The Problem of Allocation of Quran Courses in Mersin Tarsus
The single-story building in Ötüken Valley Park in Tarsus district was allocated to the District Mufti’s Office by the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality for 10 years in 2017. However, the Metropolitan Municipality Council decided to end this allocation 3 years early in its meeting in July. District Mufti Ali Akçay told AA, “We sent an official letter to the Presidency of Religious Affairs regarding this issue and initiated legal proceedings against the cancellation decision.”
Akçay stated that 46 children were being educated in the course with 2 instructors, and said, “Citizens’ interest in the Quran course is quite high. Families who learned about the decision to cancel the allocation reacted to this situation with great sadness. We are in favor of continuing the allocation since the 10-year period has not yet expired.”
Court Process and Continuing Education
Emphasizing that there is a great need for a Quran course in the region where the building is located, Akçay said, “Here, children do not only learn the Quran, but also grasp their national and spiritual values, their past and future. For this reason, our homeland and nation need these young generations.” Expressing that they were saddened by the decision, Akçay said, “We think it would be more appropriate to wait at least for the next 3 years as per the protocol. It would be beneficial to review the decision again.”
Akçay stated that they have requests for the education to continue without interruption and said, “Our legal consultancy has applied to the relevant court for a stay of execution. The court process is currently ongoing.” He added that the course continues its activities as the judicial process is ongoing.
In the municipal council decision, it was stated that the building in the park was needed to be used for municipal services within the scope of new recreational projects.
