14.11.2026 23:51
Journalist Hacı Yakışıklı, who criticized the moment of silence held for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, on November 10 with the words "This is coercion, this is imposition," apologized after the reactions he received. Yakışıklı, whose television program was canceled due to his statements, said in a video he published, "I sincerely apologize to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, and all our citizens."
Journalist Hacı Yakışıklı, who became the focus of controversy with his post on the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stepped back after the reactions. Criticized for his words about the moment of silence on November 10, Yakışıklı apologized to the public with a video he published on his social media account.
“HE HAD SAID, ‘THIS IS COERCION, IMPOSITION’”
In his post on November 10, Yakışıklı had used the expressions, “At a certain hour, you don’t get out of the car and block the road. There is no moment of silence in front of a statue. This is coercion, imposition.” While these words about the moment of silence held at 09:05 to commemorate Atatürk drew reactions, Yakışıklı’s program on TV100 was also canceled.
“I DO NOT DEFEND ANYTHING THAT IS SEEN AS WRONG”
After the controversy, Yakışıklı appeared before the camera and, arguing that his words did not aim to show disrespect to Atatürk, used the following expressions: “Even if this was not my intention, I sincerely apologize to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, and all our citizens. I do not defend anything that is seen as wrong in this matter, friends. And I take responsibility for it. I will take it; I am taking it. I will show the utmost care so that such a perception of disrespect, a perception that disrespect is being done, and such an environment are not experienced again.”
“I APOLOGIZE WITHOUT IFS OR BUTS”
Stating that his post was misunderstood, Yakışıklı said he was not making a call for Atatürk not to be respected.
Yakışıklı concluded his statement with these words: “In short, my intention is not to show disrespect to Mustafa Kemal or to call for him not to be respected. However, if it was perceived this way, I clearly apologize, without ifs or buts, to my Atatürkist brothers and sisters and all citizens.”