Turkey to Resume Mass Prayers, Demobilize 66,000 Soldiers

Kocatepe Mosque, Ankara (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Click to read the article in Turkish

Easing the measures for the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkey will resume mass Friday prayers and recruitment of soldiers for compulsory military service, the authorities have stated.

Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar said that the demobilization of soldiers would begin on Sunday (May 31) after a one-month postponement. In April, the ministry postponed the recruitment of 53,000 soldiers and demobilization of 66,000 to prevent Covid-19 from spreading in military facilities.

Akar's announcement came after a teleconference meeting with commanders-in-chief of the armed forces and his deputies. He also said that new soldiers would be tested three or four days before their recruitment.

Friday prayers

Ali Erbaş, the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate, told the state-run Anadolu Agency that mass prayers will resume on Friday.

He would lead the first Friday prayer at the courtyard of İstanbul's historic Fatih Mosque, he added.

Erbas said that mosques with adequate courtyard or open areas were singled-out with the cooperation of the governorships. "Open areas, marketplaces close to mosques without a courtyard will be used [for prayers]," Erbaş said.

He stressed that people coming to mosques have been asked to bring their personal prayer rugs with them and wear masks. He added that single-use prayer rugs will be offered for use.

On March 16, the directorate announced a nationwide suspension of congregational prayer gatherings, including Friday prayers. (HA/VK)