New Law Expands Diyanet’s Oversight
Earlier this month, Turkey enacted a law that gives the country’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, or Diyanet, the authority to inspect, ban, and confiscate Quran translations that do not align with its interpretation of Islamic principles. The law, passed by parliament on June 4, allows the Diyanet to determine whether any translation violates the “fundamental characteristics of Islam,” and grants it enforcement powers over print, audio, video, and digital formats.
Previously, a presidential decree had attempted to grant similar authority, but it was annulled by Turkey’s Constitutional Court on procedural grounds. The new legislation formalizes the power through a legal framework that permits direct action, with limited options for appeal.
Critics Raise Concerns Over Religious Freedom
Several scholars and theologians in Turkey have voiced concern about the implications of the new law. Critics argue that allowing a state institution to regulate interpretations of religious texts may lead to a form of centralized religious control that discourages scholarly debate and pluralistic thought.
Theologians like Sonmez Kutlu and Ihsan Eliacik have warned that the law could result in censorship of theological perspectives. Eliacik, whose own translation was previously banned and later reinstated by the Constitutional Court, says the law introduces a mechanism that could bypass judicial review. Both scholars see the law as limiting academic freedom and placing institutional authority between believers and religious texts.
Broader Social and Political Implications
The Diyanet is a major public institution in Turkey, employing over 140,000 people and managing religious services in more than 100 countries. Since 2018, it has reported directly to the presidency and holds a budget larger than several ministries combined. Its growing authority reflects a broader trend of state-backed religious influence in Turkish governance.
Observers have noted that some Quran translations by scholars critical of the government have already been labeled “problematic.” Reports suggest that at least a dozen versions may be subject to confiscation under the new provisions.
The Role of Translation in Faith Practice
Translation plays a key role in making the Quran accessible to millions of non-Arabic speakers in Turkey. Experts point out that interpreting sacred texts inherently involves decisions about meaning, context, and theology—factors that vary among translators. As public interest in direct engagement with scripture increases, the regulation of translations may influence not only religious access but also how faith is practiced in daily life.
While the law has entered into force, its long-term impact on religious scholarship and freedom of expression in Turkey remains to be seen.
