New statements from Minister Tekin on the 'Secularism Declaration': 'Their problem is with Islam'

Regarding the declaration titled "We Defend Secularism Together," signed by 168 people including journalists, writers, artists, and academics, Tekin said, "Their problem is entirely related to Islam, let me be clear; that is what they mean by reactionism here. We did not even enter into the 'secularism is slipping away' debate because their problem is not about wanting secularism either."

Criticizing the lawsuits filed against the ministry's projects on the grounds that "secularism is being damaged," Tekin stated, "Their problem is entirely related to Islam, let me be clear; that is what they mean by reactionism here. We did not even enter into the 'secularism is slipping away' debate because their problem is not about wanting secularism either."

Tekin stated that the government continues to take steps to strengthen national unity and solidarity, saying, "As a government, we continue on our path to take steps that will strengthen national unity and solidarity."

"THERE IS NO COERCION"

Speaking about the religious hymn videos reflected on social media in schools and Ramadan events, Tekin emphasized that the events are based on a voluntary basis. "Celal Bey's hymn certainly contributed to these events of ours becoming so popular because the children really took it as a trend. There is absolutely no coercion in these events; they are done entirely on a voluntary basis," he said.

Noting that they include traditional Turkish arts in elective courses, Tekin stated that they turn the last week of every term into a festival atmosphere where social, artistic, and sports activities are showcased.

"IN A COUNTRY WHERE 99 PERCENT ARE MUSLIM"

Minister Tekin stated that some circles describe the practices as "Talibanization," saying, "I say let's do things that will strengthen our national unity and solidarity, and they say 'if you do this, you will be Talibanizing society.' They took this text and cast suspicion on us, our administrators, and our teachers with insulting expressions that we never deserved."

Evaluating such approaches as "tragicomic," Tekin said, "In a country where 99 percent are Muslim, those who describe the lively children in schools and these enthusiastic events as a 'provocation by a reactionary minority' are the real reactionaries."

"OUR ALEVI BEKTASHI CITIZENS"

Stating that they take social sensitivities into account in curriculum studies, Tekin said, "We have evaluated everything together regarding the issues in our curriculum, especially in our textbooks, that disturb our Alevi Bektashi citizens."

Touching upon the education processes in Cemevis, Tekin noted that Alevi-Bektashi citizens have demands regarding the training of dedes and zakirs, and stated that they are working on a solution for this issue.