19.02.2026 16:47
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin reacted to the statement signed by 168 people titled "We Defend Secularism Together," which was against the Ministry of National Education's Ramadan activities circular, announcing that he would initiate legal proceedings due to the statements in the declaration. Tekin argued that there was no religious element in the circular and described the criticisms as "malicious and ideological."
The Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, reacted strongly to the statement titled "We Defend Secularism Together," published by 168 individuals including artists, academics, and journalists, against the Ministry of National Education's circular regarding activities related to the month of Ramadan in schools. Tekin announced that he would initiate legal proceedings regarding the statement.
"EITHER THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO READ AND WRITE OR..."
Speaking on the "Media Critique" program aired on TGRT News, Tekin stated that there are no mandatory practices in the content of the circular as claimed, saying, "Where in the circular we sent is this mentioned? There is nothing like that among the example activities. At the end of the text, we clearly state that these activities will be carried out on a voluntary basis. There are no practices like 'grades will be given, photos will be taken.' Either they don't know how to read and write, or they don't understand what they read. I don't take any of it seriously," he said.
"I AM INITIATING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS"
Tekin emphasized that he would take legal action due to the statements in the declaration, stating, "I am initiating legal proceedings due to the expressions in the 168-signature 'we defend secularism' declaration."
"THERE IS NO RELIGIOUS ELEMENT IN THE CIRCULAR"
Defending that the circular aims to protect cultural heritage, Tekin claimed that the criticisms are ideologically based. Minister Tekin stated, "This reminded me of the February 28 process. A declaration based on reading intentions, malicious in nature. Just as they use their democratic rights, I will also use my democratic right," he said.
"HALLOWEEN IS NOT CONTRARY, BUT..."
Tekin also stated, "In their eyes, celebrating Christmas or Halloween is not contrary to secularism, but when it comes to Ramadan activities, which are a continuation of our cultural heritage, secularism comes to their minds. There is nothing religious in this circular."