09.10.2025 17:36
Prof. Dr. Safi Arpaguş, who was appointed to the Presidency of Religious Affairs, hung a portrait of Atatürk in his office after starting his duties. His choice of the historic photograph from 1923, depicting Atatürk being welcomed with prayers in Uşak, garnered significant attention on social media and was interpreted as a "meaningful message."
With the appointment decision published in the Official Gazette signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prof. Dr. Safi Arpaguş, the Mufti of Istanbul, has been appointed to the position of President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs.
ROOT CHANGES ARE HAPPENING
With Arpaguş taking office, significant changes are occurring within the Directorate of Religious Affairs. With the new decree published in the Official Gazette, numerous appointments and changes in managerial positions within the institution have been made. It is stated that a more inclusive and innovative management approach is aimed in the new period.
HE HUNG A PORTRAIT OF ATATÜRK IN HIS OFFICE
The new president, Prof. Dr. Safi Arpaguş, hung a portrait of Atatürk in his office after taking office. It drew attention that Arpaguş chose a historical photo of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk being welcomed with prayers in Uşak on February 18, 1923.
IT BECAME A TREND ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The image featuring the portrait of Atatürk quickly became a trend on social media. The majority of users commented that Arpaguş's choice was "a meaningful and symbolic step." Some circles expressed that this new approach in the Directorate could signal an institutional transformation.
HE HAD PRAYED FOR ATATÜRK
Arpaguş is known for attending the mevlit program held at Dolmabahçe Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque on November 10, 2023, the 85th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death. Arpaguş prayed for Atatürk and his comrades along with the mosque congregation.
ARPAGUŞ'S CURRICULUM VITAE
Born in 1967 in the Gümüşhacıköy district of Amasya, Arpaguş graduated from Gümüşhacıköy Imam Hatip High School in 1985 and from Marmara University Faculty of Theology in 1990. He began his academic career as a research assistant at the same faculty in 1992, completed his master's degree in 1994, and his doctorate in 2001. After becoming an associate professor in 2008 and a professor in 2014, he served as the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Marmara University between 2011 and 2021. Appointed as the Mufti of Istanbul by the Presidential Decree dated October 15, 2021, Arpaguş also served as a faculty member and head of the Department of Sufism. His area of expertise includes the concepts and institutions of Islamic Sufi history, and he has works on Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the Masnavi, and Mevlevi order.
Some of Arpaguş's works are as follows: Mevlana and Islam, Spiritual Education in Mevlevilik, Hüseyin Azmi Dede; Treatises, Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi, Conversations; Ahmed Avni Konuk, Commentary on the Masnavi-i Sharif, -Heyet-, I-XIII; İsmail Rüsuhi Ankaravi, Minhacü'l-Fukara; Tahirü'l-Mevlevi, Postnişin of Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi Sheikh Celaleddin Efendi.