Politics
‘Ramadan activities at Turkish schools not violation of secularism’
A new debate has emerged in recent days over school activities related to Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, after a group of 168 signatories, including journalists, artists and academics, issued a statement titled the “Secularism Declaration.” The statement, which critics said echoed the rhetoric of the Feb. 28 postmodern coup era, sparked widespread public reaction. Experts, however, argue that such informational and cultural activities are not in violation of secularism.
“If a declaration interprets secularism in a way that categorically excludes the public visibility of religion, or disregards the constitutional framework concerning religious education and religious practices, such an approach contradicts the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 24. It even amounts to an assault on fundamental freedoms,” Zakir Avşar, a professor from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, told Daily Sabah.
In the statement titled “We Defend Secularism Together,” 168 writers, artists, academics, journalists and representatives of professional organizations claimed that Ramadan activities were a violation of a secular state, saying, “We will not surrender to darkness.”
Reminding that Article 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye stipulates that everyone has the right to declare, practice and worship in accordance with their religious beliefs and religious and moral education shall be conducted under the supervision and control of the state, and that compulsory courses on religious culture and ethics shall be included in the curriculum, Avşar stressed that, “Secularism does not mean hostility toward religion; rather, it signifies that the state maintains equal distance from all beliefs and ensures freedom of religion.”
National Education (MEB) Minister Yusuf Tekin also said the declaration reminded him of the Feb. 28 process, describing it as a malicious statement based on mind-reading.
“In their view, celebrating Christmas or Halloween is not contrary to secularism, but when it comes to Ramadan activities that reflect the continuation of our cultural heritage, secularism somehow comes to mind.”
Tekin also announced that he would initiate legal proceedings against the signatories, arguing that the text was ill-intentioned and ideological.
“Just as they exercise their democratic rights, I will exercise mine,” Tekin said.
Avşar noted that the Feb. 28 process marked a period in Türkiye when secularism was applied within a rigid, exclusionary and prohibitive framework. In the field of education in particular, practices such as persuasion rooms, headscarf bans and the coefficient system, along with restrictive measures targeting religious practices, resulted in violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Given this historical background, he said, “any tendency to reinterpret secularism through a prohibitive and uniform approach inevitably evokes memories of that era.”
On Feb. 28, 1997 military memorandum was issued by Türkiye’s National Security Council (MGK), which has since been dubbed the “postmodern coup.” The coup was no different than others otherwise. It targeted certain members of the public and kept fear of military intervention alive whenever powerful generals disliked the government.
During the period, the lives of millions took a sharp turn after the Turkish army, then still adhering to a tradition of self-claimed “tutelage” of Türkiye’s secular elite, joined forces with the judiciary organs in vehement opposition to what they called “reactionary forces” in power. This especially affected women expelled from schools for wearing headscarves and men deemed “too conservative” to hold public sector jobs and were fired, as well as others who suffered threats and lengthy legal processes.
Moreover, Tacettin Kutay, an academic at Turkish-German University and a columnist expert argued that the core characteristic of French Enlightenment thought and its model of secularism is built on disregarding the “other” and, if possible, eliminating elements associated with it.
“Unfortunately, in Türkiye, those who describe themselves as secular have largely shaped their intellectual framework based on French Enlightenment traditions and therefore do not operate outside that practice. For this reason, we consistently witness that those involved in these debates express discomfort with the very existence of the other side,” he said.
Previously, Suat Özçağdaş, head of the Education Policy Board of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), told reporters at Parliament that the government prefers opening Quran courses and described those as structures of “unclear nature.” Accusing the Education Ministry of paving the way for religious orders and communities, Özçağdaş said, “You are hostile to secular education; you are hostile to Türkiye’s secularism.”
Kutay further remarked that it remains unclear what, specifically, has caused discomfort over Ramadan-related activities in schools. “Was any child forced to fast? Was there an imposition outside the curriculum? No,” he said, adding that the reaction appears to stem from unease among those who do not accept that religious elements are also part of cultural heritage.
