Directorate of Religious Affairs

The Presidency of Religious Affairs is a state institution established in 1924 by the founding president of the Republic of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Initially created to manage religious duties which was previously overseen by the abolished Chiefdom of Islamic/Muslim Community before the establishment of the republic during the Ottoman Empire era, it later gained formal recognition under Article 136 of the Turkish constitution. The President of Religious Affairs effectively serves as the Grand Mufti of Turkey. This role is supported by a 16-member council elected from among clerics and university theology faculty.