Bilal Erdoğan: Ottoman Turkish Was a Taboo Just 10 Years Ago

Erdogan’s son and presumed heir apparent Bila Erdogan increased his presence in the headlines of Turkish press, extolling the virtues of learning Ottoman to get a better grasp of our glorious past.  But, his more important comment was about the goal of the Turkish education system, the primary purpose of which  ought to be “to raise citiznes with a national conscious”.

Erdogan is currently focused on re-establishing his family’s Islamist credentials, with the purported aim of consoldiatign the base against more Islamist New Welfare Policy.  He is yet ot make a policy speech on the economy.

While he is believed to be the first choice of Erdogan to succeed him, if Erdogan thinks he might not remain present in active politcs, possibly due to health reasons, he will likely appoint his son to an important post in the Cabinet, the party or even to a presidential staff position.

Bilal Erdoğan said learning Ottoman Turkish was considered taboo in Turkey as recently as a decade ago but has since become normalized. Speaking at the final of the “Ottoman Turkish Competition in the Footsteps of Cultural Heritage” in Istanbul, he emphasized that reconnecting with historical texts strengthens linguistic skills and cultural identity.

Ottoman Turkish “Once a Taboo”

Bilal Erdoğan said that learning Ottoman Turkish was controversial in Turkey just 10–15 years ago, recalling that individuals who wanted to read texts written in the old script often faced criticism.

“Today it feels completely natural that our youth learn Ottoman Turkish. But not long ago, this was a major taboo,” Erdoğan said.

He noted that those who expressed interest in reading historical texts written in Ottoman script were met with objections. “Now it has become normalized. This is our own language, our own texts, our own history,” he added.

The remarks were delivered at the final ceremony of the “Ottoman Turkish Competition in the Footsteps of Cultural Heritage,” organized by Genç Hayrat in cooperation with the Hayrat Foundation and Turkey’s Ministry of National Education.

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Cultural Heritage as Part of Education

Erdoğan stressed that preserving tradition and cultural heritage should be viewed as an integral part of education.

He argued that learning Ottoman Turkish is not only historically important but also contributes to broader linguistic development.

According to Erdoğan, studying Ottoman Turkish — along with Arabic and Persian — strengthens students’ vocabulary and enhances their ability to learn foreign languages.

“When a student develops familiarity with older texts and enriches their vocabulary through Arabic- and Persian-derived words, they approach foreign languages with a stronger linguistic foundation,” he said.

He cited Western countries’ preservation of classical works as an example and asked, “Who could be harmed by reading and understanding the poems of Suleiman the Magnificent written 500 years ago?”

Education Should Remain Above Politics

Erdoğan emphasized that education and cultural initiatives should be evaluated beyond political debates.

He said efforts that strengthen young people’s potential deserve support regardless of political alignment.

“We should leave aside political polarization and prejudice and support any initiative that reinforces our youth’s potential and helps us recognize the deep roots of our civilization,” he stated.

He added that societies move forward not by disconnecting from their past but by understanding and embracing it.

Language and Cognitive Development

Erdoğan also drew an analogy between vocabulary and cognitive capacity.

“If you operate with a limited vocabulary, your operating system is weaker. With a richer vocabulary, you think more clearly, express yourself more effectively, and better understand others,” he said.

He expressed hope that young people would read more and expand their word knowledge, noting recent updates in Turkey’s national education examination formats aimed at encouraging deeper reading skills.

Umrah Prize Expanded

Erdoğan announced that the competition’s Umrah prize, originally intended for the first-place winner and a family member, would be extended to include second- and third-place winners as well.

He said that even participation in such competitions reflects valuable ambition among young people.

“Even if nothing else, a young person saying, ‘I can do this, I will succeed,’ and entering a competition is worthy of appreciation,” he said.

Organizers Emphasize Identity and Values

Genç Hayrat President Kürşat Karaca described the project as more than a competition.

“This is not just a contest. It is a construction of memory, a journey of identity, and a call of civilization,” Karaca said.

He stated that approximately 60,000 students attend the organization’s summer schools annually, and that hundreds of thousands participate in book-reading competitions promoting national and spiritual values.

Karaca added that their broader mission includes:

• Strengthening ties to heritage through Ottoman Turkish courses

• Supporting moral education

• Encouraging reading and intellectual development

• Building character through camps and youth programs

“Our common goal is a confident and responsible generation at peace with its own civilizational values,” he said.

Broader Context

The debate around Ottoman Turkish reflects a wider discussion in Turkey about language reform, historical continuity, and educational priorities.

While supporters view the revival of Ottoman literacy as cultural enrichment, critics argue that curriculum focus should prioritize contemporary competencies.

The issue remains part of Turkey’s ongoing conversation about identity, heritage, and modernization.

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