Diyanet to form youth branches in mosques

ANKARA

Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) will form youth branches in mosques in order to prevent youth from joining religious movements that “spoil Islam,” such as the movement of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen. 

The practice also aims to encourage the youth to pray in mosques, daily Habertürk reported on Oct. 21.

The formation of youth branches will initially be applied to mosques in central areas and each youth branch will be active at the mosque in which it was formed. The branches will meet for morning prayers and Quran lessons. In addition, football, volleyball, basketball and table tennis competitions will be organized between different youth branches. 

A membership system will be applied to the branches and no fee will be charged from members. The members are expected to act on the basis of “volunteerism” and social responsibility, the daily said. 

The members of the branches will be able to elect presidents, vice presidents and people responsible for education. A logo will be designed for each branch and a card will be given to the members to encourage a sense of belonging.

“Let’s renew and develop our mosques with the youth … with the aim of don’t be late, come when you’re young,” said Religious Services General Manager Yaşar Yiğit, adding that the project also aimed to stimulate the minds of the youth via the “peaceful atmosphere of mosques.”