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Teacher targeted after reacting to Ramadan drummer entering classroom during lesson

Serkan Bebek, a teacher in Bursa, drew attention with a social media post stating, "I did not let the Ramadan drummer into my classroom." Bebek, who described the incident as an act that stole time from his students' education, has since been targeted.

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Serkan Bebek, who began his post by reminding that the 'Ramadan Circular' is not an imposition, shared his reaction on social media to a Ramadan drummer who suddenly burst into his classroom while he was teaching.

In his statement, Bebek expressed the following:

"I DID NOT ADMIT RAMADAN DRUMMERS INTO MY CLASSROOM!

Due to the fact that our Minister of National Education, Mr. Yusuf Tekin, stated that this is not an imposition but is based entirely on a voluntary basis, and that this matter is clearly stated in the circular sent to schools; no written request was received from parents indicating that they were willing and eager for this activity to take place in the classroom. For this reason, I did not admit the Ramadan drummers who wanted to come to our classroom today.

My class has changed five teachers in the last four years. When I started, the class teacher was a contracted teacher, and the students were lagging behind in many subjects according to the annual plan. For this reason, instead of the Ramadan drum activity, we held our lesson and learned new topics.

I will continue to both comply with our union's strike decision and maintain my stance against the imposition of such activities that are based on a voluntary basis.

Those who want to see a drummer can look out the window at sahur time. A drum is not something new for children; however, there is much they need to learn in terms of education.

It is also impossible for anyone from any association, foundation-looking sect, or community to come to my classroom, take me out of the lesson, and explain something to the children. I have never allowed such things until now, and I will continue not to allow them.

I am also making this call to my fellow teachers. Please know your rights and research them. Do not let anyone into your classroom who does not have pedagogical training, is unaware of children's developmental stages, and has not received a diploma in this field. I do not let them in.

Remember, the principle of VOLUNTARINESS is important.

Töbsen General Education Secretary Serkan Bebek"

Teacher Serkan Bebek made the following statements regarding misunderstandings following his social media post:

However, I need to correct two misunderstandings that I have been following on social media:

1) The drummer who came to the classroom was not an adult or a member of any sect/community. The students were dressed in costumes and were visiting classrooms accompanied by a teacher, saying things inside the classroom. I did not allow them to enter the classroom. When I made the post, I used a photo of a student dressed in a costume as a representation. Furthermore, they did not enter the classroom "unannounced"; I did not permit their entry.

2) The following statement in the continuation of my article regarding the drum issue:

“It is impossible for any member of an association or foundation-looking sect or community to come to my classroom, take me out of the lesson, and explain something to the children.”

has been taken out of context and pulled in different directions. I wrote this sentence as a criticism of the practice of removing teachers from classrooms within the scope of ÇEDES and similar projects. It is not a statement directly related to the drum activity.

 

 

Stating that he was targeted over his post, Serkan Bebek made a second post and reacted to the situation with these words:

"I am being attempted to be discredited in the public eye by Yeni Şafak and some circles with a similar mentality, using baseless and targeting expressions such as 'enemy of Islam,' 'Alevi,' and 'Assadist.' These discourses neither reflect the truth nor are they legitimate.

We are not afraid of anyone. I have not committed a crime. As a union official, a teacher, and an honorable citizen of this country; I have acted within the framework drawn by the Constitution and the Basic Law of National Education, and I will continue to do so.

We have no problem with any people's faith, values, sect, or identity. On the contrary; we want an equal, free, and safe future for everyone. What we defend is very clear and explicit: Public, scientific, and secular education.

Whatever the conditions, we will continue to defend public, scientific, and secular education without bowing to pressure, defamation, and targeting. This struggle is not only ours, but a common struggle given for the future of our children.

I am proud of what I have done.

I WILL NOT TAKE A STEP BACK!"