12.11.2026 11:32
MHP Kayseri MP Baki Ersoy reacted sharply to journalist Hacı Yakışıklı's remarks about the moment of silence on November 10, Atatürk Remembrance Day. Sedat Peker also joined the debate by reposting Ersoy's response to Yakışıklı on his X account.
Journalist Hacı Yakışıklı's statements regarding the November 10 commemoration ceremonies caused controversy. MHP Kayseri MP Baki Ersoy gave a harsh response to Yakışıklı's description of standing in a moment of silence in front of the Atatürk statue as "coercion and imposition." Sedat Peker also reposted Ersoy's statement from his own X account.
HACI YAKIŞIKLI: THIS IS COERCION, THIS IS IMPOSITION
In his post regarding the November 10 commemoration ceremonies, Hacı Yakışıklı said, "At a certain time, you don't get out of the car and block the road. There can be no moment of silence in front of a statue. This is coercion, this is imposition."
HARSH RESPONSE FROM MHP'S ERSOY
One of those who reacted to Yakışıklı's words was MHP's Baki Ersoy. In his post quoting Yakışıklı's statement, Ersoy said: "What is it with being disturbed by mentioning Atatürk's name and standing in a moment of silence in front of his statue? If you call this coercion and imposition, we call it gratitude to the architect of our independence, the founder of our Republic, and the great leader who entrusted this homeland to us. Love for Atatürk does not depend on anyone's permission, anyone's understanding, or political circumstances. To understand Atatürk, one must first understand under what conditions this Republic was founded. Everyone can discuss everything, but no one has the right to belittle, question, or discredit the nation's love for Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Even if you do not respect it, learn to respect the will of the millions who do!"
SEDAT PEKER COULD NOT REMAIN INDIFFERENT EITHER
Sedat Peker also joined the debate. Peker reposted MHP's Baki Ersoy's post containing harsh statements directed at Hacı Yakışıklı from his own X account. It drew attention that Peker shared Ersoy's words without adding any comment.