Journalist Ağırel's reaction to the 'oath': Children are being made to recite oaths emphasizing 'martyrdom'

An investigation has been launched into the recitation of an oath belonging to the group of Halis Bayancuk, known by the nickname Ebu Hanzala and associated with ISIS, to students at the Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Imam-Hatip Middle School in Istanbul's Arnavutköy district.

The fact that the "Muvahhiddin Oath," a Salafi-leaning text recited at meetings of the "Tevhid and Sünnet Community," was being recited by children had drawn significant backlash.

The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education issued a statement regarding the recitation of an oath belonging to a group linked to the terrorist organization ISIS to children.

In the initial investigation into the matter, it was reported that the video in question was filmed with the knowledge of the school administration and shared on the school's social media account, and that the post was removed following public sensitivity.

JOURNALIST AĞIREL'S REACTION TO THE 'MUVAHHİDDİN OATH'

While the oath recited to the students was met with backlash from many segments of society, it was announced that an investigation had been launched into the footage. Journalist Murat Ağırel also reacted to the Ministry of National Education through a statement on his social media account and provided striking information.

Here is that statement from Ağırel:

"Halis Bayancuk, alias Ebu Hanzala, is a figure known for his Salafi rhetoric who argues that democracy is 'for the infidels.' He was most recently detained following the attack on the Balçova Police Station.

The oath that children are being made to recite in the videos reflected in the public eye is the oath of the Tevhid-Sünnet Community. The same oath was also recited collectively by members at the 2023 events of the magazine Tevhid, which functions almost as a press release for Ebu Hanzala.

The truth that must be underlined here is this:

These are children.

Children are being made to recite oaths emphasizing 'martyrdom,' and are being made to listen to hymns that romanticize death and sacrifice, such as 'let us die on your path.' Then we ask, 'How does ISIS and Al-Qaeda poison children and youth?' Yet the methods used are clear.

On one hand, gang, mafia, and drug culture are being encouraged in songs under the guise of 'we are making rap'; on the other hand, reactionary structures that instill ideological loyalty and a death-centered worldview in children under the name of religion are being turned a blind eye to.

The Minister of National Education, who should be speaking out against this situation, is instead supporting it!"