Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER-M. Zeki AYGUR
GİMDES (Food and Consumer Goods Inspection and Certification Research Association), Turkey’s leading halal certification body, continues to strengthen its coordination with international partners. In this context, Moulana Navlakhi, a member of the World Halal Council (WHC) Board of Directors and President of the South African National Halal Authority (SANHA), paid an official working visit to GİMDES.
Global Halal Standards and Exchange of Ideas
During the meeting, which was attended by a large number of institutional representatives, the current dynamics and future goals of the global halal food market were discussed in detail. During the visit, GİMDES’s President and delegation, along with representatives from the visiting organization, engaged in a comprehensive exchange of information through mutual presentations on their work to date, with a particular focus on halal certification and audit processes.
Emphasis on Halal Living and Ummah Awareness
One of the focal points of the discussions was the promotion of awareness regarding halal food and halal living worldwide. During the meeting, where the importance of accessing reliable and traceable halal food was emphasized, GİMDES’s slogan “TEK SES TEK YÜREK – SINGLE VOICE FULL UNITY,” which it highlights in all its meetings, was reiterated. It was stated that this issue is not merely a matter of nutrition but also an Islamic way of life. In the assessments made, it was emphasized that joint steps taken regarding halal food form an indispensable foundation for the unity, solidarity, and social cohesion of the Islamic ummah.
Stronger Unity on the International Stage
Attention was drawn to the importance of keeping communication channels open between international certification bodies. It was noted that such strategic visits and consultation meetings would deepen inter-institutional cooperation and build a much stronger, unified front on a global scale, aligned with the ummah’s shared values and sensitivities.
The meeting, reported to have taken place in a highly productive and cordial atmosphere, concluded with the exchange of gifts to strengthen ties between the institutions, as well as prayers for the welfare of the Islamic world and the success of the shared halal cause.
