26.08.2026 17:12
Prof. Dr. Yavuz Köktaş, a faculty member at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University's Faculty of Theology, who evaluated his observations about women's clothing styles on the streets of Rize, said that his opinion that Turkey is an 'Islamic country' has changed. Köktaş stated that what he described as 'nudity' in society disturbed him, and for this reason, he used the expression 'country of infidels' for Turkey. Following the reactions, Köktaş admitted that his words went beyond his intention.
The post made on social media by Prof. Dr. Yavuz Köktaş, a faculty member at Rize Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (RTEÜ) Faculty of Theology, drew reactions. In his assessment of the streets of Rize, Köktaş used the phrase "not an Islamic country, but a country of infidels" for Turkey, and following the reactions, he made a new statement.
"NOT AN ISLAMIC COUNTRY, BUT A COUNTRY OF INFIDELS"
Prof. Dr. Yavuz Köktaş made assessments regarding Turkey's past and present situation in his social media post. Stating that his belief that Turkey is an "Islamic country" changed after what he saw on the streets of Rize, Köktaş used the following expressions in his post:
"I used to hold the opinion that Turkey, even if not an Islamic state, was an Islamic country. After seeing the streets of Rize today, my conviction is reinforced that this is not an Islamic country, but a country of infidels. Whatever America is, Turkey is that too... The call to prayer being recited from minarets doesn't change things."
MADE A STATEMENT AFTER REACTIONS
Making a statement again after his post drew reactions, Köktaş stated that it was not right to attribute his words to his institution and expressed that his post entirely reflected his personal opinion.
Köktaş said that while using the word "infidel," he did not mean leaving the religion, but rather moving away from religion and especially what he described as the "nudity" in society. He also admitted that the expression he used might have exceeded its purpose or been open to misunderstanding.
"I DID NOT SPECIFICALLY MEAN RIZE"
Köktaş argued that he did not specifically target Rize in his post. Stating that the situation in question is not unique to Rize, Köktaş claimed that a similar problem exists throughout Turkey.
In his statement, Köktaş said, "Even if it was an expression that exceeded its purpose, it was very clear in the text that I did not specifically mean Rize with it. Because the content of that word, which is open to misunderstanding, as 'nudity,' exists in every part of Turkey."
"I GAVE 30 YEARS OF MY LIFE TO RIZE"
Stating that he has a bond with Rize spanning many years, Köktaş said he knows well the city's state 30 years ago and today.
Köktaş argued that the situation in question cannot be solely associated with politics and stated that the problem is essentially related to society. In his statement, he said, "I gave 30 years of my life to Rize. I can say that I know Rize's state 30 years ago and its current state very well. The issue in question is the same across the entire country. This situation is not solely related to politics either."
"THE LANGUAGE I USED SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE REASONABLE"
Stating that the change in society saddens him as a Muslim, Köktaş said he does not know what should be done about this issue.
Acknowledging that the language he used should have been more reasonable, Köktaş argued that similar problems should be discussed and brought to the agenda by Muslims.
Köktaş concluded his statement with the following words:
"This situation is bleeding my heart as a Muslim individual. Honestly, I do not know what to do. At the very least, I think our right to voice this should be protected. At this point, I agree that the language I used should have been more reasonable. I hope that these and similar problems will be taken to heart by Muslims."