He concluded that Islam, which constitutes a part of Türkiye’s cultural heritage, is consistently rejected by what he described as an aggressive minority, whose demands are being imposed despite representing a minority view.
“As in nearly every year, the approach of Ramadan in 2026 has prompted statements from circles that describe themselves as secular,” he said, characterizing the circles as hostile toward the nation’s religious beliefs and values.
“It is not surprising,” Ekrem Kızıltaş, a columnist and author, said, commenting on the declaration.
According to Kızıltaş, this year’s debate appears to have been fueled by the fact that Ramadan began close to the anniversary of the Feb. 28 process and by the Education Ministry’s circular encouraging broader coverage of Ramadan-related themes in schools.
Last week, speaking at the Governors’ Meeting Program, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said they would organize various school activities to ensure that children, the guarantee of our future, are aware of the significance of the holy days of Ramadan and benefit from what he described as their atmosphere of spiritual abundance.
“There is no debate on secularism in Türkiye, and freedoms are in no way restricted,” Erdoğan said. “We will never deviate from what we believe is right, without paying heed to the ravings of an aggressive group that cannot tolerate our nation living its faith freely.”
On the other hand, Kızıltaş also pointed out that the anger stemming from the detention of several mayors from the CHP on charges such as bribery and corruption may also have played a role in prompting such statements. The group in question, he added, lacks any connection to objectivity, noting that both the president and the education minister have already delivered the necessary responses.
Regarding the critics of the Ramadan activities at schools, he concluded: “It can also be said that, beyond being alienated from the beliefs and values of a nation that is 99% Muslim, their aggressive tone causes them to undermine their own position the more they speak.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday renewed his hostile rhetoric against Türkiye, issuing a series of pointed remarks on regional security, Syria and Iran.
During an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Katz said Israel does not seek a military confrontation with Türkiye but argued that his country would defend itself against any threat. Referring to the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, he said: “We are not the collapsing Christian empire. Jerusalem is not Constantinople, and we know how to defend ourselves.”
The Israeli minister also argued that Ankara is seeking greater influence in Syria and said Israel would not allow Syria to become a platform that could threaten its security.
Addressing the recent conflict with Iran, Katz claimed Israel had considered strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure but said the United States opposed such attacks over concerns they could trigger broader regional escalation and disrupt global oil markets.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently described President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a “great leader” and a close friend, underscoring the strong relationship between the two leaders while dismissing concerns about potential tensions between Türkiye and Israel.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about the possibility of a confrontation between Türkiye and Israel amid growing regional tensions. The question came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a series of anti-Erdoğan remarks on social media, followed by Erdoğan’s warning against Israeli expansionism and violations.
The U.S. president said he had not heard of any such scenario and suggested he would personally intervene if necessary.
Relations between Türkiye and Israel have deteriorated sharply since the outbreak of the Gaza war, with Ankara strongly criticizing Israel’s military campaign and suspending bilateral trade. The two countries have also exchanged increasingly sharp rhetoric over regional security issues, including developments in Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean.
New talks on the status of the communities on Cyprus may be held soon, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signaled on Wednesday. Guterres said he would convene new talks involving the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders on the divided island, as well as the three guarantor powers.
However, he gave no date for the meeting, which he announced at a brief news conference after holding a trilateral meeting with Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot President Tufan Erhürman to assess the prospects for renewed negotiations, nine years after the peace process collapsed.
“I have the consensus of both sides and the guarantors to move into a 5+1 meeting, but with adequate preparation,” he said, referring to a format involving Erhürman, Christodoulides, and representatives of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
The three countries were designated guarantor powers in 1960, when the island gained independence from Britain, and were entrusted with guaranteeing the constitutional order amid tensions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Guterres said the timeline for the meeting was “not defined, but we are going to work together as fast … as possible.”
