03.10.2025 13:56
Ahmet Davutoğlu, who met with President Erdoğan at the opening reception of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, responded to criticisms regarding the photo. Davutoğlu stated, "Smiling is part of my character; it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. A smile is an act of charity. I show the respect that should be given to the President of the Republic of Turkey."
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) began its new legislative year on October 1 after a 2.5-month break. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also attended the reception held after the opening. During the reception, the conversation between MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, DEM Party Co-Chairs Tuncer Bakırhan and Tülay Hatimoğulları Oruç, DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan, Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu, BBP Chairman Mustafa Destici, and HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu drew attention.
DAVUTOĞLU'S EXPLANATION ON THAT MOMENT
While the images that emerged created a significant stir on social media, Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu participated in the "Gün Başlarken" program hosted by Nagehan Alçı and Ferhat Murat on EKOL TV to make statements.
"SMILING IS MY CHARACTER"
Evaluating the photo taken with President Erdoğan, Davutoğlu stated, "I don't see anything wrong in this picture. Some people express it like this, 'Sir, you look very happy.' Smiling is my character. It is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and I don't just narrate it as a saying. Perhaps no one has seen me laugh outside. Laughing is not appropriate, especially when there are serious matters happening in Gaza. But no one has seen me frown either. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says, 'A smile is charity.' I smile in the environment I am in; that is my natural state. What is the point of frowning in a place where I have been invited, among such a large group?" he expressed.
"I SHOW RESPECT TO THE PRESIDENT"
Davutoğlu also made a statement regarding his attitude towards President Erdoğan, saying, "What is the point of looking elsewhere or showing that I am unhappy to be here? No matter where I am, that place is valuable to me and the delegation. Whether I sit next to the President or far away, it doesn't matter. What is that place? It is where the representatives of the nation meet. Of course, I will have strong criticisms of Mr. President. But when I sit down, I show the respect that should be given to the President of the Republic of Turkey," he stated.