Ankara, Turkey – A probe has been launched into a declaration supporting secularism in Turkey, leading to summonses for over 160 signatories, including 91-year-old Professor Korkut Boratav. The move comes amid heightened tensions over the role of religion in Turkish society and follows criticism from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a lawsuit filed by Education Minister Yusuf Tekin.
The investigation centers on the “We Defend Secularism Together” statement, which was signed by 168 individuals from various fields, including academia, the arts, and journalism. Authorities have begun requesting statements from those who signed the document, according to reports from February 28, 2026.
Professor Boratav, a prominent economist and considered a leading figure in Turkish intellectual circles, is among those called to provide a statement. Despite his age and reported difficulty with travel, officials reportedly requested he attend in person, suggesting ambulance transport if necessary. Poet Ahmet Telli, SOL Party spokesperson İlknur Başer, and journalist İsmail Arı have also been contacted by Ankara police to provide statements.
The declaration has drawn strong condemnation from the Turkish government. President Erdoğan publicly criticized the statement, and Education Minister Tekin filed a lawsuit against the signatories, claiming it contained false and misleading information. Tekin has also called for others to file lawsuits against those who signed the declaration, stating, “We will see who is backward,” according to Yandex.
Other notable figures summoned for questioning include writer Ayşe Kulin, actor Rutkay Aziz, and writer Ataol Behramoğlu. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding secularism in Turkey and the government’s response to dissent.
The initial statement was issued in response to a “Ramadan Activities Guide” released by the Ministry of National Education, which some critics viewed as an imposition of religious observance in public schools. Tekin defended the guide, asserting that it aligns with Turkish laws and the constitution. He further stated that the ministry’s aim is to foster an educational environment where students internalize their values, according to Bianet.
The investigation’s progression and potential outcomes remain to be seen, but the case underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by those expressing views critical of government policies regarding secularism and religious freedom.