The outgoing U.N. chief, whose term in office ends at the end of the year, held separate meetings with both leaders on Tuesday to assess the prospects for fresh negotiations.
Decades of U.N.-backed talks have failed to resolve the island’s division, with the last major round of peace negotiations in Switzerland collapsing in July 2017.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Ankara intervened as guarantor after a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece and amid violence against Turkish Cypriots. Today, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is recognized only by Türkiye, while the Greek Cypriot administration represents the island in the European Union.
Speaking before his meeting with Guterres on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s trilateral talks, Erhürman underlined that the Turkish Cypriot side remained committed to working toward a “fair and lasting” settlement while emphasizing the need for a different negotiating framework from previous rounds of talks.
“I believe you are aware of the Turkish Cypriot people’s strong commitment to a fair and lasting solution,” Erhürman said. “We are doing our best regarding confidence-building measures. Unlike the experiences of 2004 and 2017, we are now working on a new and realistic methodology that can help us achieve our common goal.”
He also expressed support for the U.N. secretary-general’s mediation efforts, saying the Turkish Cypriot side would continue to contribute to the process.
“We strongly support your efforts and welcome them. You can be assured that we will continue to do our utmost,” Erhürman told Guterres.
The TRNC advocates a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, while the Greek Cypriot side favors a federal model. Türkiye, one of the island’s guarantor states, supports the TRNC’s position.
The United Nations has led two major initiatives to resolve the Cyprus question over the past two decades. The first was the so-called Annan Plan, named after former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which was introduced in 2004. Greek Cypriots rejected the plan in a referendum, while Turkish Cypriots approved it.
In 2017, the United Nations launched the Crans-Montana process, which sought a federal solution to the dispute. That effort also failed and significantly altered the positions of Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot side. Ankara and Lefkoşa blamed the Greek Cypriot side for the collapse of the talks and shifted from their previously cautious support for a federal model to a firm stance in favor of the TRNC’s sovereignty.
Since taking office in 2024, Cuellar has sought to bridge the gap between the parties through diplomatic contacts.
Erhürman, who succeeded Ersin Tatar last year, has been viewed as less hardline than his predecessor, but he has repeatedly made it clear that he would oppose any federation proposal that ignores the rights of Turkish Cypriots. He was quoted on Sunday as saying that they were ready for “a new process” following Guterres’ visit.
Erhürman also stressed that, as in the past, they would consult with Türkiye before moving forward with any new initiative aimed at resolving the dispute.
Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is facing renewed controversy after prosecutors launched an investigation into allegations that paid extras were recruited through casting agencies to attend a recent membership ceremony led by party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened the inquiry following claims that hundreds of participants were paid TL 950 (around $20) to attend the event, where they were allegedly instructed to chant slogans and applaud.
The allegations emerged as the CHP continues to grapple with internal turmoil following a court ruling that reinstated Kılıçdaroğlu as party leader and prompted the departure of 91 lawmakers aligned with former leader Özgür Özel.
CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Gürsel Tekin described the claims as a “setup” and said those responsible would be held accountable if wrongdoing was established.
The allegations also revived scrutiny over several previous incidents involving individuals presented at CHP events or in campaign-related material as ordinary citizens. Critics have questioned whether some participants had undisclosed political affiliations or professional acting backgrounds.
Turkish TV channel AHaber further compiled a timeline of the CHP’s past “casting” controversies, identifying the individuals as actors or party members.
In the case involving the alleged “mufti’s wife,” it was later revealed that Gül Taşlı Cenal’s husband was not a mufti but Faruk Cenal, the former CHP district chair in Burhaniye. She was also identified as a CHP member and a bar owner.
A headscarf-wearing woman known as “Neşe Abla,” who told CHP politician Mustafa Balbay, “I will never vote for the AK Party again,” drew attention after viewers questioned the authenticity of her words and gestures, fueling debate over whether she was portraying an ordinary citizen.
