Erdogan's Islam offensive: Diyanet's master plan for Europe revealed!

Erdogan's Islam offensive: Diyanet's master plan for Europe revealed!

In a remarkable development, a strange noise is emerging in Europe: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has presented the continent with a controversial strategic plan for the next five years. Under the leadership of the Turkish religious authority Diyanet, an “Islamic civilization” is to gain a stronger foothold in Europe. The mosques are the heart of a comprehensive plan to spread Islam not only within the country's borders, but worldwide. Erdogan's ambitious vision is underpinned by massive financial support, which is to be increased to 4.4 billion euros. A number that is causing a stir and is already causing mixed reactions. Apollo News reports on Erdogan's decisive actions, which particularly target young people.

The background to this mission is an ideology that, for many observers, casts a controversial light on Türkiye's relationship with the Western world. “Religions other than Islam are wrong,” says Ali Erbas, the head of Diyanet, as a clear statement from the authority. It is no surprise that this opinion creates more problems than solutions in interreligious relationships. Erdogan's vision could be seen as an attempt to build bridges, but it faces numerous resistance within Europe, which is known for its secular values.

Increasing resistance

The outcry of criticism did not take long to arrive: the CDU in Germany, represented by Bundestag member Christoph de Vries, rejects the plans and calls for drastic measures. “Organizations under foreign control should lose their non-profit status,” he appeals decisively, and at the same time expresses the desire for increased education and documentation about political Islamism based on the Austrian model.

But Erdogan's strategy is not only met with resistance, but also with support within the Turkish diaspora. Many Turks abroad are being trained as imams in Turkey in order to promote the Diyanet's growing influence abroad. According to the plan, this integration will become even closer in order to recognize and combat Islamophobia as a hate crime.

Global consequences

A particularly explosive element of the strategy is Erdogan's open solidarity with aggressive factions. Following Hamas' attack on Israel, the wave of anti-Semitism has further exacerbated the situation. Ali Erbas provocatively describes Israel as a “rusty dagger in the heart of the Muslim world.” A dramatic image that signals a clear stance and at the same time provokes international criticism.

Despite all the heated controversy, Erdogan's five-year plan is seen as part of a larger goal: the creation of a "Turkish century." The influence of the Diyanet does not end at the country's borders, but rises with clear proselytizing policies, such as Apollo News further highlighted. These efforts could have far-reaching implications for both Europe's multicultural fabric and Türkiye's geopolitical relations.