Kerem Aktürkoğlu claim in the cancellation of mufti appointment! 'His uncle did not want to leave Istanbul'

With a decision published in the Official Gazette dated January 30, 2026, it had been decided that Istanbul Deputy Mufti Ahmet Aktürkoğlu would be appointed as the Bilecik Provincial Mufti. The appointment had drawn attention in the public eye, particularly due to his kinship with a well-known athlete.

The decision had quickly become a topic of discussion because Aktürkoğlu is the uncle of Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

CANCELLATION DECISION PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE

However, with a new decision published in the Official Gazette dated March 7, 2026, the appointment in question was cancelled. The decision went into effect with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Thus, the appointment made approximately one month ago was officially withdrawn.

"DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE ISTANBUL" CLAIM

According to the report in Elips Haber, the reason behind the cancellation decision is that Ahmet Aktürkoğlu did not want to leave Istanbul. It was claimed that Aktürkoğlu did not want to take on the new role on the grounds that he has an established life in the city and that commuting to the new place of duty would be difficult.

"CANCELLATION SECURED THROUGH REQUEST" CLAIM

The report also included allegations that Aktürkoğlu used his connections through his nephew, national football player Kerem Aktürkoğlu, to request the cancellation of the appointment, and that this request was granted.

News Source: 12punto