01.07.2026 10:10
The Rector of Şırnak University, Prof. Dr. Abdurrahim Alkış, became the target of criticism for allegedly admitting his relatives to the university. In the controversial statement attributed to Alkış, the following expressions were included: "I used my influence and weight at YÖK and the Presidency to secure a large number of staff allocations for our university every year. I did this out of my belief. It is my order; you should visit and congratulate these colleagues now."
Prof. Dr. Abdurrahim Alkış, the Rector at the center of meritocracy debates at Şırnak University, made an unprecedented scandal with a notice he published to academic and administrative staff.
"PROTECTING MY RELATIVES IS A REQUIREMENT OF MY FAITH"
Rector Alkış, confirming the allegations of nepotism at the university, hurled heavy insults at those disturbed by his appointments: his sister's daughter to the Faculty of Theology, his uncle's son transferred from the Mufti's office to Deputy General Secretary, and a close friend to the Legal Advisor post. Describing critics as "sowers of discord" and "fools," Alkış made the following scandalous statements:
"Those spreading this discord do not know, because they are faithless, that protecting relatives and supporting one's close circle is a requirement of our faith. Helping my relatives and friends and placing them in good positions is a requirement of my faith and my right as Rector. I will soon deal with those who spread discord and will not allow them to remain in this university."
"I USED MY INFLUENCE AT YÖK AND THE PRESIDENCY"
In his statement, the Rector also mentioned the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Presidential offices, claiming that he obtained the allocated positions through his personal influence. Stating that he has identified each academic and administrative staff member who opposed his will, Alkış said, "Using my weight and influence at YÖK and the Presidency, I have made large numbers of positions allocated to our university every year. By consulting with our YÖK President and Vice President, I have expelled all the insubordinates from the university."
ANNOUNCED NAMES BEFORE PROCESS ENDED: IT IS MY ORDER, CONGRATULATE THEM
The most appalling part of Rector Alkış's manifesto was that he announced in advance, name by name, who would be appointed to academic positions only recently published in the official state gazette, where the legal evaluation process should still be ongoing. "I am clearing the way for those honored by their loyalty to their Rector," said Alkış, giving the following instruction to staff:
"I have decided to appoint people who have not failed in loyalty and devotion to their Rector to the positions we announced in today's Official Gazette. I will personally dress them in their gowns. It is my order; you should also visit and congratulate these colleagues of ours from now on."
The names previously announced by Rector Alkış as being appointed to positions at Şırnak University, even before the appointment process began, are listed as follows:
- Öykü Bilgin: Professor position in Mining Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering (Announcement No. 2026/10)
- Nazan Yeşilkaya: Associate Professor position in Philosophy and Religious Sciences at the Faculty of Theology (Announcement No. 2026/11)
- Yakup Akyürek: Associate Professor position in Islamic History and Arts at the Faculty of Theology (Announcement No. 2026/12)
- Kübra Şanlı: Assistant Professor position in Office Services at Şırnak Vocational School (Announcement No. 2026/13)
- Besra İnan: Assistant Professor position in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering (Announcement No. 2026/14)