Prestigious Rothko Chapel Appoints Abdullah Antepli ‘10 as President

The Rothko Chapel in Houston has named D.Min. alum Abdullah Antepli '10, a Turkish-born imam and interfaith leader, as its new president. Dr. Antepli, a professor at Duke University and a globally recognized advocate for religious dialogue, said in an interview with chron.com that he will begin his role in early September. 

In addition to being an HIU alum, Dr. Antepli served as associate director of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program as well as an adjunct faculty member.

Dr. Antepli’s career spans humanitarian work in Myanmar and Malaysia, chaplaincy at Duke and Wesleyan universities, and leadership in Jewish-Muslim relations at Jerusalem’s Shalom Hartman Institute. Honored by the Anti-Defamation League in 2022, he has long promoted interfaith peace.

Dr. Antepli is known for his bold interfaith work, including being one of the few imams to pray before Congress. His criticism of religious extremism has led to bans from multiple countries, including Turkey. In the mentioned interview, Dr. Antepli expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Rothko Chapel, calling it a "sanctuary where the sacred, the artistic, and the just converge." He emphasized its importance in a divided world, offering a space where "art, silence, and justice meet."

Founded in 1971 by philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, the Rothko Chapel features 14 black canvases by artist Mark Rothko and serves as a hub for meditation and activism. It attracts over 100,000 visitors annually for discussions on climate justice, racial equity, and interfaith dialogue.

Dr. Antepli takes over during a $42 million expansion, including new program and administrative buildings that will open in 2026. 

Christopher Rothko, son of Mark Rothko and former board chair, praised Dr. Antepli’s alignment with the Chapel’s mission of justice through "listening, understanding, and collaboration." Board Chair Troy Porter also expressed confidence in Dr. Antepli’s ability to advance the Chapel’s strategic vision.

As he prepares to lead the Rothko Chapel, Dr. Antepli aims to strengthen its local and global impact, calling it a "remarkable journey" he is eager to continue.

Congratulations, Abdullah!