06.11.2025 21:20
The Kocaeli Mufti's Office announced that on November 10th, the Mevlid-i Sharif will be recited in all mosques for Atatürk, martyrs, and veterans. Following this decision, the former chief imam of Hagia Sophia, Mehmet Boynukalın, reacted by sharing, "It is not permissible to recite mercy for non-Muslims."
The Kocaeli Mufti's Office announced that on Monday, November 10, at 12:30 PM, a Mevlid-i Sherif will be recited in all mosques across the province in memory of Atatürk, martyrs, and veterans, on the occasion of the 87th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
INSTRUCTION TO DISTRICT MUFTIS
In an official letter signed by Kocaeli Provincial Mufti Mehmet Sönmezoğlu, it was stated that the event would be held within the scope of November 10, Atatürk Memorial Day.
BOYNUKALIN WAS DISTURBED
Following the decision, former Chief Imam of Hagia Sophia, Mehmet Boynukalın, drew reactions with a post he made on his social media account. Boynukalın stated, "It is not permissible to recite mercy for someone who is not a Muslim. All Islamic scholars have agreed on this matter," targeting the Kocaeli Mufti's memorial program.
Here is Boynukalın's post;
GREAT REACTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Boynukalın's words quickly became a trending topic on social media, with many users reacting to his post. Users emphasized that Atatürk was the founder of the country's independence and secular order, describing the statement as "disrespectful."