A video that went viral on social media on July 26 caused outrage in Türkiye. In the video, Ahmet Daştanbek, the head of Diyanet in Mecca, was seen counting money. It was claimed that the money counted was a ‘bribe’. Diyanet and Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the money counting footage. Daştanbek applied for retirement to the Presidency of Religious Affairs while the investigation against him was ongoing. Daştanbek retired quietly before the investigations against him were concluded.

CONTINUE IN SUA

It was reported that Daştanbek, who carried out hotel organizations and vehicle rental as the Mecca director of Diyanet, will continue to stay in Saudi Arabia after retirement.

According to information obtained from Diyanet sources, after his retirement from Diyanet, Daştanbek was appointed as the Mecca Manager of the Foundation for Solidarity with International Muslim Communities (MÜSDAV).

Emphasizing that MÜSDAV’s field of work is very wide, Diyanet sources gave information about the activities of the foundation. It was emphasized that MÜSDAV, which is listed among the foundations described as the “black box of Diyanet” in terms of its activities, carries out a lot of commercial business in Saudi Arabia. It was underlined that the tenders for the meals provided by Diyanet to the pilgrims were made by MÜSDAV.

NO CONTROL

Religious Affairs sources stated that Daştanbek’s new position at MÜSDAV was met with surprise in Diyanet and said:

“If the Ahmet Daştanbek file is opened, the matter will go back to both the very important names during the Erbaş period and Arpaguş’s team. Daştanbek retired and stepped into a more comfortable area. There is no control anymore. He counts the money more easily. It has become clear once again that the trust of the citizens is not protected. This understanding does not protect the reputation of the Diyanet, it aims to protect the names associated with bribery and many other allegations. If Mr. Safi closes his ears and continues to remain silent, he will face heavy consequences after his duty.” leaves.”

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THE SILENCE OF DİYANET

It was claimed that many high-ranking Religious Affairs officials were at the “Hookah party” around the time the money counting video, which was trending on social media on July 26, emerged, and that the party was interrupted when the video emerged. It was argued that the Chairman of the Inspection Board, M.A., who coordinated the investigation against Daştanbek, was very close to Daştanbek and that they met together at hookah parties. Images of the “hookah party” and money counting in Mecca were also brought to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. While the parliamentary questions remained unanswered, Diyanet never broke its silence on the issue.

MANAGEMENT DELETE FROM THE BEGINNING

Along with Safi Arpaguş, new names are serving in the MÜSDAV management. Fatih Mehmet Karaca is the Chairman of MÜSDAV’s Board of Directors. The Deputy Chairman of MÜSDAV is Bünyamin Albayrak, the son-in-law of Riyadh Ambassador Emrullah İşler. It is stated that Ahmet Daştanbek has a close relationship with Riyadh Ambassador Emrullah İşler and MÜSDAV executives Fatih Mehmet Karaca and Bünyamin Albayrak.