November 25, 2013

"Turkish government defiant as battle over prep schools rises"

The tension recently peaked, with Erdoğan describing the group’s objection to his government’s plans as a “smear campaign.”

To leave a brief mark in history: An open letter to Prime Minister Erdoğan

Ekrem Dumanlı

As you know very well, those who firmly believe in God are responsible to tell the truth without kneeling or bowing before another servant. And this is especially applicable to matters related to the love of this nation. Uttering the word of justice and truth and preventing a historical mistake has become a duty for everybody who believes in Him. We have to tell the truth about things that would leave a deep mark in the hearts of the people. Because, "Truth is to be held in high esteem." And we hope that you, who carry the heavy burden of being a ruler, want to hear the criticisms and suggestions of your brothers.

At home and abroad, Erdogan shoots himself in the foot

Mahir Zeylanov

“I voted for [Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party] but I feel ashamed for their move,” Nazlı Ilıcak, a columnist with pro-government daily Sabah and long supporter of the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, recently said, referring to a government intention to inspect mixed-gender student housing.

Prep school row not prepping Turkey for better future

Emre Deliveli

I chose not to write about the row between Islamic cleric Fethullah Gülen’s movement and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the latter’s desire to shut down prep schools for university entrance exams, one quarter of which are close to the Gülen movement.