Turkish Prosecutors Target 168 Intellectuals Over Secularism Declaration, Erdogan Accuses Signatories of “Bigotry”

ANKARA — Turkish authorities have launched a formal investigation into 168 prominent authors, artists, and academics who signed a declaration defending secularism in the country. The move follows harsh criticism from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who labeled the signatories as a “waning breed of bigots.”

Among those summoned to testify by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office are renowned 90-year-old leftist economist Prof. Korkut Boratav, actor Rutkay Aziz, author Ayşe Kulin, and poet Ataol Behramoğlu.

Prof Korkut Boratav

The Backstory: Ramadan Events in Schools

The investigation stems from a declaration published on February 17, titled “We Defend Secularism Together.” This statement was a direct response to a circular issued by the Ministry of National Education (MEB) to provincial governorates across Turkey’s 81 provinces.

The circular mandated that events themed “Ramadan in the Heart of Education” be held in schools throughout the holy month. The Ministry stated the goal was to instill “national and spiritual values,” such as justice, compassion, and patriotism, through these educational and social activities.

In response, the Istanbul Bar Association’s Children’s Rights Center pointed out that this circular violates constitutional protections, specifically the article stating that “no one can be compelled to participate in worship, religious rites, or ceremonies.”

Erdoğan’s Harsh Response

Addressing his party’s group meeting, President Erdoğan defended the Ministry’s circular as “correct, legal, and timely.” He subsequently targeted the 168 signatories of the secularism declaration.

“Immediately following this circular, just one day before Ramadan, a waning breed of bigots emerged, singing that stale song of ‘secularism is fading,’ spreading poison, and pouring hatred upon the nation with that notorious declaration,” Erdoğan said.

Erdoğan further questioned the motivations of the intellectuals, accusing them of hiding behind the concept of secularism to suppress the nation’s values.

“They do not get disturbed by Christmas decorations or by nonsensical things staged under the guise of Halloween,” Erdoğan claimed. “They never get disturbed by the scandals regarding children in the West. But they immediately get disturbed whenever the national and spiritual values of these lands are to be explained within the scope of Ramadan.”

He continued by directly challenging the signatories: “What disturbs you about our children learning to pray or fast? What disturbs you about them decorating for Ramadan or singing hymns together? Stop hiding behind the concept of secularism. Stop beating around the bush and reveal what is really on your mind.”

Rising Tensions over Secularism

The declaration signed by Boratav and others highlights a growing concern among Turkish intellectuals regarding the increasing role of religious activities in public education.