Retired Colonel Orkun Özeller's 'beret' reaction to AKP's Çelebi: Would you be offended if I called you a clown?

Retired Colonel Orkun Özeller, who spent 17 of his 28-year military career as a maroon beret in the special forces, shared a post filled with reaction on his social media account.

AKP İzmir MP Mehmet Ali Çelebi, who joined the AKP some time after resigning from the CHP, has begun a 'persuasion' tour as part of the new process called "Turkey without Terrorism." During this tour, Çelebi met with families of martyrs and veterans at the AKP Karabağlar District Headquarters, where he drew criticism for wearing a commando beret on his head during his speech.

In the messages of reaction, which referred to the meaning and importance of the beret, AKP's Çelebi was criticized for attempting to turn it into a political prop. One of these criticisms came from retired colonel Orkun Özeller.

Sharing the footage of Çelebi's speech on his social media account, Özeller expressed his reaction with the following words:

Would you be offended if I called you a clown? @celebimehmeta

You wouldn't know, but the beret is sacred to commandos and is more valuable to us than political leaders. Do not attempt to make a mockery of our sacred symbol just to look cute to your political leaders; we consider it an insult. My advice to you is to stay away from such things that cause hatred and anger toward you among us.

Just as you wear a beret you do not deserve, you are in a position you do not deserve. I know you will not care about my words.

Nothing you have said or done to date has bothered me this much, and I have never had to have my ears ringing this much. I am in great pain...

I am trying to explain what kind of disrespect you have committed; I don't know if you will understand.

Dear @tcsavunma and @TSKGnkur, I specifically request that you issue the necessary warning regarding this matter.

Note: I will also send this message to your mobile phone so you don't miss it without reading.

Would you be offended if I called you a clown? @celebimehmeta
You wouldn't know, but the beret is sacred to commandos and is more valuable to us than political leaders. Do not attempt to make a mockery of our sacred symbol just to look cute to your political leaders; we consider it an insult. My advice to you is to stay away from such things that cause hatred and anger toward you among us. https://t.co/sivOe72kEt

— Orkun Özeller (@OrkunOzeller) August 23, 2025

News Source: 12punto