'Mustafa Kemal was called degenerate!' Statement from the Osmanoğlu family

Refia Roksan Kunter Özkan, a 4th-generation granddaughter of Sultan Abdulhamid II, and other family members have issued a statement regarding footage from a wedding held on February 17 that contained disrespect toward Atatürk.

The remarks made by former Welfare Party member Şevki Yılmaz at an Osmanoğlu family wedding, where he stated, "I curse the degenerates who exiled the Ottomans," had drawn significant backlash.

The statement included the following remarks:

"Various images recorded at a wedding ceremony held on 17.02.2024, belonging to some guests at the wedding, which we in no way approve of, have justifiably caused various debates and reactions in the public eye.

Unfortunately, the behavior and expressions in these images are being perceived as if they were the views of us, the grandchildren of Ayşe Sultan, daughter of Sultan Abdulhamid II, and members of the Osmanoğlu family.

We clearly and unequivocally state that we do not accept any views, comments, or statements that exceed the boundaries of respect toward Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, and that we, as family members, do not endorse these statements.

On the contrary, we are individuals who are wholeheartedly committed to the founders, laws, and institutions of the Republic of Turkey, who are proud to be citizens of modern Turkey, who express this in every environment and platform we are in around the world, and who have adopted the principle of elevating our national culture above the level of contemporary civilization.

We hereby announce this to the esteemed public with respect.

Members of the Osmanoğlu Family;

Mediha Nami Osmanoğlu Martinez Hernandez

Fethiye Nami Osmanoğlu Bory

Adile Nami Osmanoğlu Tars

Gülnur Nami Osmanoğlu Ragot

Ayten Nami Osmanoğlu Kunter

Roksan Kunter Özkan"

As a 4th-generation granddaughter of Sultan Abdulhamid II, this is our announcement to the public, together with my mother and aunts… pic.twitter.com/51AgG4qrH0

— roksan kunter özkan (@RoksanKunter) February 22, 2024

News Source: 12punto