Tensions escalate in the Süleymancı investigation: AKP shaken to its core

Bülent Arınç made statements on his social media account regarding the ongoing investigation into the group publicly known as the "Süleymancıs." Expressing that he found the statements by the Ministers of Justice and Interior—that the file is directed at individuals rather than the sect or community itself—to be reassuring, Arınç noted that the confidentiality of the investigation and the presumption of innocence must be respected.

Arınç stated that he has encountered the Süleymanlıs in various settings for many years, adding that some individuals are being "executed" on social media, that the process is being handled carelessly, and that their names must be prevented from being unfairly tarnished. He remarked, "They were truly people who served the Quran. There are so many clean and perfect people whose names are mentioned in this investigation that I find it problematic for them to even have their names involved in any way."

HE DREW ATTENTION TO THE "PROPERTY DISPUTE" CLAIM

In his post, Arınç argued that the distance between the community and the AK Party stems from a rift between a brother who joined the AK Party and another brother. Arguing that this situation turned into a "property" dispute between cousins over time, Arınç said that they are not taking sides in this matter and that the judicial process should be allowed to operate independently. Arınç called for the judiciary and law enforcement to adhere to the principle of confidentiality, stating, "Let them do what the law requires, and we will all welcome the result with applause."

Furthermore, noting that he is frequently asked the question, "Would this have happened to them if this community had supported the AK Party?" Arınç emphasized that his own answer is that no discrimination is being practiced.

"ARINÇ IS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF HISTORY"

Bülent Arınç's statements drew a sharp reaction from Fatih Süleyman Denizolgun, the grandson of the Süleymancı community's founder, Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan, and a former Istanbul MP. In a social media post, Denizolgun characterized Arınç's remarks as "distortion" and "disinformation," stating that the former Parliament Speaker is on the "wrong side of history."

Noting that their struggle is about principles and the future of the community rather than property, Denizolgun said, "Our struggle is to take our place on the right side of history and leave a mark on history." He also hinted that he might share the information and documents in his possession with the public in the future.

While emphasizing that the dispute between them is not a property fight, Denizolgun explained that in 2019, they visited some properties in Kısıklı, Istanbul, by court order on the grounds that they held majority shares. He recounted that during this process, a rent payment of approximately 100 thousand dollars was deposited into his father's account without their request, but the money was returned and the situation was reported to the court.

The former MP also alleged that when the opposing side tried the "way of buying with money" and failed to get results, they distributed bribes in bureaucracy, the judiciary, and politics to influence the courts. However, Denizolgun stated that there is no document or court decision available regarding this allegation.

"OCTOPUS SYSTEM" AND REFERENCE TO ERDOĞAN

Denizolgun also made a reference to the "octopus system" discourse mentioned by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the AKP Group Meeting on May 14, 2025. Recalling Erdoğan's mention of powerful factions associated with the mafia, Denizolgun claimed that the segment he defines as the "community wing" is the group being criticized.

Finally, alleging that Arınç supports the upper management of the Süleymancıs, Denizolgun asked, "Or do you also have a connection to this octopus system?"

News Source: 12punto