01.06.2026 16:50
Statements made by Dr. Ersin Ulu, a faculty member at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, on social media have become a topic of discussion. Ulu claimed that he was targeted due to his religious identity and that a systematic lynching campaign was being carried out against him.
The statements made by faculty member Dr. Ersin Ulu, who works at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, through his social media account caused widespread repercussions in the public. Ulu claimed in his post that he was targeted due to his religious identity and that a systematic lynching campaign has been carried out against him in recent days. Stating that he started working as a research assistant in the Department of Child Health and Diseases at Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine approximately 25 years ago, Ulu expressed that he has never hidden his faith and has occasionally felt marginalized. He argued that recent events have reached a different dimension.
ALLEGATION: “I WAS TARGETED BECAUSE OF MY RELIGIOUS IDENTITY”
Dr. Ersin Ulu claimed in his statement that he was specifically targeted based on his religious identity. Alleging that some academic circles acted in an organized manner against him, Ulu drew attention to the meetings he said were held within the department and the tension among his colleagues. The expression “a lynching attempt reminiscent of February 28” used in Ulu's statements sparked widespread debate on social media. This reference to the February 28 process, seen as a significant turning point in Turkey's recent political history, caused the issue to be discussed by larger audiences in a short time.
DIFFERENT REACTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Following Dr. Ulu's post, various opinions emerged on social media. While some users shared messages of support for Ulu, others stated that the allegations should be examined from all aspects. The debate brought topics such as freedom of thought, freedom of belief, and equality in the working environment back to the agenda in academic institutions. Particularly, the working conditions of academics with different identities and views in universities were among the main subjects of evaluations made on social media.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY IS AWAITED
No official statement has yet been made by the university administration or the relevant department regarding the issue. The public has focused on the statements expected from the parties concerning Dr. Ersin Ulu's allegations. While the debate that started in academic circles is expected to create a broader agenda in the coming days, posts made on social media continue to attract attention.