“Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi Büyüközer, Founder and President of GİMDES (Association for the Inspection and Certification of Food and Supplies) and Honorary President of the World Halal Council (WHC), has passed away. The global halal community expressed their profound sorrow through a condolence message.”
A Pioneering Mission: Halal and Tayyib Awareness
Pioneering the awareness of halal food and certification in Turkey and devoting his life to uniting the Muslim Ummah with the consciousness of halal consumption and moral values, Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi Büyüközer left an indelible mark worldwide that will be difficult to replace.
The academic studies, international conferences, training programs, and Ummah-consciousness he carried out under the umbrella of GİMDES transformed halal consumption sensitivity into a corporate movement at global standards. Elected unanimously as the President of the World Halal Council (WHC) in 2011, Dr. Büyüközer tirelessly championed the principles of unity and integrity among certification bodies with his vision of “One Voice, One Heart,” despite his advancing age and health challenges.
Official Condolence from the World Halal Council
In the official condolence message issued by the WHC, Dr. Büyüközer’s steadfast guardianship over the trust (amanah) and his stance against the exploitation of halal for commercial gains were highlighted:
“Dr. Büyüközer was not merely a leader; he was a visionary pioneer whose life was intertwined with the global mission of Halal and Tayyib. Though his loss leaves an immense void, his legacy will endure through the institutions he founded, the awareness he raised, and the generations he nurtured.”
While offering condolences to his family—most notably to his wife Nuran Büyüközer—as well as to the GİMDES and World Halal Foundation community, prayers were offered asking Almighty Allah S.W.T to grant him the highest rank in Paradise.
Original Statement
Dear Respected Members of the Büyüközer Family and the GİMDES Fraternity
السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DR HÜSEYİN KÂMİ BÜYÜKÖZER
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
It was with profound sorrow that we received the news of the passing of our esteemed elder, respected colleague and beloved brother, Dr Hüseyin Kâmi Büyüközer, founder and President of GİMDES Türkiye and revered Life Patron of the World Halal Council. On behalf of the members of the World Halal Council and the International Halal fraternity we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Mrs. Nuran Büyüközer, his children and entire family, as well as to the leadership, members, staff and volunteers of GİMDES and the Dünya Helal Vakfı.
Dr Büyüközer was not merely an organizational leader; he was a visionary pioneer whose life became inseparably linked to the global mission of Halal and Tayyib. He dedicated his life to awakening the Muslim Ummah to the profound relationship between the lawful morsel, spiritual well-being, moral character and obedience to Almighty Allah. Through the establishment and development of GİMDES, his extensive writings and research, international conferences, educational initiatives and tireless public advocacy, he transformed concern for Halal consumption into a structured and enduring movement.
His services extended far beyond the borders of Türkiye and touched Halal certification bodies, scholars, scientists, professionals and Muslim communities throughout the world. His association with the World Halal Council was particularly distinguished. Following his unanimous election as Chairman in 2011, he served the Council with wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment. As its Life Patron, he remained a respected elder and a powerful advocate for unity, independence and integrity among Halal certification bodies. His enduring call for “One Voice, One Heart” reflected his vision of a global Halal fraternity united in sincere service to the Ummah.
We will remember Dr Büyüközer for his steadfastness upon principle, his personal simplicity, his forthright counsel and his refusal to compromise the sacred Amānah of Halal for convenience or commercial interest. Even in advanced age, his concern remained firmly directed towards future generations and the preservation of an authentic Halal and Tayyib way of life. Although his departure leaves an immense void, his legacy will, Inshā’Allah, live on through the institutions he established, the consciousness he awakened, the students and professionals he trained, and the countless lives he influenced. Every person who benefits from these endeavors will remain part of the continuing reward of his lifelong service.
We pray that Almighty Allah accepts his efforts as Ṣadaqah Jāriyah, overlooks his shortcomings, rewards him abundantly for every sacrifice made in the service of His Dīn, and grants him the highest stages of Jannat al-Firdaws. May Allah Ta’ālā illuminate and expand his grave, make it a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and raise him among the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous. May He grant Mrs. Büyüközer, the entire family and all members of the GİMDES fraternity Ṣabr Jamīl, strength and comfort during this period of immeasurable loss.
Please be assured that you remain in our thoughts and sincere supplications. We share in your grief, for the passing of Dr Büyüközer is not a loss to his family and GİMDES alone, but to the entire global Halal fraternity and the Muslim Ummah.
رحمه الله رحمة واسعة وأسكنه فسيح جناته
May Almighty Allah envelop him in His boundless mercy and grant him an honoured abode in the gardens of Paradise. Āmīn.
With heartfelt condolences and sincere prayers,