The Diyanet continued its Atatürk tradition this year as well: Is the Ali Erbaş mentality continuing?

As in every year, the founder of the Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, will be commemorated with gratitude throughout the country.

However, the Presidency of Religious Affairs, which was founded by Atatürk, continued its tradition of not commemorating Gazi Mustafa Kemal in its Friday sermon on November 10, 2023. As in previous years, there was no reference or commemoration made regarding Atatürk.

The fact that the Diyanet does not include Atatürk in its Friday sermons during national holidays and Atatürk's commemoration days has become a situation that has drawn public attention for years.

This stance continued during the tenure of Ali Erbaş, who served as the President of Religious Affairs between 2017 and 2025, and criticisms directed at the institution increased. During these years, the Diyanet did not fulfill its traditional duties such as mentioning Atatürk's name or organizing visits to Anıtkabir.

Following the appointment of the new President of Religious Affairs, Safi Arpaguş, in October, hopes had emerged that a change might take place within the institution.

As soon as Arpaguş took office, he hung a photograph of Atatürk in his office, and this was interpreted by the public as a sign that the Diyanet's stance toward Atatürk might change.