30.10.2026 10:01
Earthquake expert Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan reacted strongly, claiming that the October 29 Republic Day celebrations in Kadıköy were used by Özgür Özel for political purposes. While Ercan's words 'Are we a herd, are we a herd?' sparked controversy, his post drew numerous criticisms. One user reacted to Ercan by saying, 'What does this have to do with geophysics, professor?'
Earthquake expert Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan sparked a debate with his post about the October 29 Republic Day celebrations held on Bağdat Avenue in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Ercan claimed that New Party Chairman Özgür Özel, who attended the celebrations, turned the event into a political meeting.
"REPUBLIC DAY WAS MADE A POLITICAL TOOL"
Making a statement on his social media account, Ercan emphasized that Republic Day is a common value of the entire society and said:
"Yesterday on Kadıköy Bağdat Avenue, Republic Day, the nation's holiday, was used like a party rally and made a tool of politics. It is unacceptable that Özgür Özel stepped in front of the people of different political views gathered to celebrate Republic Day and turned the celebration into a New Party meeting. This is opportunism. It is very inappropriate."
"WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IF ERDOĞAN AND BAHÇELİ DID THE SAME?"
Continuing his criticism, Ercan stated that Republic Day celebrations should not be used for political purposes by either the government or the opposition, and continued:
"Just think! What would you say if Erdoğan and Bahçeli did the same? National holidays are the holiday of everyone, rightist or leftist; they cannot be used by either the government or the opposition for their political aims."
"ARE WE A HERD, A HERD?"
In his post, Ercan also directed criticism at political parties and, citing the protests of young people in Serbia, said: "Won't we ever learn? Haven't we seen that the young people of Serbia set aside the government and the opposition and carried out a silent revolution? Haven't we drawn a lesson for ourselves from this? Can we still not see that every party in Turkey is part of the oligarchy? In this order of interests, this kind of approach is not a solution. Are we a herd, a herd? Are we appointing a new shepherd for ourselves—someone who plays the same tune and says yes to the framework division law?"
REACTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WERE NOT LONG IN COMING
Ercan's statements drew reactions from social media users. While some users argued that there was nothing wrong with Özgür Özel attending the Republic Day celebrations, others criticized the earthquake expert's political assessments.
Some of the comments made under the post were as follows:
- "Truly unbelievable. He was there last year too. What harm is there in him being next to the mayor? Everyone should mind their own business!"
- "Is this what became a problem? On this beautiful and meaningful day, do you find fault with a magnificent celebration while never saying a word about what is happening in the country?"
- "It is enough for you to comment on subjects that are your own expertise. Clearly, these matters are beyond you."
- "What does this have to do with geophysics, professor?"
Ercan's criticism over the Republic Day celebrations caused different views to confront each other on social media.