Correspondence from the AZ to the DITIB: A Communication from One Entity to Another
In the heart of Germany, the Elberfeld DITIB community has announced a historic decision to sever ties with both the Diyanet, under the leadership of Ali Erbaş, and political parties such as the AKP and MHP. This move comes in response to the community's disapproval of the inhumane policies and controversial actions of these entities.
The Autonomous Center, a long-standing fixture in Elberfeld since 1972, has been a beacon of resistance against fascism and racism. Its history includes actions against arson attacks in Mölln and Solingen in the early 1990s. Now, it finds itself at the forefront of this significant shift within the Elberfeld DITIB community.
The Autonomous Center is currently under threat of demolition, with plans for a new mosque to be built on its grounds. However, the community is determined to resist this proposed demolition and will not be driven out without a fight.
The decision to break away from DITIB and Erdogan's Diyanet has been met with internal dissent and criticism. Critics, such as Murat Kayman and Erol Ünal, have spoken out against the local DITIB leadership and governmental supporters due to controversies like the "Grey Wolves salute scandal."
Despite this, the Elberfeld DITIB community remains united in its support for the legitimate struggle of Kurdish women and men for self-determination and democracy. The community also stands against the announced headscarf ban in Turkey and fights for the release of political prisoners like Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Moreover, the members of the Elberfeld DITIB mosque do not deny the genocide of Armenians and Pontic Greeks. They have also expressed their disdain for the anti-Semitic and misogynistic rants of Diyanet chief Ali Erbaş.
The new board of the Elberfeld DITIB community has made it clear that they will no longer be affiliated with the AKP and MHP. They are also planning to hire new imams who will reject Ali Erbaş, head of Diyanet, due to his known support for Hamas and anti-Semitic views.
If the Elberfeld DITIB mosque does not receive financial contributions for the mosque renovation and for their imams, then there should be no obstacles to the community's exit from its current affiliations. The community remembers historical incidents of violence, including Maraş, Çorum, Mölln, Solingen 93, Sivas, Hanau, and Solingen 2024, and aims to avoid political escalation.
This decision by the Elberfeld DITIB community marks a significant moment, as they are set to become the first DITIB community in Europe to leave DITIB and sever all ties with Erdogan's Diyanet. The community's resolve to resist demolition and stand against inhumane policies serves as a powerful example of community activism and resistance.
