Ömer Döngeloğlu was born in 1968 in the Zile district of Tokat, Turkey. He was a well-known Turkish theologian, writer, television producer, and presenter, reaching a wide audience through his religious programs, particularly on Kanal 7.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1968 in Tokat’s Zile district, Döngeloğlu began his education in Zile, attending Zile Altunyurt Primary School and later Zile Imam Hatip High School. He then graduated from Sakarya University Faculty of Theology. Döngeloğlu, who had an intermediate level of Arabic and English, transitioned into professional life after graduating from Imam Hatip High School in 1986.
Career and Television Presence
Between 1986 and 1996, Döngeloğlu worked as an imam in Tokat. Later, he held various administrative positions in the public sector. He became widely recognized through his religious programs on Kanal 7, especially with productions like Sahur Vakti during the month of Ramadan. He conveyed his knowledge of Islamic history and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Siyer-i Nebi) in a simple and accessible manner.
Personal Life and Family
Living in Istanbul, Ömer Döngeloğlu was married and a father of five. His wife, Zeynep Döngeloğlu, described him as loving, compassionate, and humorous towards his family. His daughter, Fatma Döngeloğlu, noted that he was always careful with his words and gave thoughtful advice to his children. In his final phone call from the hospital, he told his children: "Help your mother, don’t be sad, my dear children. Whatever Allah wills will happen."
Social Awareness
Döngeloğlu valued visiting relatives and friends, supporting them both materially and spiritually. His entry to Jerusalem was denied due to his speeches about Palestine and the people of Jerusalem, which deeply saddened him. He often prayed for oppressed nations. His close friend, Dursun Ali Erzincanlı, mentioned that Döngeloğlu had a busy schedule and found it hard to say “no” to anyone.
Death and Legacy
On April 21, 2020, Ömer Döngeloğlu tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized at Başakşehir City Hospital. He passed away on May 3, 2020, at the age of 52. Following his death, prominent figures such as Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gül and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shared condolences. He was buried in the Edirnekapı 15 July Martyrs' Cemetery.
Works
- Peygamberin İzinde (In the Footsteps of the Prophet (2000)
- Allah’a Adanmış Hayatlar (Lives Devoted to Allah) (2011)
- Yeryüzünün Yıldızları (The Stars of the Earth) (2010)
- Sözün Miracı; Dua (The Ascension of Words: Prayer) (2014)
- Allah Resulünü Görenler (Those Who Saw the Messenger of Allah) (2014)
- Peygamberimizin Dostları (The Friends of Our Prophet) (2012)
- Mus’ab bin Umeyr (Mus’ab bin Umayr) (2013)
