21.06.2026 21:11
When images of the Acting Deputy Governor visiting the Sinop Provincial Mufti's Office sitting in the Provincial Mufti's official seat were shared on social media, it sparked backlash within the Diyanet community. Mil-Diyanet Sen General President Celaleddin Gül reacted to the situation, stating, 'No one other than the mufti can sit in the seat of the fatwa authority.'
Intern Deputy Governor Acting Representative Mustafa Burak Yeter sat in the mufti's official chair during his visit to the Sinop Provincial Mufti's Office. The photo shared on the institution's social media account sparked controversy.
MIL-DIYANET SEN'S REACTION: NOT APPROPRIATE IN TERMS OF PROTOCOL
Celaleddin Gül, President of Mil-Diyanet Sen, reacted to the situation, stating that according to state customs, only the President of Religious Affairs or the governor, who is the civil administrator of the provincial mufti, can sit in the mufti's official chair.
Gül argued that it is not appropriate for district governors, deputy governors, acting deputy governors, interns, or other public officials to use the official chair in terms of state traditions and protocol rules.
"NO ONE BUT THE MUFTI CAN SIT IN THE FATWA SEAT"
Drawing attention to the spiritual weight and institutional dignity represented by the mufti's office, Gül noted that many governors also act with the understanding that "No one but the mufti can sit in the fatwa seat."
Emphasizing that the issue is about the dignity of the office, independent of individuals, Gül said, "As a union, we do not find such images that undermine the dignity of the mufti's office correct, and we invite all institutions to act in accordance with state traditions and protocol sensitivity."