Page 117 - Syrians in Türkiye - Special Report

GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TÜRKİYE THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION

institution, which is active all over Türkiye, has been authorized by the organization and
fundraising network, the Religious Foundation of Türkiye, plays an important role.

Diyanet carries out its work for Syrians under four main categories: religious services,
educational services, publishing services and support services. The Directorate of
Religious Affairs published the “Circular on Refugees” on September 19, 2015 outlining
how to provide services and appointed a “religious services coordinator” to conduct
religious services in the camps. Established within the Directorate General of Religious
Services on November 25, 2015, the department is exclusively engaged in these matters.
Diyanet works in cooperation with public institutions and Syrians to prepare the
necessary infrastructure to fulfill Syrians’ religious duties, from the reading of the call to
prayer to the provision of equipment for mosques; furthermore, it carries out extensive
work on religious education. Quran reading and memorization courses have special
place in these efforts. Diyanet uses both printed and television advertisements to reach
Syrians, which is effective, frequently organizes charity campaigns, and plans to hire
100 Syrians in the areas of religious service and education.

One of the most important tasks of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in
recent times is to prevent radicalization tendencies that have become identified with
the name of Daesh. Diyanet, which organizes reports, workshops, and conferences that
reveal the damage that Daesh and similar organizations which use religion as a mask
have inflicted on the Islamic world, makes a special effort to limit the influence of pro-
violence groups on refugees and therefore places importance on educating Syrian clergy.

◊ Religion Services, Rehabilitation, and Counseling Services

The Directorate of Religious Affairs maintains religious services for Syrians in mosques
and prayer rooms in camps within Türkiye, across the border, and throughout Türkiye. In
this context, central amplification systems were installed in all camps to broadcast the
call to prayer, efforts are made to support consistency in daily religious life and spiritual
and personal development, and referrals for and organization of humanitarian aid are
provided.

In metropolitan areas, mosques are allocated for Syrians and Quran courses are held in
the summer. Social solidarity and integration are promoted by hiring Syrian teachers,
conducting home visits, and meeting emergency needs.

An orphanage founded by the Şanlıurfa mufti (scholar of Islamic law) houses 54
orphans meets their needs of all kinds. Work is also being carried out in Şanlıurfa city
center to protect fatherless families. To reduce the trauma experienced, these families
are specifically addressed and all their needs are met.

SYRIANS IN TÜRKİYE SPECIAL REPORT 117