Turkish university investigates academic over 'infidel country' remarks about Rize

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University has initiated an investigation into Professor Yavuz Köktaş of its Theology Faculty due to controversial social media posts. The university confirmed the probe after Köktaş's remarks about the city of Rize gained public attention.

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After the streets of Rize, the conviction that this is not an Islamic country, but an infidel country, is reinforced in me. America is what Turkey is.

In his posts on the X platform, formerly Twitter, Köktaş stated, "After the streets of Rize, the conviction that this is not an Islamic country, but an infidel country, is reinforced in me. America is what Turkey is." These statements sparked significant public reaction.

The university issued a statement clarifying that Köktaş's comments reflect his personal opinions and do not represent the institution's official stance. "Our university considers social unity and togetherness, mutual respect, and an inclusive approach to differences among its core values, and stands against all divisive and othering discourse," the statement read.

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Our university considers social unity and togetherness, mutual respect, and an inclusive approach to differences among its core values, and stands against all divisive and othering discourse.

Following the backlash, Köktaş issued a new statement attempting to clarify his remarks. He argued that his intention was not to single out Rize and that the potentially misunderstood word was used in a context of superficiality, which he claimed exists throughout Turkey. However, his explanation did not quell the controversy surrounding his initial comments.

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My intention was not to single out Rize, and the content of the word, which is prone to misunderstanding, in its nakedness exists in every part of Turkey.