The 'historian-author' of AKP municipalities: CIMER says no diploma, Erkutlu responds

While discussions continue regarding Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose university diploma was canceled, it has been alleged that Nermin Taylan Erkutlu, who gives lectures in some AKP-run municipalities under the title of 'Historian-Author' regarding her work on Ottoman archives, does not hold a diploma.

It was observed that Erkutlu, who also participates in various talks organized in middle and high schools, wrote in her biography that she is a "graduate of Istanbul University, Department of Turkish Language and Literature."

According to a report by Veryansın TV, following applications made to CIMER regarding Erkutlu, Istanbul University announced that there is no such graduation record for Erkutlu.

In the response provided by the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Letters at the Istanbul University Rectorate, it was stated, "No diploma has been issued by our Faculty to the person named Nermin Taylan Erkutlu."

STATEMENT FROM ERKUTLU

Erkutlu made a statement on her social media account following the news that dominated the agenda.

Arguing that the CIMER response was due to a name change, Erkutlu stated, "I am a historian who holds a HISTORY degree from one of the most deep-rooted universities of the Republic of Turkey."

The full text of Erkutlu's statement is as follows:

"The headline 'Historian Without a Diploma' attributed to me by an internet newspaper is entirely a lie and slander, and I hereby declare that the necessary legal action will be taken. The news, which was based on a response they received due to a name change, is baseless.

I am a HISTORIAN who holds a HISTORY degree from one of the most deep-rooted universities of the Republic of Turkey. I importantly declare that those who made the news as well as those who commented on this false news will be held accountable through legal and judicial channels."