By Sea Sahin

ANKARA

A Turkish religious charity group and an education foundation on Tuesday inked a deal in the capital Ankara on working together against the terrorist group FETO and similar groups.

The pact between Turkey's Diyanet Foundation (TDV) -- linked to the state Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) -- and the Maarif Foundation (TMV) was aimed at the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ali Erbas, head of the Diyanet, said the directorate prioritizes the fight against groups like FETO, which distort and exploit religion.

The protocol includes educational and cultural activities at home and abroad.

Erbas highlighted the importance of conveying sound religious information to people as well as combating Islamophobia.

The TDV stepped up such efforts after the 2016 defeated coup, Erbas said, adding that it and the TMV will join forces to provide education to children both at home and abroad.

Birol Akgun, Maarif's head, said the pact would promote experience-sharing as a part of Turkey's cultural diplomacy abroad.

Turkey established the TMV in the wake of the defeated coup to take over the administration of overseas schools linked to FETO. It also establishes schools and education centers abroad.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, including the military, police, and academia.

FETO also has a considerable international presence, including private educational institutions that serve as a revenue stream for the terrorist group.