Meaningful Visit to Hatay from Religious Union-Sen Delegation: "Deficiencies should be overcome with the Sister City Model"

HATAY - Within the scope of its union visits, Diyanet Birlik-Sen paid a visit to Hatay province, which suffered the heaviest devastation of the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes. The delegation, led by Deputy President Orhan Kartal, visited Hatay Provincial Mufti Mevlüt Topçu in his office, congratulated him on Mosques and Religious Officers Week and examined the post-earthquake works on site.

Three Years Later, the Struggle Continues

According to the news text shared with the public by Kenan Ak, President of the Union of Religious Unity and Religious Union-Sen, the union delegation first wished mercy to those who lost their lives in the earthquake. In the text, attention was drawn to the sacrifice of the citizens who are trying to hold on to life among the ruins in the region despite the nearly three years that have passed, as well as the sacrifice of religious officials who make great efforts to spiritually comfort the people.

Mufti Topçu Explained the Works with Visuals

Hatay Provincial Mufti Mevlüt Topçu was appreciated by the Diyanet Birlik-Sen delegation for his efforts to reopen hundreds of demolished mosques and Qur'an courses for worship despite limited means.

During the visit, Mufti Topçu informed the delegation about the works carried out after the earthquake with visuals. According to the information provided, a great progress has been made in a short time under the leadership of the Mufti's Office:

• After the earthquake, 105 mosques were reopened for worship.

• Hafizızlık, 4-6 year old Quran courses and youth centers were put into service.

• Approximately 8,000 orphan children were supported through various activities, programs and support activities.

Mufti Topçu said that many mosques and Qur'an courses are still under construction, adding that there is a great need for the support of philanthropists.

Diyanet Birlik-Sen's "Sister City" Proposal

The union delegation, who were touched by the services they listened to accompanied by visuals, stated that these great services should be carried out with the solidarity of not only Hatay Mufti's Office but also 81 provincial mufti's offices.

Diyanet Birlik-Sen has submitted an important proposal to the Presidency of Religious Affairs to overcome the shortcomings in religious services in earthquake-hit Hatay. The union demanded that the Presidency initiate a "sister city" project with other provincial mufti's offices to contribute to the completion of mosques and Qur'an courses as soon as possible.

The visiting delegation included Deputy President Orhan Kartal, Vice President Yusuf Çakır, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Yusuf Kılıç, Kilis Provincial President Eyüp Demir, Hatay Provincial President Ahmet Tecimen and Altınözü District Representative Yusuf Deniz. The delegation also visited Deputy Provincial Mufti Hüseyin Ortaç, branch managers and mufti's office staff and congratulated them on their week.