Turkish authorities on Aug. 19 exhumed the body of a former minister and former leader of the religious group widely known as the “Süleymancılar” as part of a renewed investigation nearly 10 years after his death.
An exhumation procedure was carried out on the grave of Arif Ahmet Denizolgun at Istanbul’s Karacaahmet Cemetery on the morning of Aug. 19. Authorities collected DNA samples from the grave and sent them to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy and further examination.
Security measures were put in place at Karacaahmet Cemetery ahead of the procedure, with metal barriers installed around the area. Police were also seen taking additional security precautions in and around the cemetery.
The exhumation is intended to determine, in light of forensic and scientific evidence, whether Denizolgun died of natural causes or whether there was any external intervention in his death.
Fatih Süleyman Denizolgun, a former ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmaker and Denizolgun’s nephew, had filed a complaint, alleging that his uncle’s death was suspicious.
In a statement issued on Aug. 18, the prosecutor’s office said an exhumation order was issued “to enable a renewed examination to determine the actual cause of death.”
The statement also noted that allegations and complaints were filed claiming that Denizolgun’s death and the autopsy conducted at the time were suspicious.
Denizolgun died in September 2016. Elected to parliament from the Welfare Party (RP) in 1995, Denizolgun served as transport minister between 1998 and 1999. He also chaired the parliamentary NATO Commission.
Denizolgun was the grandson of Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan, the founder and spiritual leader of the religious movement that later became widely known as the “Süleymancılar.” Following his death, another of Tunahan’s grandchildren, Alihan Kuriş, took over the leadership of the community.
Kuriş on Aug. 16 was jailed pending trial over allegations of money laundering and corruption.
The group was estimated to have around 2 million followers in Türkiye in the early 1990s, although there is no up-to-date figure for its membership.
Over the years, the community has developed an extensive network of religious, educational and commercial institutions in several countries, including religious education centers, student dormitories,
foundations and companies.
Operation targets another Islamic group
Meanwhile, authorities also launched an operation targeting another religious group in the southern province of Adana.
Alparslan Kuytul, the founder and head of the Furkan Foundation, and his wife were detained. Authorities also searched Kuytul’s home as part of the operation.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said five companies were placed under trusteeship.
Kuytul is accused of financial crimes including money laundering, fraud and tax evasion. He has been subject to various legal proceedings since 2018 over a range of allegations.
