08.05.2026 02:36
Former Minister Hüseyin Çelik, in his statement regarding the Dersim incidents, called for the name of Tunceli to be changed to "Dersim," emphasizing the need to confront the past, restore honor, and preserve social memory.
Hüseyin Çelik, who started his political career in the True Path Party, was part of the founding cadre of the AK Party, and served as the Minister of National Education between 2003 and 2009, said in a post on his social media account, "What needs to be done today is to change the name of Tunceli to 'Dersim'."
EMPHASIS ON THE DERSIM EVENTS
Çelik stated that the Dersim events, which began on May 4, 1937, and lasted until the end of 1938, left deep marks on the memory of society, and expressed that the pains experienced remain impactful despite the years that have passed.
“THE STATE MUST CONFRONT ITS PAST”
Emphasizing the rule of law in his statement, Çelik noted that the state must confront its past mistakes, saying, "The truth should be revealed with all clarity, and if necessary, responsibility should be taken."
REMINDED OF ERDOĞAN'S APOLOGY WORDS
Çelik reminded of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's past statement regarding the Dersim events: "If an apology is needed on behalf of the state, I apologize."
EMPHASIS ON TEXTBOOKS AND RESTORATION OF HONOR
Çelik expressed that textbooks should include historical facts, and proposed a restoration of honor as a requirement of the apology, along with changing the name of Tunceli to "Dersim."