06.06.2026 16:50
Vice President Yılmaz, reacting to businessman Rahmi Koç, who is under investigation after telling a "Kurdish woman" joke at a ceremony in Izmir, said: "No one can use expressions that create hurtful and negative social perceptions based on gender, ethnic identity, or social status."
The anecdote "The Kurdish female patient" told by Koç Holding Honorary Chairman Rahmi Koç at the opening ceremony of the American Hospital in İzmir Balçova caused a huge wave of reaction in the public. Following the incident, the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated an ex officio investigation, while Rahmi Koç apologized in a written statement.
THE ANECDOTE HE TOLD CAUSED GREAT REACTION
During the hospital tour with the protocol members, Rahmi Koç addressed former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, the Governor of İzmir, and the accompanying delegation, saying:
"The doctor listened to the Kurdish woman's complaint. When he said, 'Madam, go behind the curtain and undress,' the woman replied, 'Doctor, you undress first.'"
The laughter of the delegation in the footage at this anecdote further amplified the scale of the reactions.
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"HUMAN DIGNITY AND EQUAL CITIZENSHIP ARE ESSENTIAL"
Although Rahmi Koç apologized, the reactions did not subside. Another reaction to Koç came from Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. Yılmaz stated:
"Human dignity and equal citizenship are essential. No one can use expressions that create hurtful and negative social perceptions based on gender, ethnic identity, or social status.
Seeing our differences as wealth and reinforcing the culture of living together in peace is the common responsibility of everyone who has the will to strengthen our national unity and brotherhood."