MHP's Büyükataman clarifies the '9 regions' phrase on their posters: 'Vileness, treachery, mental illness'

As the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) takes to the field as part of its "National Unity and Solidarity Meetings for a Terror-Free Turkey," the "9 regions" phrase on its posters has become a topic of debate on social media. MHP Secretary General İsmet Büyükataman stated regarding the issue, "Targeting the Nationalist Movement Party over the number nine, which refers to Turkism and our national doctrine, is an immoral smear campaign."

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has begun organizing meetings across all 81 provinces as part of the "Terror-Free Turkey" process initiated by Chairman Devlet Bahçeli.

While the campaign, conducted under the theme "Centennial Unity, Eternal Brotherhood," was reflected on the streets of Ankara, the emphasis on "9 regions" on the posters drew attention. This definition, despite Turkey having seven geographical regions, brought a new debate to the public agenda.

The MHP posters seen on the streets of Ankara included the phrases "9 regions in 81 provinces, National Unity and Solidarity Meetings for a Terror-Free Turkey." The posters, published with MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's photograph and the party logo, quickly became a topic of discussion on social media platforms.

MHP Secretary General İsmet Büyükataman responded to the "9 regions, 81 provinces" posters via social media.

MHP's Büyükataman's statement included the following expressions:

"In Turkish mythology, some numbers carry sacred characteristics. The number nine is one of them.

According to the Altai Creation Epic, God created a human under each branch by growing a 'nine-branched' tree from the ground. Among the Altai Turks, shamans have the symbol of nine arrows and a bow on their shoulders.

The drums and tughs (horsehair standards), which are symbols of sovereignty for Turkish Khans, are nine in number.

It is also possible to encounter the number 'nine' in many places in the Ergenekon and Manas epics.

On the other hand, the number nine also holds an important place for the Nationalist Movement Party.

Our founding Chairman, our Başbuğ (Chief) Alparslan Türkeş, revealed our national doctrine, the 9 Lights, which set forth our main principles.

Our leader, Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, protects our principles on the path illuminated by the 9 Lights and fights with all his might to keep our national values alive.

As can be seen in the past, our party has held many indoor meetings and outdoor rallies as '9 regions.' Finally, our regional meetings with the theme of 'Centennial Unity and Eternal Brotherhood' will also be held as nine regions.

What has been written and drawn about our meetings for a few days by trolls ignorant of Turkish history and sold-out columnists is a complete mental blackout.

Targeting the Nationalist Movement Party over the number nine, which refers to Turkism and our national doctrine, is an immoral smear campaign.

The claims of social media scribblers who are apparatuses of imperialism are a kind of mental illness. Ignorance and treachery drip from the pens of these vile people.

The Nationalist Movement Party is a political movement that has shielded its body for the Republic of Turkey to live forever.

The State of the Republic of Turkey is an indivisible whole. As long as the Nationalist Movement Party exists, no dark ambition will be able to see the division of Turkey even in its dreams."