Village head Hanife Çakmak, who received a CHP membership badge from Kılıçdaroğlu, later said, “They told us they would take us out for a meal. I didn’t know I would receive a party badge. I am not, and have never been, a CHP member.”
A woman named Zeynep, who addressed reporters outside the Turkish Parliament by saying, “I am just a farmer’s daughter, nothing more,” was later reported to be registered with a casting agency and to be an actor.
Emine Polat, who appeared in campaign material as a headscarf-wearing ordinary citizen expressing support for Ekrem Imamoğlu, was later identified as a CHP municipal council member in Esenyurt.
Umut Daştan, who said, “I voted for Binali Yıldırım in the last election. This time I will vote for Imamoğlu,” was later identified as a CHP municipal council member in Kartal.
Ersoy Ersoy, the farmer who told Özgür Özel during a rally in Yozgat, “We have nothing left,” was also later reported to have ties to CHP circles.
Türkiye on Wednesday welcomed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ efforts to advance dialogue on Cyprus, saying recent initiatives could help build confidence despite the absence of common ground between the island’s divided sides.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said Ankara appreciated Guterres’ engagement on the Cyprus issue since taking office, following the U.N. chief’s trilateral meeting with the island’s leaders.
Keçeli said Türkiye believes the process launched by Guterres in 2025, which focuses on advancing cooperation in practical areas, can contribute to confidence-building while broader political differences remain unresolved.
He reiterated Ankara’s position that decades of previous settlement models have been exhausted and argued that a lasting solution would remain out of reach unless the Greek Cypriot side changes what Türkiye described as its uncompromising stance.
Keçeli also reaffirmed Türkiye’s longstanding support for a settlement based on the “sovereign equality” and “equal international status” of Turkish Cypriots, adding that Ankara’s backing for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Turkish Cypriot community remains unchanged.
On Tuesday, before the meeting with TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, Guterres reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting dialogue between the island’s Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, while stressing that any lasting settlement would also require the involvement of Cyprus’ guarantor powers.
“We are determined to do everything possible to support the two communities in their search for a solution,” Guterres stressed. “We recognize that a solution also depends on the contribution of the guarantor countries. For that reason, we attach great importance to every effort that strengthens the well-being of the two communities and their commitment to reaching a settlement.”
The U.N. chief said there were important opportunities ahead and pledged continued support for initiatives that could move the process forward.
A framework law that will advance the terror-free Türkiye initiative to disarm the terrorist group PKK will be before the parliament soon. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan instructed the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) to conclude the work on the bill before lawmakers begin a two-month recess on July 31.
Erdoğan delivered key messages on the initiative during the AK Party’s Central Executive Board meeting on Monday.
Emphasizing that the process is being carried out through the determined cooperation of the People’s Alliance of the AK Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Erdoğan reportedly said, “No one but us can accomplish this. Let’s complete it before Parliament goes into recess. That way, we will have fully resolved a major issue.”
Against this backdrop, attention has turned to the Parliament. Although Parliament is scheduled to begin its summer recess on July 31, its work is expected to be extended until Aug. 14 due to a busy legislative agenda. Before the recess, lawmakers are expected to take up a framework bill related to the initiative.
The parliament will first debate the bill amending the Higher Education Law and several other laws. This will be followed by legislation introducing new regulations concerning children involved in judicial proceedings. Another item on Parliament’s agenda will be a bill approving the hosting and implementation agreement for COP31.
Following these proposals, lawmakers are expected to consider the framework legislation that will establish the legal basis for the initiative.
According to information obtained, the framework bill will consist of approximately 10 articles. The legislation will regulate the legal process concerning members of terrorist organizations. Sources said the draft does not include any provision amounting to a general amnesty for PKK members. Instead, it is expected to contain provisions introducing a controlled or supervised sentence execution mechanism.
