Who We Are
Our mission to support the religious lives of our visually impaired brothers and sisters, and our story along the way
Our Story
On a journey that began in 2013, we continue to stand beside our visually impaired brothers and sisters
- 2013
First International Conference
In February 2013, at the invitation of Selahattin Aydın, organizations from 13 countries gathered in Istanbul for the 1st International Braille Quran Conference. The aim was to discuss ways of improving Braille Quran literacy.
- 2013
Preparations for Establishment
In August 2013 the conference delegates met again to prepare the statute and the official documents required for establishment. They resolved to form an international umbrella organization bringing together local organizations that provide accessible Islamic services worldwide.
- 2014
Official Establishment
On 24 April 2014, by decision of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Türkiye, a new NGO registered in Istanbul was formed: the International Union of Braille Quran Services (IBQS).
- 2025
Today
Eleven years on, we work with 9 member organizations and members from 16 countries. Our mission of bringing the Braille Quran to visually impaired Muslims everywhere continues.
Our Mission
To bring together organizations that provide accessible religious services and to deliver the message of Islam to visually impaired people in accessible formats, wherever in the world they may be.
Our Vision
A world in which every visually impaired Muslim has a Braille Quran in their own language and receives quality religious education.
Our Values
Guided by compassion, solidarity, education and universality, we aim to serve all of humanity.
Our Objectives
The International Union of Braille Quran Services works primarily towards the following objectives
Braille Quran Literacy
Promoting Braille Quran literacy and training among the visually impaired
Unified Code and Standards
Leading the development of quality and printing standards for Braille Qurans and an internationally recognized unified Quranic braille code
Knowledge and Experience Exchange
Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience between members to advance accessible religious services worldwide
Technical and Financial Cooperation
Building technical and financial cooperation mechanisms among members
Shared Use of Resources
Developing mechanisms that enable members to use their resources cooperatively, effectively and efficiently
Braille Quran Supply
Providing Braille Qurans and other religious resources in accessible formats to visually impaired people in need, wherever they are
Our Team
Our experienced team serving visually impaired people around the world
Halis Kuralay
Chairman of the Board
Born in Bayramiç, Çanakkale in 1968; graduated from the Psychology Department of Boğaziçi University. After years as a teacher and school administrator, he served as Special Education Branch Director at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education from 2005 to 2012. A former president of the Turkish Beyazay Association, he is a founding member of IBQS and was re-elected Chairman of the Board in July 2025. Blind since birth, he is the author of four published books.
Dr. Selahattin Aydın
Founding President
In 2013 he invited representatives of organizations from 13 countries to Istanbul, leading the establishment of the Union. He continues to chair the general assemblies.
Our Member Organizations
We work together with member organizations from 9 countries around the world
Kwality Educational Society for the Blind
India
Individual Members
In addition to the organizations above, IBQS has individual members from the following countries: Egypt, England, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Türkiye.
Bring Your Organization on Board
If your organization wants to serve the visually impaired, get in touch with us and become part of this meaningful mission.
I Want to Become a MemberWatch Our Story
The founding story of IBQS and our journey of touching the lives of our visually impaired brothers and sisters
Impressions from the First Braille Quran Course in Uganda, 2025
The story of the three-week course in Kampala — IBQS YouTube channel (in Turkish)
