A Kenyan woman, Sheila Chepchirchir Kosgei, has embraced Islam in Türkiye’s Samsun province ahead of her marriage to a Turkish citizen, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Sheila travelled to the Terme district of Samsun in connection with her marriage to Turkish citizen Mertcan Yılmaz. Before the wedding, she decided to formally embrace Islam and attended a conversion ceremony at the local district mufti’s office.
During the ceremony, Sheila recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, in the presence of religious officials and chose Sıla as her new name.
Conversion Ceremony Held in Terme
The ceremony was held at the Terme District Mufti’s Office, where religious officials spoke to her about the basic beliefs and teachings of Islam.
After reciting the declaration of faith, Sıla was congratulated on embracing Islam.
District Mufti Ömer Ergül presented her with an official certificate marking her conversion along with a copy of the Holy Quran and other gifts.
Photographs taken during the ceremony show Sıla holding her certificate alongside the district mufti and others present at the event.
New Chapter Ahead of Marriage
Sıla’s decision came as she prepared to marry Mertcan Yılmaz in Türkiye. Her conversion ceremony has since attracted attention in Turkish media and on social media, where photographs from the occasion have been widely shared.
The story has drawn particular interest because the Kenyan bride’s conversion took place shortly before her marriage, bringing together a personal milestone and a major religious decision.
Sheila Chooses the Name Sıla
Following her conversion, Sheila chose the Turkish name Sıla, a popular female name in Türkiye.
The ceremony concluded with congratulations and prayers for her future, as she prepares to begin married life in Türkiye under her newly chosen name.