Leadership Change in Bulgaria’s Muslim Community: Ahmed Hasanov Takes Over as Chief Mufti

The Muslim community in Bulgaria elected a new spiritual leader during the National Muslim Conference held at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. Ahmed Hasanov, who until now served as deputy chief mufti, received the support of the delegates and was chosen to lead the Muslim denomination for the next five years.

The vote followed a lengthy debate over whether the election should be conducted openly or by secret ballot. Shortly before voting began, the chairman of the Supreme Muslim Council, Vedat Ahmed, withdrew his candidacy. “In order not to delay the vote any further, I am withdrawing my candidacy,” he told delegates. A similar move came from Murad Boshnak, the regional mufti of Pleven, who stepped aside from the race for chairman of the Supreme Muslim Council after expressing disagreement with the decision to hold an open vote.

With both rival candidates withdrawing, Ahmed Hasanov became the sole contender for chief mufti, while the outgoing chief mufti, Dr. Mustafa Hadji, remained the only candidate for chairman of the Supreme Muslim Council. Both men were nominated by regional muftis from several parts of the country, including Blagoevgrad, Varna, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Ruse, and Silistra.

Hasanov secured the position with the support of more than 700 delegates out of 1,033 registered participants. Following the result, he described the day as a significant moment for Bulgaria’s Muslim community. “Today is a historic day for us. We are joyful, we are excited,” he said. The newly elected chief mufti pledged to focus on education, young people, and strengthening ties with local communities. “We will do everything possible with my team to make wise decisions and to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people, with young people, and with education,” he added.

He also praised his former rival, saying that Vedat Ahmed’s decision to withdraw demonstrated courage and unity. “We are together and we will work for the integrity of society,” Hasanov said.

Earlier in the day, Hasanov outlined his priorities, emphasizing moral education and engagement with younger generations. “We will begin working actively with young people. We have young imams, muftis, and schools. Our goal is to focus on moral values and education,” he explained. He said he intends to travel throughout the country, meet communities directly, and address local concerns. “We have ideas, we have ambitions, and we will work with everyone,” he stated.

The new chief mufti also announced plans to meet Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil in the near future. “We know him and respect him. We have met several times before, and after we have had a chance to rest a little, we will arrange a meeting with Patriarch Daniil,” Hasanov said.

Born in Omurtag in 1977, Ahmed Hasanov completed his primary education in the village of Zelena Morava before graduating from the Nyuvvab theological school in Shumen. He later earned a degree from the Higher Islamic Institute in Sofia in 2002. His religious career included service as an imam at the Fundak Mosque in Omurtag, participation in an international Quran recitation competition in Iran, and work as a preacher in the Targovishte Regional Mufti’s Office.

Hasanov continued his studies in Turkey, obtaining a master’s degree from Ankara University in 2007 with research focused on Yusuf Ziyaeddin Ezheri and the history of the Quran. Between 2010 and 2012, he worked in Germany as a teacher and director at the Gül Educational Center in Aalen, Baden-Württemberg.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mustafa Hadji, who led the Muslim denomination for most of the past three decades, was elected chairman of the Supreme Muslim Council. Born in 1962 in the village of Draginovo near Velingrad, he served as chief mufti from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2005 until 2026, making him the longest-serving holder of the position in modern Bulgarian history.

His career has also included service as chairman of the Supreme Muslim Council between 2000 and 2003 and rector of the Higher Islamic Institute in Sofia from 2003 to 2005. Hadji completed religious studies in Jordan, earned a master’s degree from the New Bulgarian University, and later received a doctorate from Marmara University in Istanbul.

The conference marked a major leadership transition for Bulgaria’s Muslim community, with Hasanov taking over the role of chief mufti while Hadji moves into a new position at the head of the Supreme Muslim Council.