09.07.2026 19:40
Following the tension that arose after a student displayed a banner with a Quranic verse at Yeditepe University Faculty of Law graduation ceremony, the university's rectorate stated that there was no institutional obstruction and announced that an administrative investigation has been launched. Meanwhile, AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik harshly reacted to the situation, stating that those who tried to prevent the banner from being seen engaged in "barbaric acts."
At the graduation ceremony of Yeditepe University Faculty of Law held on July 7, tension erupted after a student opened a banner bearing the Quranic verse 'Be upright as you are commanded,' which received widespread public reaction. The university administration announced that an administrative investigation has been initiated into the incident, while AK Party Deputy Chairman and Spokesperson Ömer Çelik strongly condemned the situation.
AK PARTY SPOKESPERSON ÇELİK: 'LET THOSE WHO COMMITTED BARBARIC ACTS BE ASHAMED'
AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik, in a post on his social media account, reacted to the attempt to prevent the banner and stated: 'Greetings to everyone who voices the truth of "Be upright as you are commanded." May our brothers and sisters who strive for this truth to be seen be praised. This truth is the flag of our hearts always and everywhere. Let those who try to prevent this truth from being heard and seen be ashamed. Those who committed barbaric acts have only written great shame on their own foreheads.'
YEDITEPE UNIVERSITY: 'THE PREVENTION WAS NOT FROM THE ADMINISTRATION, BUT AMONG STUDENTS'
Following the allegations, the Rectorate of Yeditepe University issued a written statement, arguing that there was no institutional prevention against the opening of the banner. The statement noted that the joy of graduation was overshadowed because some students opened the banner while others reacted to it, and included the following expressions: 'According to initial assessments, the tension among students during the photo session was directed at the person, not the verse on the banner. However, the reaction to the banner and the attempt to block its visibility are incompatible with our university's values. Disrespect to any sacred value or belief is unacceptable.'
The university administration also emphasized its commitment to the fundamental principles of the constitution, national and spiritual values, and freedom of belief. The rectorate stated that they do not have an anti-Islamic stance and reminded that the words 'Allah' and 'Muhammad' in Kufic script have been present at the entrances of the main buildings on campus since its establishment.
ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED, PROTOCOLS TO BE REVIEWED
Announcing that an administrative investigation has been initiated immediately regarding the incident, the Rectorate of Yeditepe University reported that the protocols and rules related to graduation ceremonies will be reviewed to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Meanwhile, it was stated that no evaluation will be made regarding an ongoing criminal case related to the incident.