The Ahlulbayt Foundation in the Turkish city of Kars has become a prominent center for spreading the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) worldwide. During a recent visit by the media delegation from the Media Department of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, the team conducted an interview with the Foundation’s chairman, Sayyid Qasim Demir, to discuss the Foundation’s goals, projects, and collaborations.

Karbala Now Agency: Can you briefly share the history of the Foundation and what distinguishes its journey so far?

Sayyid Qasim Demir: The Foundation was established in 2005, and since then, we have been committed to cultural, educational, and cooperative initiatives. Through the grace of God Almighty and the blessings of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), we have seen remarkable growth and success.

Karbala Now Agency: What prospects exist for cooperation between the Imam Hussain Cultural Center in Istanbul and your Foundation?

Demir: After three years of planning and coordination, we established a media and cultural cooperation center in Istanbul in partnership with the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine. This center serves as a platform for collaboration among Turkish institutions serving the followers of Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them). It represents a foundation for joint training, cultural, and religious outreach tailored to the context of Turkish and Islamic society. Through this partnership, we aim to build a generation that is both informed and morally grounded in the teachings of Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them).

Karbala Now Agency: What are your most prominent areas of activity at the moment?

Demir: Our religious outreach spans not only Kars but also extends throughout Turkey, and even internationally—particularly in Azerbaijan and parts of Europe—where we've seen increasing engagement and impact.

Karbala Now Agency: How would you evaluate your media presence?

Demir: We have over 100,000 followers across social media platforms and television programs. We also organize joint initiatives with local government authorities, universities, and the Fatwa Office, helping to amplify our message.

Karbala Now Agency: We understand that you are working toward Sunni-Shia unity. Could you elaborate?

Demir: Absolutely. We’ve taken meaningful steps to strengthen unity between Sunni and Shia communities. One of our major achievements has been promoting pilgrimage visits to the holy shrines, something once limited to the elderly, but now widely embraced by youth and children in Kars.

Karbala Now Agency: What can you tell us about the origins and current state of the Shia community in Kars and Iğdır?

Demir: Most Shia families in Kars and Iğdır trace their roots back to Azerbaijan and Iran. Historically, political constraints limited open religious expression, with rituals largely confined to the month of Muharram. Today, Kars city has a population of around 80,000, and the surrounding areas bring the total to nearly 300,000. While Shias once made up around 60% of the population, migration to larger cities has reduced that number to about 30–35%.

Karbala Now Agency: How would you assess the religious and intellectual awareness among Shias in Turkey?

Demir: A significant shift has occurred. Many young people have traveled to Najaf and Qom for religious studies. Upon returning, they brought with them a deeper understanding of their faith, helping raise awareness not only in Kars and Iğdır but also in major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir.

Karbala Now Agency: How is the Sunni-Shia relationship today in Kars, and what role does your organization play?

Demir: The relationship is exemplary. Mutual respect defines daily interactions. Remarkably, some Sunni families even host mourning gatherings and serve food in honor of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) during Muharram and Safar. Our programs, conducted in partnership with government offices, universities, and the Fatwa Office, have played a major role in fostering this unity through sincerity and mutual trust.

Karbala Now Agency: Tell us about one of your recent events.

Demir: On July 28, we held a blessed event in collaboration with a delegation from the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine at the Ahlulbayt Mosque in the Yeni Mahalle district of Kars. The turnout was excellent, and the distribution of gifts from the Holy Shrine was met with heartfelt gratitude and lifted spirits.

Karbala Now Agency: How do you view the international efforts of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine and the role of the Supreme Religious Authority?

Demir: What the Holy Shrine has accomplished today was unimaginable under the former regime. Following the fall of the dictatorship and under the guidance of the Supreme Religious Authority—especially His Eminence Sayyid Al-Sistani—the shrines have flourished. Their work now spans all of Iraq, including Sunni-majority areas, and even reaches international audiences, promoting the values of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) across religious and cultural lines.

Karbala Now Agency: Finally, what is your future vision?

Demir: Our goal is to continue working hand in hand with the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine to introduce people to the authentic path of Islam as taught by the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them), and to spread this awareness deeply into hearts and minds, God willing.

Interviewed by: Abbas Najim / Karbala Now Agency