University launches investigation into academic
An official investigation has been launched by the university against a professor who used the expression "infidel country" for Turkey in his social media post about the streets of Rize.
A social media post by a faculty member working at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Theology caused public debate and led the university administration to launch an investigation against him.
Social Media Post Sparks Controversy
Prof. Dr. Yavuz Köktaş, who works in the Department of Basic Islamic Sciences at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Theology, shared his evaluations regarding the streets of Rize with the public via his social media account.
In his post, touching upon whether Turkey is an Islamic country, Köktaş stated that his previous thoughts had changed and he had reached a different conviction on this matter.
Expressions of 'Infidel Country' Used
In his post, the academic stated that after seeing the streets of Rize, he thought it was not an Islamic country, and argued that it was in a position similar to America.
Furthermore, Köktaş claimed that the call to prayer (adhan) being recited from minarets did not change this situation, and included the definition of an "infidel country" in his remarks.
Statement and Investigation from the University
Upon the reactions growing following the post, the Rectorate of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University moved quickly and issued an official statement.
The university administration emphasized that the expressions in question completely reflect the person's personal views and do not represent the official stance of the institution.
Drawing attention to social unity and inclusiveness, the university stated that they are against all kinds of divisive and marginalizing rhetoric and initiated an investigation against the academic.
Statement from the Academic
Following the reactions and the launched investigation, Prof. Dr. Yavuz Köktaş made a new statement regarding the issue and clarified his expressions.
He stated that the word he used did not carry the meaning of leaving religion, but rather referred to the social appearance that he described as alienation from religion and undressing.
Admitting that his words were open to misunderstanding and exceeded their purpose, the academic expressed that he was saddened by this situation.