Türkiye and Iraq agreed on Tuesday to deepen cooperation across security, energy, defense, trade and infrastructure, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan saying the two neighbors are committed to building a region defined by stability and development rather than conflict while pursuing a comprehensive new energy partnership.
Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi held talks at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where they signed a series of agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening regional stability.
At a joint news conference following the meeting, Erdoğan said Türkiye and Iraq remain in close coordination on counterterrorism efforts under Ankara’s Terror-Free Türkiye initiative, expressing confidence that both countries can permanently eliminate a security challenge that has imposed a high cost on their peoples.
“We are striving for our region to be known not for war, terrorism and conflict, but for development, prosperity, peace and stability,” Erdoğan said.
The Turkish president said discussions covered regional developments, including Iran, Syria and Palestine, while reaffirming Ankara’s readiness to support Iraq “in every field it needs.” Erdoğan also said Ankara and Baghdad shared largely similar views on regional developments, praising Iraq’s efforts to preserve its unity and stability while highlighting Baghdad’s sensitivity toward Iraqi Turkmens, whom he described as an indispensable part of Syria’s social fabric and a key pillar of the longstanding brotherhood between the two nations.
Erdoğan also said Türkiye is prepared to supply Iraq with defense industry products as the two countries expand security cooperation amid regional tensions.
Economic cooperation featured prominently during the talks, with Erdoğan describing the Development Road Project – which aims to connect the Gulf region to global markets through Iraq – as more important than ever under current geopolitical conditions. He said he welcomed al-Zaidi’s strong commitment to advancing the strategic transport corridor.
Energy emerged as another key pillar of the partnership. Erdoğan noted that the Iraq-Türkiye Crude Oil Pipeline Agreement expired on Monday and said Ankara’s priority is to conclude a comprehensive energy cooperation agreement that will benefit both countries as soon as possible.
He also described a new agreement signed Tuesday on cooperation involving Turkish Petroleum in production fields as “a historic step” for bilateral energy ties.
Beyond energy and security, Erdoğan said Türkiye and Iraq are determined to strengthen cooperation on sustainable water management, emphasizing that Ankara views water as an area for long-term cooperation based on scientific, rational and humanitarian principles.
The Turkish president added that both sides aim to significantly increase bilateral trade and welcomed the participation of Iraqi and Turkish business leaders, contractors and investors in meetings held alongside the official visit.
Ankara visit aims to deepen centuries-old ties with Türkiye: Iraqi PM
For his part, al-Zaidi said that his visit to Ankara was aimed at strengthening the longstanding ties between Iraq and Türkiye rather than fulfilling a diplomatic protocol, emphasizing the two countries’ commitment to deeper cooperation.
“Our visit is not merely a matter of protocol, but a sign of strengthening relations that date back centuries,” al-Zaidi said.
He noted that Iraq seeks “a partnership based on brotherhood,” adding that the two countries are working in particular on the Development Road Project, a major infrastructure initiative intended to connect the Gulf with global markets through Iraq.
“Geography has naturally given us two rivers. Now we want a third river. Let this be a river of economy, and that, of course, is the Development Road,” al-Zaidi said, describing the project as a symbol of economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Al-Zaidi arrived in Ankara on Tuesday for his inaugural visit at the invitation of President Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday.
Al-Zaidi was received at the airport by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and was welcomed by Erdoğan in an official ceremony at the presidential complex later in the day.
This is the first visit to Türkiye by the young prime minister since he took office in May.
Clear statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We confirm our full support to the Turkish Cypriot people.
President of Religious Affairs Safi Arpaguş: We must be able to introduce our children to our own civilization values
Israeli minister’s provocative comments target Türkiye
Clear statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We confirm our full support to the Turkish Cypriot people.
President of Religious Affairs Safi Arpaguş: We must be able to introduce our children to our own civilization values
Israeli minister’s provocative comments target Türkiye
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