New Leadership at Türkiye‘s Directorate of Religious Affairs
A meaningful change has occurred at the helm of Türkiye’s directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet Işleri Başkanlığı). Professor Dr. Safi Arpaguş has been appointed as the new president, as officially announced in Thursday’s Official Gazette. This marks a transition from the leadership of Ali Erbaş, who served in the role as 2017.
This appointment signals a continuation of religious guidance within the nation, but with a fresh outlook. Let’s delve into the background of the individual taking on this crucial position.
A Scholar’s Journey: The Background of Safi Arpaguş
Born in 1967 in Amasya’s Gümüşhacıköy district, Arpaguş’s path has been deeply rooted in academia and theological study. He completed his undergraduate degree at Marmara University’s Faculty of Theology in 1990, laying the foundation for a distinguished career.
Following graduation, he quickly immersed himself in research, becoming a research assistant within the university’s Department of Sufism in 1992. This early focus on sufism would become a defining characteristic of his scholarly work.
His dedication to advanced study led to a master’s degree in 1994. Arpaguş’s thesis centered on the influential figure of Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi. He continued his academic pursuits, culminating in a doctorate in 2001. His doctoral research explored the methods of religious expression employed by Mevlana, also known as Rumi.
further broadening his horizons, Arpaguş pursued studies abroad. He spent time in the United Kingdom between 2002 and 2003, and later in Syria in 2010. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his understanding of diverse perspectives within the Islamic world.
His ascent through the academic ranks was steady and well-deserved. He achieved the title of associate professor in 2008 and later became a full professor in 2014. Throughout this time, he remained committed to teaching at Marmara University, nurturing the next generation of theological scholars.
Contributions to Islamic Scholarship
Arpaguş isn’t just an academic; he’s a prolific author whose work has contributed significantly to the understanding of Sufism and Islamic thought. Some of his notable publications include:
* Mevlana and Islam: Perception and Expression
* Spiritual Training in Mevlevi Order
* Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi: Conversations
* Multi-volume editions of classical Sufi commentaries.
I’ve found that his work consistently demonstrates a nuanced and insightful approach to complex theological concepts. He brings a depth of knowledge that will undoubtedly inform his leadership at the Directorate of religious Affairs.
As Arpaguş steps into his new role, you can expect a continued emphasis on scholarly engagement and a thoughtful approach to religious guidance in Türkiye. This appointment represents a new chapter for the diyanet Işleri Başkanlığı, one built on a foundation of academic rigor and a deep understanding of Islamic tradition.
