Over the past 12 years, Erdoğan-led governments have been steadily moving towards the Islamization of the Turkish Republic. From the beginning Erdoğan, then as Prime Minister, openly declared “Our purpose is to nurture a religious and VINDICTIVE youth.” Topics in Islamic Studies and the life of the Prophet Mohammed were added to the standard middle school curriculum. Meanwhile, hundreds of new “İmam-Hatip” (or religious education centers) were established, while hundreds of academic middle schools were being systematically transformed into İmam-Hatip Schools, This frequently left little choice for students already enrolled to select their career paths. Having recently assumed the Presidency, Erdoğan has begun to accelerate the of his Islamization process.
THE ATATÜRK SOCIETY OF AMERICA STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT’S RECENT DECISION TO LIFT THE BAN ON GIRLS’ WEARING HEADSCARVES IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS!
The Government’s decision, which is an attack on secular education, is also a violation of the Turkish Constitution. It makes a charade of the Oath of Office that all Cabinet Ministers and Members of the Parliament are required to take before commencing their duties. This oath reads:
“Before the great Turkish Nation I hereby swear on my honor and reputation:
That I will protect the independence of the Turkish State, the indivisible unity of the Homeland and the Nation, and the unconditional sovereignty of the people. I will stand by the supremacy of law, the democratic and secular republic, and the principles and reforms of Atatürk. I will never refrain from my loyalty to the Constitution and the ideals that allow every citizen to enjoy basic liberties and human rights within the realm of justice, national solidarity, and peace and prosperity.”
The Turkish Government’s recent attack on secular education and its decision to undermine the Constitution and the Oath of Office has to be brought before the Constitutional Court of Turkey (AYM) and repealed before any such changes can be implemented!
The Board of Directors of the Ataturk Society of America