Emotional moments as Erdoğan honours Hafidh grandson at graduation

Young graduate kisses grandfather's hand after receiving diploma in heartwarming ceremony

* Turkish President hands over diploma before receiving traditional hand-kiss from young Qur’an memoriser

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday, June 26, attended the graduation ceremony of his grandson, Ömer Tayyip Erdoğan, at the İstanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) Marmara Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, where he personally presented him with his diploma.

The graduation ceremony brought together students, parents and dignitaries to celebrate the Class of 2026, with President Erdoğan joining other families to mark the milestone.

One of the most memorable moments of the event came after Ömer Tayyip received his diploma.

In a touching display of respect deeply rooted in Turkish culture, the young graduate kissed his grandfather’s hand and gently placed it on his forehead, a centuries-old tradition symbolising honour, gratitude and reverence for elders.

The emotional exchange drew warm applause from guests and highlighted the close bond between the Turkish leader and his grandson.

Ömer Tayyip is also a Hafidh (memoriser of the Holy Qur’an), having completed the memorisation of the Qur’an in 2021 while studying in the middle school section of the same Imam Hatip institution.

The President also met with other graduating students and posed for group photographs to commemorate the occasion.

Among those who attended the ceremony were First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, and Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation.

Imam Hatip schools occupy a unique place in Türkiye’s education system by combining mainstream academic studies with comprehensive Islamic education. President Erdoğan has consistently championed the institutions for producing graduates who excel academically while remaining firmly grounded in Islamic values and moral character.

The graduation of Ömer Tayyip Erdoğan, coupled with the traditional gesture of respect shown to his grandfather, became one of the defining moments of the ceremony, reflecting both the enduring importance of family values and Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage.