On 12 December 2023, Iranian opposition media Iran International reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey’s Erdogan regime were similarly using religion to gain influence in Western countries. Majid Mohammadi highlights how both nations have transformed religious institutions into state-owned entities, with Turkey’s Diyanet organization extending its reach beyond its borders. With a significant government budget, Diyanet controls the content of imams’ speeches in thousands of mosques globally, a tactic mirrored by Iran’s Friday Prayer Office. This strategy serves as a means for political, ideological, and security influence, particularly in regions with significant Turkish immigrants. The Diyanet Center of America, overseeing numerous mosques in the US, exemplifies Turkey’s efforts to influence Turkish-speaking populations and spread its political Islam agenda. Such activities highlight a broader attempt by both nations to rebuild their historical empires under an Islamist guise, blending religious beliefs with nationalistic pride, and mark a concerning trend in international relations and religious freedom.
GlobalFebruary 6 2024, 8:58 am
Turkey Uses Religion to Gain Influence in the West
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