Warning on 'Mafia Series' from Lawyer Hüseyin Özbek: 'Feudal culture is poisoning the youth'

The fact that a significant portion of long-running, high-rated television productions consists of mafia-themed series has become the subject of harsh criticism from legal expert Hüseyin Özbek. Özbek stated that these productions reproduce feudal values in society and create a negative cultural impact, especially on younger generations. Drawing attention to the cycle of violence and the loss of 17-year-old Atlas Çağlayan, who lost his life following a knife attack by 15-year-old E.Ç. in Güngören, Özbek noted that these series present feudal family structures, tribal solidarity, and patriarchal order as an ideal lifestyle model. 'In these productions, the immunity of mafia-like structures, the impunity of crimes committed, and the portrayal of the law as dysfunctional have become the core narrative,' he said.

Stating that such content prioritizes affiliation over the individual, Özbek pointed out that citizens without feudal ties are portrayed as 'unprotected,' while those with tribal or mafia connections are depicted as having a 'protected' profile.

'CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO BECOME THE MAN WHO IS FEARED'

Arguing that children and young people, who represent the future of society, are encouraged to rise through power and violence rather than through education and hard work, Özbek assessed, 'From primary school age, children are conditioned to become the man who is feared instead of becoming a person of substance through education.'

Özbek emphasized that this cultural climate causes serious damage in terms of democracy, law, and moral values.

WARNING ON FEODAL PRESSURE IN METROPOLISES

Hüseyin Özbek stated that the gaining of power by certain regional and tribal-based structures in metropolises is also a part of this process. Citing the example of Istanbul, Özbek expressed that while some communities integrate into urban culture, others view maintaining their own feudal ties in large cities as an advantage.

According to Özbek, this situation weakens the common sense of citizenship and isolates individuals who 'have no affiliation other than their Turkish identity.'

'THE MAFIA FILLS THE STATE'S VOID'

Noting that the root of the problem lies in the weakness within public authority and the judiciary, Özbek stated that the fact that citizens' expectations for security and justice are increasingly turning toward certain mafia leaders instead of the state presents an extremely dangerous picture.

Özbek warned, 'In every area where the rule of law retreats, feudal and mafia-like structures gain power. This is a heavy price for society to pay.'

News Source: 12punto