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Osman Nuri Topbaş (1942, Erenköy, Istanbul) is a Turkish businessman, philanthropist and reflective writer. Renowned for his services in the fields of education and spiritual development, Topbaş graduated from the Istanbul Imam-Hatip School at Erenköy Zihni Paşa Primary School and was closely associated with Necip Fazıl Kısakürek. He has held active roles in trade, education and foundation services, spearheading the establishment of the Hüdâyî Foundation and transforming it into an international network of services. Beginning in the 1990s, he embarked on a literary career, and his works have been translated into many languages.
Osman Nuri Topbaş was born in 1942 in the Erenköy district of Istanbul. His father was Mûsâ Topbaş and his mother was Fatma Feride Hanım, daughter of H. Fahri Kiğılı. He completed his primary education at Erenköy Zihni Paşa Primary School. During these years, he received private Qur’anic instruction. In 1953, he enrolled at the Istanbul Imam-Hatip School, where he had the opportunity to study under prominent teachers of the era such as M. Celâleddin Ökten, Mâhir İz and Nureddin Topçu. He also received education from other instructors including M. Zekâi Konrapa, Yaman Dede (Abdülkadir Keçeoğlu), Ahmet Davutoğlu, Mahmud Bayram and Ali Rızâ Sağman. In the same period, he graduated from school in 1960 alongside his uncle and peer, Abidin Topbaş.
After graduating from Imam-Hatip High School, he worked for a time in trade and industry. In 1962, he fulfilled his military service as a reserve officer-teacher in Siirt-Tillo. During this period, his interest in teaching deepened, and he developed a profound commitment to education. Although he returned to business after his military service, he never severed ties with educational and charitable activities. During this time, he actively served in the İlim Yayma Cemiyeti (Society for the Dissemination of Knowledge).
He later transferred his charitable initiatives under the umbrella of the Hüdâyî Foundation, which he helped establish and rapidly expanded to an international scale. The foundation gained prominence through its educational and scholarship programs targeting youth from the Turkic Republics and sister communities.
Osman Nuri Topbaş’s work has primarily focused on education, religious values and charitable services. Through foundations he founded or managed, he provided students with scholarships, housing and mentoring support, and fostered cultural and scholarly relations with various countries in the Islamic world. Beginning his literary career in the 1990s, Topbaş has authored works on history, literature, religious sciences and Sufism. His writings have been translated into numerous languages.
Throughout his life, Osman Nuri Topbaş has been distinguished by his dedication to knowledge and charitable service. He was closely associated with Necip Fazıl Kısakürek, influenced by his ideas and supported his works. Married and the father of four children, Topbaş places great importance on family life. His interests include history, poetry and literature.
Osman Nuri Topbaş continues to actively engage in writing and intellectual pursuits, particularly in spiritual education initiatives aimed at youth. He accepts invitations from various countries to share his knowledge and experience on an international level. Social and educational projects conducted through the Hüdâyî Foundation continue to this day.
Osman Nuri Topbaş has undertaken efforts that bridge traditional Islamic sciences with social service. In addition to his written works, he has participated in education- and charity-oriented projects, significantly shaping the activities of the Hüdâyî Foundation. Under his guidance, the foundation has provided diverse services at both national and international levels. His books, translated into multiple languages, have reached a wide readership.
Youth and Education
Career and Achievements
Key Works and Contributions
Personal Life
Legacy and Influence
Works