TED Diyarbakır College organized an event for “September 26 Turkish Language Day.” Children aged between 7 and 13 took part in the event, carrying placards praising the Turkish language.
However, controversy arose when a child was made to read aloud the decree of Karamanoğlu Mehmetoğlu, which in his principality banned languages other than Turkish and imposed an obligation to speak Turkish.
The event drew criticism as the decree contained the words: “From this day forth, in the court, in the dervish lodge, in the assembly, and in the public square, no language other than Turkish shall be used.” Parents reacted against their children being included in such an event without their consent.
The school administration, which had shared the event on its social media accounts, removed the video after the backlash.
When contacted by phone regarding the issue, the school’s secretary said they would relay the matter to the authorities and get back, but no response was provided.