16.05.2026 09:30
Retired imam Ferhat Taşkın, who became the focus of reactions after praying at the opening of a tavern in Muğla, said in a statement following the backlash, 'I leave those ignorant people who use the alcohol incident as an excuse to share on social media to Allah. If I had known something like this would happen, I would not have left my home. I first ask forgiveness from Allah for causing trouble to both my own community and religious circles.'
Retired imam Ferhat Taşkın, who became a topic of discussion for praying at a tavern opening in Muğla's Fethiye district, made a statement after the reactions. Taşkın said he was sorry for what happened and reacted to the insults directed at him.
HE MADE THE TAVERN OPENING WITH A PRAYER
Images of retired imam Ferhat Taşkın, who attended the opening ceremony of a newly opened tavern in Fethiye, praying sparked controversy. Speaking at the opening, Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Osman Çıralı stated that new businesses would contribute to the regional economy, while Fethiye Deputy Mayor Veli Uysal also wished the business owner success with the words "May Allah grant abundant and blessed earnings."
Making a statement after the images became a topic of discussion, retired imam Ferhat Taşkın said he had served as an imam for 40 years and recently retired.
"I LEAVE THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW THEMSELVES TO ALLAH"
Taşkın, stating that he tried to stand by citizens throughout his duty, noted that harsh comments were made against him on social media.
In his statement, Taşkın said, "I leave those ignorant people who share on social media using the excuse of the alcohol incident there to Allah. I am very aggrieved. I was very saddened not only by insults against me but also by those made through religion. If I had known such a thing would happen, I wouldn't have left my house. I ask forgiveness first from Allah for causing trouble to both my own community and religious circles."
Summary: Retired imam Ferhat Taşkın, who became a topic of discussion for praying at a tavern opening in Fethiye, said in his statement after the reactions that he was sorry for what happened.