Turkey’s top religious body head to appoint more women clerics

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

The head of Turkey’s religious affairs said on March 11 they will select and appoint female deputy muftis in all provinces across Turkey.

Speaking during a news briefing in the capital Ankara, Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) head Ali Erbaş said they are taking steps to include more women in the directorate.

“We will select and appoint female deputy muftis in all our provinces as soon as possible,” he said.

He added that they will also appoint female supervisors in all provinces of Turkey.

Erbaş said that they will hold a consultation meeting called “Islam and Woman” with women theologians.

He added that for the first time in the history of Diyanet, a female deputy president is currently holding office and there are also six to seven female heads of departments.

Prof. Huriye Martı was appointed as the first-ever female deputy president of the institution last year.