Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER
Our heritage is woven from the experiences and teachings of our parents and grandparents, coupled with the emotional bonds we share with our traditions – reflected in what we wear, what we eat, the products we use, and our religious practices. These elements shape both our present and our future. Heritage is what we have inherited from the past; it is our duty to value it in the present and preserve it for future generations.
Our country, which was founded and ruled by our Muslim ancestors for centuries, was practically destroyed by non-Muslim forces in a night raid. Instead, with the idea of destroying our cultural heritage, GIMDES was established in 2005 as an official institution that included our historical heritage, HALAL, for the first time in the secular republican lands founded on October 29, 2023. We will celebrate the first one in 2013, and the 13th universal World Halal Day on March 17, 2025, 17 Ramadan.
Islam teaches Muslims to view diverse cultural heritages with an open mind, particularly those of the societies they live in, as long as these do not conflict with Islamic principles. The Noble Quran advocates for the acceptance of culture, stating in Chapter 7, Verse 199: “Accept from people what comes naturally for them; command what is good by custom; and turn away from the ignorant without responding in kind.”
While the concept of heritage has traditionally been associated with nations and groups, Halaal stands out as a unique, universal institution. Over the centuries, Islam has reached nearly every corner of the world, encompassing Muslims of all races, nationalities, languages, and cultural backgrounds – currently representing a quarter of humanity.
Islam’s respect for diversity is rooted in the Quran, which declares: “And of His signs is the diversity of your [mankind’s] languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge” (Chapter 30, Verse 22).
At GIMDES, we strive to honor this diversity through our commitment to Halal certification, ensuring that our practices respect both religious rules and cultural inclusiveness. Beyond our certification protocols, we undertake educational programs for schools, institutions and communities, and also volunteer at local and international exhibitions and conferences.
We are grateful for your continued support to date and have full faith that you will not leave us alone in our journey to establish GIMDES as a “heritage brand” in Halal certification. We ask for your prayers, Insha’Allah!
