TBMM Speaker Kurtulmuş to Attend Prophet Noah Commemoration at Mount Cudi
TBMM Speaker Kurtulmuş to Attend Prophet Noah Commemoration at Mount Cudi
High‑Profile Ceremony Marks Noah’s Legacy
The Turkish Parliament’s speaker, İsmail Kahraman Kurtulmuş, will join thousands at Mount Cudi on Sunday, July 5. The event honors the biblical figure Noah and the spot where his ark is said to have rested. Organizers say the gathering highlights national unity and religious heritage. Kurtulmuş will lead prayers, place a symbolic stone for the new mosque, and later serve ashure to attendees. The ceremony is the fourth since it resumed in 2021 after a long hiatus.
Key Moments of the Commemoration
At 12:00 local time the congregation will gather for noon prayers in an open area among ancient stone ruins linked to Noah’s ark. After the prayer, Kurtulmuş will place a stone in the foundation of the ongoing Noah Mosque, a gesture symbolizing continuity of faith. He will then visit tents from the governor’s office, municipal authorities, and civil‑society groups. The program continues with a prayer by Diyanet chief Safi Arpaguş, a concert by Grup Tillo, and a release of doves carrying olive branches as symbols of peace. The day ends with a communal ashure distribution.
Political Context and Regional Echoes
The event is framed as part of a broader narrative of “Terörsüz Türkiye” – a terror‑free nation – reflecting recent political priorities. Observers link the timing to current diplomatic dynamics. For more on recent presidential actions, readers can explore President Erdoğan’s tribute to Fuat Sezgin. Regional tensions also shape the discourse, as neighboring states navigate their own security concerns. An analysis of these tensions appears in Greece’s admission of being drawn toward conflict with Turkey. Meanwhile, Ankara’s firm stance was highlighted in Erdoğan’s recent reply to Israeli allegations, underscoring the complex diplomatic environment in which the ceremony takes place.