İlber Ortaylı reacts to Hamdi Ulukaya's use of 'Türkiyeli': 'What on earth does Türkiyeli mean?'

Historian and author Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı has reacted to the term 'Türkiyeli', which recently came to the fore following remarks by Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder of the company Chobani.

Speaking to SÖZCÜ TV, Ortaylı made the following comments:

“'Türkiyeli' is not a correct term. In France, there are Normans, there are Basques. They don't say 'isn't your mother or father French?' France is a complex country. They are like that today as well. When you say French here, everyone is understood. There are many immigrants there. Europe has become mixed. It is the same here. There is no such term as 'Türkiyeli'. What on earth does 'Türkiyeli' mean? Is it like being from Muğla or Antep? Can you translate it? How can such an absurd word exist?”

'WHY SHOULD I BE A 'TÜRKIYELI', I AM A TURK'

“Whoever wants to prove their own identity is welcome to say so. Why should I be a 'Türkiyeli'? Moreover, I am not a 'Türkiyeli'; only my father is buried here, but I am a Turk, this is a very clear thing. Many people like this are Turks. What do you want to mean, what is your goal?”

'DO NOT OVERSTEP THE MARK'

“I have great respect for the man. He went from simple farming and became wealthy in a country like America. He established a new yogurt, milk, and food industry. I take my hat off to him, but now he comes and says 'Türkiyeliler'. It is very shameful. He introduced the yogurt he made as Greek Yogurt to the people. While he couldn't even decide on the type of yogurt, he is deciding on the type of people and calling them 'Türkiyeli'. It is impossible for us to make concessions on such things. This is something contrary to this intellectual structure and logic. I request, you did a very good job, and your work is very good, but do not overstep the mark.”

'ARABS IN TURKEY KEEP THEMSELVES SEPARATE'

“Arabs do not live in Turkey. There may be Arab lineages. Those living in Turkey are Arameans. They are a people who became Arabized over time with the spread of Islam. Just like in Syria. The Arabs in Turkey also keep themselves separate from the large masses in the south.”

WHAT HAPPENED?

The signing ceremony for the sponsorship agreement between Fenerbahçe and Chobani was held at the Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex 1907 Tribune, with the participation of Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç and Ulukaya.

Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya, who drew the reaction of fans with his 2015 statement, “Kurds have been subjected to human rights violations in Turkey. Their villages were bombed and evacuated,” said, “Dear President (Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç), esteemed board members, precious Fenerbahçe family, all 'Türkiyeliler' and our people; while leaving home this morning, I took a photo with my wife. We said, 'There cannot be a better day than today.' It is a great pride and honor for me to be with you.”

Ulukaya's use of the term “Türkiyeli” instead of “Türk” drew reactions.

News Source : 12punto