Is a new era beginning at the Diyanet? Criticism of the Erbaş era from Safi Arpaguş

Safi Arpaguş, who was appointed to the Presidency of Religious Affairs by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on September 17 to replace Ali Erbaş, has made significant changes since taking office. First, he changed Ali Erbaş's team, reduced the number of official vehicles, and cut the number of security guards from 6 to 2. Arpaguş also plans to limit international travel to essential cases only.

According to a report by Sözcü, Arpaguş prefers to eat lunch in the staff cafeteria, avoiding the presidential dining hall that his predecessor Erbaş rarely visited. Arpaguş also shows a difference in his style of dress, opting for a look with a tie and suit.

While Erbaş used to welcome visitors in his office wearing robes, Arpaguş does not wear robes outside of official programs. These changes reflect Arpaguş's desire to maintain a more formal and modest stance.

Privileges such as a chauffeur, official vehicle, and security detail that were allocated to Ali Erbaş's wife, Seher Erbaş, were not requested by the new president's wife, Hatice Arpaguş. Hatice Arpaguş, a professor at the Marmara Faculty of Theology, only came to the institution for the handover ceremony.

"WE NEED TO RETURN TO OUR ROOTS A LITTLE"

While explaining his projects to his inner circle, Safi Arpaguş stated, "It is enough for me not to do what Ali Erbaş did. There is no need to be seen everywhere or to go everywhere to pray. We need to return to our roots a little."

News Source: 12punto