MARDIN — A South Korean tourist has embraced Islam during a visit to the historic southeastern Turkish city of Mardin, turning his journey into a deeply personal religious experience.
The visitor, identified as Shaevn, decided to become Muslim while visiting the city, according to a statement from the Artuklu District Mufti’s Office.
An official conversion ceremony was subsequently held at the Mufti’s Office under the guidance of Artuklu District Mufti Süleyman Baran.
During the ceremony, Shaevn recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, formally entering Islam.
Following his conversion, he adopted the Muslim name Abdullah, according to the Mufti’s Office.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mufti Baran presented Abdullah with a copy of the Quran, marking the occasion and welcoming him into the Muslim community.
The ceremony took place in Mardin, a city renowned for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. The southeastern Turkish city has been shaped by centuries of interaction between different civilizations, cultures and religious communities.
Mardin is known for its distinctive stone architecture, historic mosques, churches and monasteries, as well as landmarks dating back to different periods of the region’s long history. Its multicultural character has made it a popular destination for visitors from Türkiye and abroad.
The conversion of the South Korean tourist adds another personal story to the city’s long history of bringing together visitors from different cultural and religious backgrounds.
The Artuklu District Mufti’s Office did not provide further details about what specifically led Shaevn to make his decision to embrace Islam.
The report was published by Anadolu Agency on September 15, 2026.
