Biography:

My journey in community service, spiritual care, and chaplaincy spans more than twenty one years of working with people from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. Throughout my career, I have sought to make faith meaningful through compassion, service, dialogue, and being present for people during difficult moments.
Since 2001, I have served as a Muslim Clergyman, Imam, and Preacher with Dicle Society in Toronto, providing spiritual care, counselling, and faith-based guidance. My work has included interfaith dialogue, educational programs, community events, and building strong relationships with community and faith leaders.
Since 2005, I have also served on the Toronto Police Chief’s Muslim Consultative Committee, contributing to religious accommodation, cultural awareness, community safety, and stronger communication between police and Muslim communities. I also previously served as a Volunteer Chaplain with Toronto Police Service.
Chaplaincy has been a central part of my work. I have supported incarcerated individuals at the Vanier Centre for Women, Toronto South West Detention Centre, and Toronto East Detention Centre through spiritual care, counselling, Friday prayers, and religious education. I have also served in healthcare and mental health settings, including The Hospital for Sick Children and CAMH.
My background includes teaching Islamic studies, social ethics, religious pluralism, and inclusion, as well as theological studies at Marmara University, Bible courses at Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto, and professional training in pastoral supervision, psychotherapy, and spiritual care.
I believe chaplaincy is ultimately about restoring dignity, hope, responsibility, and human connection. My work continues to be guided by compassion, inclusion, and a commitment to helping people rebuild their lives and strengthen their connection with faith and community

Profession:

Chaplain

Why is IRES important to you that you are investing your time and resources in it?

IRES is important to me because its mission reflects the values that have guided my work for many years. I have seen how trauma, isolation, broken relationships, and loss of belonging can deeply affect people, especially those involved in the correctional system.
I strongly connect with IRES’s mission of “Restoring Broken Bonds.” Its focus on prevention, prison ministry, and reintegration recognizes that meaningful change requires more than advice. It requires compassion, mentorship, practical support, and a welcoming community.
For me, supporting IRES is an extension of my life’s work as a chaplain and community servant. It allows me to use my experience in spiritual care, correctional chaplaincy, counselling, and community building to help restore hope, strengthen communities, reduce recidivism, and help individuals rediscover their potential.

Hobbies:

Playing football, photography, walking, hiking, table tennis, travelling, and exploring new places.

Cultural Heritage:

Turkish