change of duty at the Diyanet is on the way! Claim: The name to replace Ali Erbaş has been determined

Diyanet Affairs President Ali Erbaş completes his term on September 17. It is legally impossible for a third appointment to be made for Erbaş, who has been in office since 2017.

According to the Law on the Establishment and Duties of the Presidency of Religious Affairs, the term of office for presidents is limited to five years and they can be appointed for a maximum of two terms.

Who will be appointed to Erbaş's seat is among the most discussed topics in Ankara's political circles.

According to the report in Nefes, it is considered certain that Istanbul Mufti Prof. Dr. Safi Arpaguş will be brought in to replace Erbaş.

HE HAD PRAYED FOR ATATÜRK

Arpaguş had come to the public's attention, particularly with his participation in the November 10 mawlid program held at the Dolmabahçe Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque in 2023. There, he had prayed together with the congregation for Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms.

WHO IS PROF. DR. SAFİ ARPAGUŞ?

Born in 1967, he began his education at an imam-hatip high school and subsequently graduated from the Marmara University Faculty of Theology. Continuing his academic career at the university, he received the title of associate professor in 2008 and professor in 2014. In 2021, he was appointed as the Istanbul Mufti by a Presidential decree.

HE HAD STARTED HIS DUTY WITH A CEREMONY ATTENDED BY ERBAŞ

Ali Erbaş was also present at the ceremony held when he began his duty as Istanbul Mufti. Thus, he had come together in the same frame with the person to whom he would hand over his position years later.