'Turkishness' debate in the AKP: Mehmet Metiner responds to Erhan Afyoncu

Former AKP deputy Mehmet Metiner, in an article penned for a newspaper close to the government, criticized the statements made by National Defense University Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu regarding the term "Türkiyeli."

Metiner argued that such statements by Afyoncu sabotage the "Terror-Free Turkey" process.

In his article, Metiner emphasized that no one should step outside the framework drawn by People's Alliance leaders Erdoğan and Bahçeli. Stating that "no one within the ranks of the People's Alliance has the right to step outside the framework drawn by the Erdoğan-Bahçeli leadership," Metiner characterized Afyoncu's remarks as a departure from this framework.

'AN UNFORGIVABLE ATTITUDE'

Metiner stated that the remarks Afyoncu made on CNN Türk undermined the process, saying, "Acting in concert with those who set traps for the process is an unforgivable attitude." Furthermore, he alleged that Afyoncu used a condescending tone and that this approach was contrary to the fundamental tenets of Islam.

WHAT HAPPENED?

National Defense University (MSÜ) Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu had stated during a live broadcast that he had pointed out where the "Türkiyeli" section does not exist in literature and history:

"There is no such concept as 'Türkiyeli.' Such a thing does not appear in our books. There is no such concept as 'Almanyalı' (from Germany), nor is there 'Fransalı' (from France). There is no need to invent new things."

"There can never be a concept such as 'Turkey nationalism.' Does a Frenchman say 'I am from France,' or a Japanese person say 'I am from Japan'?"

News Source: 12punto