Allegation: Turkish Interior Ministry Preparing List for Foreign Clerics' Residency Permits

A striking allegation has emerged suggesting that Turkey's Interior Ministry is preparing a special "scholars list" to grant long-term residency permits to foreign religious figures associated with various Islamic sects and communities in Turkey. The claim was reported by Fatih Ergin in the Yeniçağ newspaper.

According to the report, the list is expected to contain approximately two to three thousand names, with a significant concentration of individuals holding Iraqi, Syrian, and Egyptian nationalities. The İsmailağa community is identified as having the largest number of foreign religious scholars within its ranks. The report highlights that such long-term residency permits could eventually lead to Turkish citizenship through naturalization within five years.

Ergin's article further alleges that the İsmailağa community shows particular interest in foreign religious scholars and followers, especially from Syria. The report also recalls past accusations concerning the community establishing a madrassa with Syrian refugees in Kocaeli Başiskele and allegedly bringing HTŞ militants who did not wish to remain in Syria into Turkey.

These claims raise questions about immigration policies, religious community affiliations, and potential national security implications. The Interior Ministry has not yet officially commented on these allegations.