13.03.2026 11:20
The commemoration program held in Karaman sparked controversy when students recited the National Anthem in Arabic. Members of the CHP and MHP reacted to the incident, calling for an investigation and administrative sanctions.
In commemoration of the 105th anniversary of the acceptance of the National Anthem, a memorial program was held at the Piri Reis Cultural Center in Karaman. The program, organized by Cahit Zarifoğlu Imam Hatip Middle School, was attended by Karaman Governor Hayrettin Çiçek, Mayor Savaş Kalaycı, Chief Public Prosecutor Tuba Ersöz Ünver, provincial protocol, and many students. During the program, the students reading the National Anthem in Arabic drew attention. The images quickly spread on social media, attracting criticism from various groups.
CALL FOR INVESTIGATION FROM CHP
CHP Karaman Member of Parliament İsmail Atakan Ünver expressed strong reaction to the situation in a statement on his social media account, announcing that he brought the issue to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Ünver stated, "It is unacceptable for our national anthem to be read in another language at an official program. The National Anthem is a symbol of our nation's independence, and its language is Turkish." Ünver also called for an investigation to be initiated against those responsible by the Karaman Governorship and the Ministry of National Education.
REACTION FROM MHP AS WELL
MHP Karaman Provincial Chairman Muhammed Mustafa Gözel stated in a statement titled "Public Announcement" that the incident is unacceptable. Gözel emphasized that the National Anthem reflects the national feelings of the Turkish nation and called on local administrators and officials to take action for administrative sanctions regarding the issue. At the end of his statement, Gözel also referred to the historical decree of Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey, which emphasized the use of Turkish as the official language in 1277.
"TO TURKISH CHILDREN..."
İYİ Party Balıkesir Member of Parliament Turhan Çömez expressed his reaction with the words, "Why are you having Turkish children read the National Anthem in Arabic? Is your issue with Turkish or with the National Anthem?"