It finally happened! Salafi texts enter the classroom: Scandalous footage from Arnavutköy, Istanbul

A new allegation has been added to the ongoing debates over practices in the field of education. While criticisms regarding the inclusion of different content in schools within the framework of the Ministry of National Education's (MEB) "Century of Turkey Education Model" curriculum and the ÇEDES program are on the agenda, it has been alleged that an oath based on Salafi ideology was recited at a school in Istanbul.

ALLEGATION OF "MUVAHHIDDIN OATH" INSTEAD OF "STUDENT OATH"

According to a report by Cumhuriyet, a text called the "Muvahhiddin Oath" was recited to male students at the Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Imam-Hatip Middle School in Arnavutköy. It was alleged that the text in question is also recited at meetings of the "Tevhid and Sunnah Community," the group led by Halis Bayancuk, who is stated to have links to ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

While it was noted that the text includes the phrase "Our wish: To be among the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous," it was claimed that this text was used in place of the "Student Oath," which was previously recited in schools and contained the words "My ideal: To rise, to go forward."

It was also alleged that the footage was shared from social media accounts belonging to the Halis Bayancuk group.

RAMADAN CIRCULAR AND REACTIONS

While debates continue over the claim that religious officials and representatives of various sects are operating in schools within the scope of the MEB's new curriculum and ÇEDES practices, it was stated that the recently published "Ramadan Circular" has made this process visible.

Led by the Secularism Assembly and the Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD), unions and professional organizations including Eğitim-Sen, Eğitim-İş, KESK, DİSK, TMMOB, the Turkish Medical Association, the All Student Parents Solidarity Association, and Veli-Der reacted, arguing that the circular in question is unconstitutional.

It was stated that the government, in response to criticisms of the religiousization of education, has targeted the "We Defend Secularism" declaration and signature campaign organized under the leadership of the SOL Party.

ALLEGATION OF A COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN

According to the allegation, the Halis Bayancuk group, which viewed the school footage in question as an "exemplary case," launched a competition on social media for children aged 0-12. It was claimed that it was announced that 10 children who share footage of themselves reciting the "Muvahhiddin Oath" would be gifted a copy of the "Tevhid Meali" book signed by Halis Bayancuk.

"EBU HANZALA" CONNECTION

It is stated that the "Tevhid and Sunnah Community" is led by Halis Bayancuk, known by the name "Ebu Hanzala." It was noted that Bayancuk was previously tried on charges of being an ISIS executive and was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison for the crime of "establishing or managing an armed terrorist organization." It was stated that a release decision was made in the trial, which was conducted by merging three separate files.

It was reported that Bayancuk, who was stated to have been detained as part of the investigation into the armed attack on the Balçova Salih İşgören Police Station in İzmir last year, where three police officers were martyred, was released on the condition of judicial control and a travel ban.

News Source: 12punto