Ukrainian yoga instructor Olena converts to Islam in Antalya, takes name “Meryem”
Ukrainian yoga instructor Olena Komanenkova has embraced Islam during a conversion ceremony held at a mosque in Antalya, taking the name “Meryem” after years of growing interest in the religion.
Komanenkova, who had long been drawn to Islam, first came to Turkey in 2024 and began visiting mosques in Antalya, where she had the opportunity to learn more about Islamic teachings and practices.
Personal Journey Through Hardship and Faith
Her interest deepened after her son Emir experienced a serious accident, prompting her to seek comfort in mosque visits, particularly in the historic Kaleiçi district. During one of these visits at the Şehzade Korkut Mosque, she met volunteers from the Intercultural Communication Center (KİM Foundation) and began receiving structured information about Islam.
With guidance from mosque volunteers and the imam, she decided to convert to Islam.
Conversion Ceremony Held at Mosque
A formal conversion ceremony was held at the same mosque, attended by Antalya Deputy Mufti Talat Özmet, imam Mehmet Koşuk of the Akdeniz University Mosque, representatives of the KİM Foundation, mosque congregants, and friends of Komanenkova.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Quran, followed by a presentation on Islamic beliefs and practices. After declaring the shahada, Komanenkova officially became a Muslim.
Deputy Mufti Özmet stated that, in Islamic belief, conversion erases past sins, adding:
“Our sister now has a completely clean record. May God keep Meryem steadfast in faith throughout her life.”
“I Always Prayed to Embrace This Faith”
Receiving her official certificate of conversion, Meryem Komanenkova shared her personal journey with journalists.
She said her curiosity about Islam began years ago and influenced even her decision to name her son Emir. After moving to Turkey with her son as an infant, she began visiting mosques more frequently during his illness, which strengthened her spiritual connection.
“Whenever I was in the mosque, I used to pray, ‘I hope one day I will be honored with this religion,’” she said.
She added that after meeting mosque representatives, her decision became clear.
Life After Conversion
Komanenkova noted that she currently resides in Ukraine but hopes to live in Turkey in the future. She also shared that she previously worked as a yoga instructor due to a health condition but has now shifted her focus.
“After becoming Muslim, I no longer feel the need for yoga. Worshiping God is enough for me now,” she said, adding that she now offers online gymnastics classes for girls.
The ceremony reflects the growing intercultural and spiritual interactions taking place in Turkey, particularly in tourist hubs like Antalya.
