Probe launched into ‘rock singer imam’

ANTALYA - Doğan News Agency

FiRock gave its first concert in Kaş Aug. 10. DHA Photo

The Antalya Mufti Office has opened a probe into an imam, Ahmet Muhsin Tüzer, who recently gave a concert after founding a rock band with his musician friends.

Tüzer, an imam in the district of Kaş, put together a rock band named “FiRock” with his friends Doğan Sakin – founder and guitarist of famous Turkish rock singer Erkin Koray’s Kramp band – and drummer İdris Tübcil.

FiRock gave its first concert at a yacht marina in Kaş Aug. 10, shortly after their first video clip, “Mevlaya Gel” (Follow the Master), was recorded and they are working on an album that combines rock and sufi music.
The province’s mufti office opened a probe to ask Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate to launch an official investigation into the rocker imam, saying that the situation was not ordinary for an imam.

Antalya Mufti Ahmet Çelik said the aim of the event organized by the group would be investigated.

“Being an imam is not ordinary public service. This situation could be normal for other public servants, but not for us,” Çelik said.

The investigation will be conducted by inspectors sent from Ankara, reports said.

Apart from the positive reactions, the group was harshly criticized on social media and threatened after their first concert. Tüzer said they had filed a criminal complaint to determine those who insulted and threatened the group members.

“I did nothing wrong. I did not neglect my duty, either,” Tüzer said. “I am calling on people for peace, brotherhood and friendship. It’s impossible to understand threatening messages.”