The Diyanet was alleged to have filed complaints with the Saudi Arabian government about Turkish nationals who were potential pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia on travel, work and business visas.
Saudi Arabia is alleged to have conducted hotel raids to find Turkish nationals who had filed complaints against the Diyanet, then fined them 10,000 riyals (TL 86,000) and expelled them from the country. The issue, which has left thousands of Turkish nationals dead, has sparked outrage against Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Religious Affairs President Ali Elbash.
“Why is the Hajj so expensive?”
DEVA Party Deputy Chairman Mehmet Emin Ekmem took to Halk TV to react to the situation.
Ekumen put the question to Diyanet, asking for clarification on the question.
“Why is the Diyanet pilgrimage so expensive?
“On this occasion, we must finally ask: There are two problems with the Religious Affairs Directorate’s remuneration policy.
The cheapest option is a first-time pilgrim at $6,500, but in other Islamic countries, this price can be half that.
What causes the difference?
Also, the most luxurious pilgrim class (worth $12,500) has a higher chance of being awarded by lottery due to the low number of applicants, but isn’t this unfair to other potential pilgrims?
When President Ali Elbash returns to Turkey, he will have to explain what the fees collected from pilgrims were used for and what the Diyanet’s operating costs and profits are.
It is unacceptable for leaders to stay in Mecca or Medina for 10 days, self-sufficiently, and force sacrifices on pilgrims.
It is unacceptable that Turkish pilgrims are paid double the average wage.
“It is unacceptable that the pilgrimage period should become a means of travel and a source of income for religious officials.”
Why is the Diyanet pilgrimage so expensive?
“On this occasion, we must finally ask: There are two problems with the Religious Affairs Directorate’s remuneration policy.
The cheapest option is a first-time pilgrim at $6,500, but in other Islamic countries, this price can be half that.
Why is there a difference? pic.twitter.com/p37t5D4nnW
— Mehmet Emin Ekmen (@emin_ekmen) June 15, 2024
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