18.01.2026 22:31
The dialogue that took place regarding the expression of sharia in the program "Esra Erol'da," broadcasted on ATV screens, has caused discussions in the public and political arena. Following the words spoken on the program, BBP General Chairman Mustafa Destici also made a statement on the matter. Destici stated, "How can someone who openly belittles our beliefs and values still be able to produce a program on a channel that is said to receive unlimited support from the government and the state?"
The dialogue about "sharia" that took place in the program Esra Erol'da, broadcasted on ATV screens, quickly triggered a wide discussion. The statements of the Great Unity Party (BBP) Chairman Mustafa Destici deepened the controversy. Destici said, "How can someone who openly insults our beliefs and values still be able to make a program on a channel that is said to receive unlimited support from the government and the state?"
In the last aired episode of the program, a guest's words, "The finger that sharia cuts does not hurt," were met with applause from the audience in the studio when Esra Erol responded, "Sharia is not here, it exists in the Middle East." As these moments quickly spread on social media, harsh criticisms from different groups also followed.
FIRST REACTION FROM HÜDA PAR
HÜDA PAR Gaziantep Deputy Şehzade Demir criticized, "What is behind the obsession with Esra Erol? Why does the ATV management turn a blind eye to Esra Erol's insistence on staying on television and processing these disgusting things despite all the reactions and attacks on our values? Is the issue ratings? If the issue is ratings, it is not wrong to say that our beliefs, values, and general morality are sacrificed for ratings. On behalf of society, we ask; when will Esra Erol's program be shut down and when will this woman be expelled from television?"
MUSTAFA DESTİCİ: SHARIA IS ISLAM, IT IS JUSTICE
The discussion also included BBP Chairman Mustafa Destici. In a statement he made on his social media account, he targeted Esra Erol and the program. Destici included the following statements in his post:
"Sharia means the Quran.
Sharia means Islam.
Sharia means Muslim.
Muslim means Turk.
Sharia means justice."
"HOW CAN SOMEONE WHO INSULTS OUR BELIEFS STILL BE ON SCREEN?"
Destici continued his statement by criticizing the channel that aired the program, saying, "How can someone who openly insults our beliefs and values still be able to make a program on a channel that is said to receive unlimited support from the government and the state?"
Esra Erol's words and the subsequent political reactions quickly became a trending topic on social media. Social media users were divided. One group defended Erol's statement as an emphasis on secularism, while the other group claimed that the words contained insults to religious values.