Germany’s interior ministry has formally called on the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB), the German branch of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), to clearly distance itself from extremist rhetoric
NORDIC MONITOR -- The move reflects Berlin’s growing unease with Ankara-backed religious networks that continue to exert influence over Muslim communities in Germany.
A spokesperson for the ministry, speaking to the Die Welt newspaper, said the German government expects “all organizations cooperating with federal authorities to clearly distance themselves from structures or individuals who disseminate antisemitic narratives or pursue Islamist objectives.”
The demand follows developments at a conference of Islamic scholars in Istanbul on August 22, which was attended by Turkey’s top cleric, Ali Erbas, head of the Diyanet. At the close of the meeting, participants endorsed a declaration that expressed support for Hamas’ armed struggle against Israel and issued a call for “global jihad.” German officials viewed this statement as deeply problematic, particularly given DITIB’s structural and personnel dependence on the Turkish Diyanet.