'A team from Kurdistan has reached the Super Lig today' remarks drew backlash: Ahmet Türk defends himself

The expressions used during the celebrations held for Amedspor, which was promoted to the Super Lig, have brought a new controversy to politics. The words "A team from Kurdistan has reached the Super Lig today, I am hopeful," used by the removed DEM Party Mardin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Türk during the celebrations, caused a wide echo in public opinion.

Following the statement, harsh reactions came one after another from the Presidency and the People's Alliance front.

HARSH REACTION FROM OKTAY SARAL

Chief Advisor to the President Oktay Saral reacted to Ahmet Türk's words in a post on his social media account.

In his statement, Saral said, "There is no state called 'Kurdistan' on these lands, and there will not be. The name of this state is the Republic of Turkey. It is not anyone's place to pump separatist aspirations through football; you will know your limits and your place when you speak."

Mustafa Destici was also among those who reacted to Ahmet Türk's statements. Great Unity Party (BBP) Chairman Destici, quoting Ahmet Türk's words in a post on his social media account, stated, "What Kurdistan, damn it! This is the Republic of Turkey. If you don't like it, you can get out and leave..."

RESPONSE FROM AHMET TÜRK

Following the growing reactions, Ahmet Türk made statements during a broadcast on İlke TV.

Türk stated, "When we say Kurdistan, we do not mean only the Kurds; there are Assyrians, Armenians, and Arabs there. All of these are Kurdistani peoples."

Expressing that Amedspor is not just a team for a specific segment but for all of Turkey, Ahmet Türk said that the Kurdish songs and slogans in the stands should be evaluated as a reflection of a people's language and culture.

In his statement, Türk used the expression, "If you do not accept this, you can never achieve peace and brotherhood in this country."

"I DO NOT TAKE DESTİCİ SERIOUSLY"

During the program, BBP leader Mustafa Destici's statements were also asked to Ahmet Türk.

In his response to this question, Türk said, "I do not take Mustafa Destici seriously. He is not someone worth responding to."

News Source: 12punto