AKP mayor puts his own photo instead of Atatürk on April 23 posters

Billboard posters prepared by the AKP-run Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality in the Derince district for the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day have sparked controversy. The absence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who gifted the holiday to children, on the posters became the focus of criticism.

In the posters prepared by the municipality with the message "Happy April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day," images of Tahir Büyükakın were used instead of a photo of Atatürk. While the images, which spread quickly on social media, were criticized by numerous users, comments were made stating that it was "contrary to the spirit of April 23."

Following the reactions, the CHP Derince Youth Branch took action. According to the report by Sözcü, Derince Youth Branch President Caner Boztepe hung new posters featuring images of Atatürk at the locations where the posters without Atatürk were displayed.

"APRIL 23 CANNOT BE WITHOUT ATATÜRK"

Making a brief statement after the action, Boztepe drew attention to the historical significance of April 23 and stated, "This holiday is Atatürk's gift to children. It cannot be celebrated without him."

While discussions regarding the incident continue, no official statement has been made by the municipality on the matter.

News Source: 12punto