Reaction to toy weapons at Arabic Language Day event in Konya: Statement from Minister Tekin

The use of toy weapons by students participating in a theatrical performance held as part of the December 18 World Arabic Language Day events at the Konya Tahir Büyükkörükçü Anatolian Imam Hatip High School had become a topic of discussion and sparked criticism.

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin was asked about this theatrical performance and the resulting reactions today. In his statement, Minister Tekin said the following:

"Now, look here friends, there are 65 thousand institutions, schools, affiliated with us. In each of these 65 thousand schools, we may encounter incidents every day that disturb us.

It is not right to attribute a problem we encounter in one school to all 65 thousand schools and all my teachers.

As soon as such news reaches us, we initiate the necessary investigation through our provincial directorates.

In cases where an investigation reveals the need for a formal inquiry, we immediately open one. We impose the necessary penalties on those who deserve to be punished.

An investigation process has also been initiated here by our provincial directorate.

If it needs to turn into an inspection, our ministry inspectors will go and do what is necessary."