Mesut Ozil’s mosque cleaning praised by Turkish Religious Affairs

Prof. Dr. Ali Erbas, head of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, met with former football star Mesut Ozil at the Cilehane Mosque in Istanbul’s Uskudar.

The meeting was announced on social media by Erbas, who praised Ozil for his voluntary involvement in mosque cleaning, calling it an exemplary gesture.

In his post, Erbas expressed his gratitude: “We came together with our internationally renowned football player Mesut Ozil after Friday prayers at Cilehane Mosque. I extend my thanks to Ozil for his sensitivity and exemplary conduct in voluntarily participating in the mosque cleaning.”

The recent media attention on Ozil’s cleaning efforts came after he was photographed tidying up at Semsi Pasa Mosque in Uskudar.

His use of a vacuum cleaner to clean the mosque’s carpets following prayers sparked widespread admiration on social media, where his actions were met with appreciation from the public.