The Turkish National Defense Ministry has dismissed five newly graduated lieutenants for drawing their swords and chanting slogans in honor of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, during their oath ceremony on August 30. The decision, announced on January 31, also led to the expulsion of three supervising officers who supported them.
A Ceremony Turns Political
During the military oath-taking ceremony, the dismissed officers—Ebru Eroğlu, İzzet Talip Akarsu, Serhat Gündar, Deniz Demirtaş, and Batuhan Gazi Kılıç—reportedly drew their swords and chanted, “We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk).” While the act was not part of the official program, the soldiers’ lawyers argue that it did not violate military discipline, as it took place after the ceremony had ended and no orders were disobeyed.
The Defense Ministry defended its decision, stating:
“There should not be the slightest doubt that no action, event, or situation contrary to discipline will be tolerated in our Turkish Armed Forces, whose priority is the preservation and maintenance of established discipline.”
However, critics see the move as politically motivated, given President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s strong reaction. Following the event, Erdoğan publicly condemned the officers, questioning their actions:
“Exploiters, to whom are you drawing these swords? It is impossible for them to exist in our army. We are taking steps to [dismiss] them quickly.”
Secularism vs. Islamism: A Renewed Clash
The dismissals have reignited the long-standing debate over secularism and Islamism in Turkey’s military. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), historically a staunch defender of Atatürk’s secularist principles, has undergone significant restructuring under Erdoğan’s government, particularly after the 2016 coup attempt, which led to widespread purges in the military.
For many, the incident is emblematic of a deeper shift in the TSK’s ideological identity, with concerns that secularist traditions are being eroded in favor of a more religiously conservative military structure.
Legal Battle Ahead?
The dismissed officers’ legal team has vowed to challenge the decision in court, calling it an “unlawful expulsion.”
“There was no disobedience of orders. The official ceremony was completed in accordance with protocol. The actions of our lieutenants occurred afterward, with no violation of command,” the lawyers stated.
Political Backlash and Opposition Response
The decision has also sparked strong opposition reactions, with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu condemning the move:
“Turkey’s most successful lieutenants were expelled. Our army is the army of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of this country and our eternal Commander-in-Chief.”
He warned that the decision disrespects Turkey’s military legacy and dishonors veterans and martyrs who fought under Atatürk’s principles.
“This decision disrespects the memory of our soldiers who have fought for the unity and integrity of our country since the War of Independence, hurts our veterans, and grieves the bones of our martyrs.”
“We stand by our lieutenants. We will not leave them alone,” İmamoğlu declared, further intensifying the political debate.
What’s Next?
The legal battle over the dismissals could serve as a key test case for the state of military discipline, judicial independence, and political influence in Turkey. As Erdoğan continues to reshape the country’s institutions, the TSK’s secularist foundations appear to be facing one of their most significant challenges yet. Whether the dismissed officers will be reinstated—or if their removal signals a permanent shift in Turkey’s military identity—remains to be seen.