08.06.2026 15:00
There has been a new development in the crisis surrounding the joke told by businessman Rahmi Koç at an opening ceremony in Izmir, which drew criticism for containing discriminatory remarks towards Kurdish citizens. Binali Yıldırım, who was criticized for laughing along with the joke on stage, broke his silence to his close circle.
A joke told by Rahmi Koç, a prominent member of one of Turkey's wealthiest families, the Koç family, during the opening of the Izmir American Hospital sparked reactions. These reactions also targeted Binali Yıldırım, who laughed exaggeratedly at the joke told by Koç.
BINALI YILDIRIM'S FIRST WORDS
While Rahmi Koç, who faced an investigation, apologized, Binali Yıldırım also broke his silence. According to information obtained by Olgun Kızıltepe, News Director of Haberler.com, it was learned that Binali Yıldırım told his close circle, 'I didn't understand what he said there. I laughed along with those around me to avoid being rude. I would never tolerate any disrespect towards our Kurdish citizens.'
CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FROM 16 BAR ASSOCIATIONS
In a joint statement by the bar associations of Adıyaman, Ağrı, Batman, Bingöl, Bitlis, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Iğdır, Kars, Mardin, Muş, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Tunceli, and Van, it was stated that the words used by businessman Rahmi Koç regarding Kurdish women are unacceptable.
BAHÇELİ: LAUNCHING AN INVESTIGATION INTO RAHMİ KOÇ IS WRONG
Stating that targeting Rahmi Koç is wrong, Bahçeli said, 'The Koç Group has undertaken significant responsibilities in Turkey's development drive for 100 years. In addition to its valuable investments contributing to employment, it has always acted with a responsible understanding in achieving Turkey's national goals and elevating our Republic to a high level. At a time when it is celebrating its 100th anniversary successfully and magnificently, launching an investigation into Mr. Rahmi Koç over a joke he made during a sincere conversation at the opening of a hospital in Izmir, also belonging to the same group, is wrong. We do not find it right to target a valuable businessperson who, with his 95 years of life, family upbringing, and stance, has desired to serve Turkey, using unacceptable terms.'
In Diyarbakır, the Free Women's Movement (TJA) protested Rahmi Koç's statements about Kurdish women with a march from Dağkapı Square to the Grand Mosque.
WHAT JOKE DID RAHMİ KOÇ TELL?
While showing the hospital around, Rahmi Koç told the following 'joke': 'The doctor listened to the Kurdish woman's complaint. He said, 'Ma'am, get dressed and undressed behind the curtain.' The woman said, 'Doctor, you undress first.'