Uğur Dündar defends Hafize Gaye Erkan: 'Because of her love for her homeland...'

Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Governor Hafize Gaye Erkan had stated in an interview with Ahmet Hakan, editor-in-chief of the Hürriyet newspaper, known for its proximity to the government, that "We couldn't find a house in Istanbul. It's incredibly expensive. We moved in with my parents, we are staying with them."

These remarks by Hafize Gaye Erkan, who has a gross monthly salary of 161 thousand TL excluding additional monthly payments, sparked reactions.

Sözcü columnist Uğur Dündar defended Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB) Governor Hafize Gaye Erkan, who drew criticism for her statements. 

Making a statement via his social media account, Uğur Dündar used the following expressions;

"As I see what is being written and drawn about Central Bank Governor Gaye Erkan, I once again agree with Confucius, who said, 'He who thinks evil is evil.'

However, if they were to do a little research—as I have—they would see that she earned millions of dollars every year in the USA and received one million dollars in attendance fees just from board meetings.

They would learn that her mother and father go with her to the Central Bank every morning at 08:00 so that she can breastfeed her 14-month-old baby, and that they stay there until 02:00 at night.

They would know that during these commutes, the baby struggled with a high fever and diarrhea for 5 days as a reaction to a meningitis vaccine, but that the mother never neglected her duties during this process. They would understand that while many of our valuable people are racing to go abroad, Ms. Gaye came here because of her love for the homeland that raised her and to pay her debt.

They would realize that neither she nor her family has any accounts they cannot answer for.

And when they get to know her, they will see that they thought badly of her entirely out of prejudice, and—unless they have completely bid farewell to their humanity—they will feel sorry!..

And perhaps they will think, 'Why do we always destroy our values that are hard to raise instead of protecting them?'...

A note to those who will lynch me for writing these with courage: I have no connection whatsoever with Gaye Erkan and her family. I have never come together with members of the Erkan family. I penned these lines by listening to the voice of my conscience."

News Source: 12punto