Istanbul Bar Association statement on the caliphate: "Contrary to the secular legal order"

The Istanbul Bar Association issued a statement on its social media account. The statement, which drew attention to courthouses and the religious sect foundations with which the Ministry of National Education (MEB) cooperates, included the following expressions;

According to Article 2 of the Constitution, the Republic of Turkey is a democratic, secular, and social state governed by the rule of law.

According to Article 14/1 of the Constitution, none of the rights and freedoms set forth in the Constitution can be exercised in the form of activities aimed at destroying the democratic and secular Republic.

"THE CONSTITUTION IS IN EFFECT"

According to Article 24 of the Constitution, no one can exploit religion for the purpose of basing the fundamental social, economic, political, or legal order of the state, even partially, on religious rules, or for the purpose of gaining political or personal interest. The Constitution of the Republic of Turkey is in effect!

Furthermore, the caliphate was abolished by the Revolution Law No. 431 dated March 3, 1924.

The great leader Atatürk made statements regarding the abolition of the Caliphate in his Nutuk (Speech), and concluded by saying the following:

“Gentlemen, I must state clearly and precisely that those who still strive to occupy and deceive Muslims with a caliphate scarecrow are only and solely the enemies of Muslims and especially of Turkey. To be caught up in such a game and to dream is only and solely a product of ignorance and negligence.”

The Revolution Law No. 431 dated March 3, 1924, which is one of the most important achievements of our secular Republic, is also in effect!

"WE HAVE TAKEN LEGAL INITIATIVES"

Despite the fact that the Constitution and revolution laws are in effect, recent examples such as opening courthouses to religious education and training, the foundations and associations with which the Ministry of National Education cooperates being within the structure of religious sects, or sects operating under names such as foundations and associations are contrary to the secular legal order established in the Constitution. 

The Istanbul Bar Association is taking the necessary legal initiatives regarding these issues.

In our country, caliphate slogans have recently been chanted under the guise of marches in support of Palestine, banners and green flags have been unfurled, and no legal action has been taken regarding this matter. 

It is necessary to take action as soon as possible against those who provoke by calling for a caliphate in public squares and on social media.

Acting with the awareness that the first duty given to us by the great leader Atatürk is to protect and defend our national independence and our secular Republic, the Istanbul Bar Association will never give up its struggle to defend the secular Republic and the achievements of the Republic!