Turkish gov’t funnels EU funds to Islamic cult associations

Duvar English

The Turkish National Agency (Center for European Union Education and Youth Programmes) has allocated hundreds of thousands of euros from the EU and taxpayer-funded pool to associations founded by Islamist cults, according to the reporting of online news outlet T24.

A total of almost 500,000 euros was diverted to foundations and associations known to be close to the government and cults under the “youth” category announced by the National Agency.

Turkish Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), run by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s children Bilal Erdoğan and Esra Albayrak, received the highest amount of funding with 161,000 euros

The Turkish Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), of which Bilal Erdoğan is a member of the high advisory board, also received 114,000 euros. 

The Ensar Foundation, known for the 2018 sexual abuse scandal in the dormitories it established, received 54,744 euros.

The Children of Earth Association, affiliated with the İHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, was allocated 18,839 euros while the Orphans Foundation, also affiliated with the İHH, received 52,000 euros in funding.

The Safa Education, Assistance, and Solidarity Foundation, closely associated with the Naqshbandi cult, was allocated 17,846 euros. Additionally, 45,265 euros were given to the Verenel Assistance and Solidarity Association, which is affiliated with the Safa Foundation and linked to the Naqshbandi cult. The Safa Foundation gained attention after signing a protocol with the Ministry of National Education (MEB).

National Agencies are established in participating countries to manage and implement EU Education and Youth programs. The Turkish National Agency operates under the Ministry of EU Affairs and is responsible for overseeing and coordinating these programs in Turkey.

(1 euro = 37,5315 Turkish liras)