Support for the imam who was removed from his position for standing up for the headscarf in the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) by Oktay Saral.

16.04.2025 20:40

President's Chief Advisor Oktay Saral reacted to the dismissal of Imam İbrahim Damar, who defended the headscarf in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Saral stated, "Should the imam be an enemy of the headscarf? It's a shame, a great shame; we have not been able to free Cyprus from the Greeks."

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A girl student who wanted to enter İrsen Küçük Middle School in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with a headscarf faced obstruction from the school administration and members of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers' Union.

RESPONSE FROM THE IMAM: I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS MENTALITY IN THE MOSQUE WHEN IT DIES

İbrahim Damar, the Imam of Hamitköy Mosque, who did not remain indifferent to the events, stated after the incident, "When this mentality that insults my religion dies, I will not allow it in the mosque either. I will not give the funeral prayer."

SUSPENDED FROM DUTY

Following his statements, Imam İbrahim Damar was 'temporarily' suspended from his duty. It was also noted that a disciplinary investigation was initiated against Imam Damar, who stood up for the headscarf.

PRIME MINISTER ÜSTEL: THE NECESSARY PUNISHMENT WILL BE GIVEN

The decision regarding Imam Damar was announced by the Prime Minister of the TRNC, Ünal Üstel. In his speech at the General Assembly of the Republic Assembly, Üstel stated, "First of all, a friend of ours in the religious affairs department made various statements. I want you to know that we have suspended the friend in the religious affairs department. And after the investigation is completed, the necessary punishment will be given. We did not remain silent against the insults made to the people of Cyprus, that is, to all segments. We reported each of them to the police one by one."

CHIEF ADVISOR SARAL: WE COULD NOT FREE CYPRUS FROM GREEKNESS

Oktay Saral, Chief Advisor to the President and Member of the Presidential Local Government Policies Board, reacted strongly to the decision regarding Imam İbrahim Damar. In a post on his social media account, Saral stated, "The Prime Minister of the TRNC spoke inappropriately. Should the Imam be an enemy of the headscarf... It's a shame, it's a great shame, we could not free Cyprus from Greekness."

Saral's post is as follows;