Home > Current Affairs News > Yusuf Dikeç clarifies photo taken with Furkan Bölükbaşı: 'My understanding of patriotism is measured by service to the nation'

Yusuf Dikeç clarifies photo taken with Furkan Bölükbaşı: 'My understanding of patriotism is measured by service to the nation'

National athlete Yusuf Dikeç, who left his mark on the Paris Olympics and gained worldwide fame, attended the October 29 reception held at the Presidential Complex. Dikeç received significant criticism for posing for a photo with AKP-affiliated social media troll Furkan Bölükbaşı. Dikeç has issued a statement regarding this image.

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At the reception he attended, Dikeç performed his signature pose with Furkan Bölükbaşı, an AKP-affiliated social media troll known for his anti-Atatürk remarks.

Following the sharing of the photo on social media, Yusuf Dikeç received very harsh criticism.

Responding to the criticism directed at him via his X account, Dikeç said the following regarding the criticized image:

"I took photos with many people at the Presidential reception I attended for the October 29 Republic Day. As you might guess, most of them were people I was meeting for the first time. As you know, I am someone who does not use social media much.

After my close friends called to inform me, I found that because of a photo taken with someone I did not know, my commitment to Atatürk and my patriotism were being questioned...

Yusuf Dikeç is an athlete who, despite being 51 years old, fights six days a week to win medals for his country and to wave our flag in international arenas. He is also a retired Turkish soldier.

"NOTHING CAN CHANGE MY UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE FOR ATATÜRK"

During competition periods, we put social media and phones aside to achieve good results. Therefore, I do not know the person in question. My understanding of patriotism is measured by service to the nation.

Because, as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said, the one who loves their country the most is the one who does their duty the best. Nothing can change my understanding of love for my country and for Atatürk.

Sincerely, Yusuf DIKEÇ"