Biography:
My journey to Canada began in 2004, and for nearly two decades, Calgary has been more than just a home; it’s a city that has profoundly shaped my identity and a community I am dedicated to serving. My commitment to community work took root shortly after my arrival. I was extensively involved with the Calgary Turkish Festival from its inception in 2007, serving as its coordinator during its most expansive years. I continue to contribute to this vibrant celebration of culture, now known as the Calgary Intercultural Festival. My dedication to fostering understanding further led me to serve as an Executive Director at the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) Calgary in 2012, where I built lasting relationships with diverse community leaders and organizations. I remain involved with IDI Calgary on a voluntary basis. My path into Chaplaincy began with a volunteer opportunity in 2009, leading Friday prayers for Muslim inmates at the Calgary Remand Centre. This experience sparked a deep commitment, which grew into a formal role in 2017 as a Muslim Chaplain serving at federal institutions in Drumheller, Bowden, and Grande Cache. In this capacity, my primary focus was to offer spiritual and emotional support, guiding individuals as they navigated their personal challenges. This involved helping them connect with their faith communities and cultural heritage, and creating programs aimed at fostering well-being and personal growth, always with a sensitivity to diverse spiritual needs. Seeing the hurdles many faced upon release, and the reality that some would return to the system, reinforced my dedication to advocating for stronger support networks. I became particularly focused on encouraging Muslim organizations in Calgary to assist individuals both during their time inside and as they transitioned back to society. This drive also fuels my passion for preventative work, engaging with youth who might be at risk of radicalism or conflict with the law. For about 2 years during COVID lockdown, I took a role as a Parole Officer with Correctional Services Canada which offered a different vantage point and deepened my understanding of the correctional system and the difficult road to reintegration. It became strikingly clear that while positive changes can occur during incarceration, a more holistic and supportive approach is crucial for individuals to successfully rejoin the community. As an open-minded Sunni Muslim, I deeply respect every individual’s religious journey. My service to Allah is through serving His most precious creation—human beings. I believe each person is endowed with the potential to exceed angels and is cared for by Allah every moment of their life. My religious perspective is inspired by reformers like Jalaluddin Rumi, Said Nursi, Fethullah Gulen, Safi Kaskas among others, and I firmly oppose religious exclusivism, politization of religion, radicalism, and extremism. This aligns perfectly with the values and mission of the Islamic Restoration Society.
Profession:
Chaplain
Why is IRES important to you that you are investing your time and resources in it?
IRES is the culmination of a long-held dream and a passion realized. It represents my way of worshipping Allah by helping to restore the sacred bond between the Creator and His creation. IRES’s mission to “Restore Broken Bonds” deeply resonates with me. I believe in its approach of making a tangible difference in people’s lives, not merely by preaching, but by being a living example of compassion, understanding, and support. I am committed to investing my time and resources in IRES because it strives to empower individuals to reach their full potential, fostering personal growth and resilience within the Muslim community and beyond, ultimately working to reduce crime and recidivism by reconnecting individuals with their faith, heritage, and community.
Hobbies:
Helping people, photography, hunting for food, camping, rafting, golfing, and playing volleyball.
Cultural Heritage:
Turkmen
Social Link: