Historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı drew attention to the issues in Turkey’s democracy, justice, and education system amid the process of İmamoğlu’s dismissal. Ortaylı stated, “We all need justice and democracy. They are indispensable for Turkey,” and made striking evaluations on topics ranging from the politicization of diplomas and judicial processes to media silence and the collapse of universities.
İlber Ortaylı’s Call for Democracy and Justice
Historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı highlighted one of the most intense political tensions Turkey has faced in recent years, emphasizing that the removal and arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is not merely a legal issue but also a turning point for the future of democracy, media silence, meritocracy, and the hopes of younger generations.
İlber Ortaylı: Those Elected Should Leave Through Elections
In a statement on his social media account, Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı underlined Turkey’s democratic tradition and expressed concerns about the future of young people. Ortaylı stated, “Forty-five years ago, all political figures imprisoned during the coup era later returned to power—Demirel, Ecevit, Baykal… Our people have never forgotten when the ballot box and elected officials were not respected; at the first opportunity, they responded at the polls.” With these words, he stressed the importance of democratic processes in Turkey.
Ortaylı further remarked, “Years go by, but the methods remain the same. We are witnessing historic days once again.”Emphasizing the significance of the votes cast by the people, he added, “The public closely follows the votes they cast and the leaders they elect, delivering a clear message: Those who come through elections should leave through elections.”
Ortaylı continued his observations on the current social and political situation in Turkey, stating: “Today, society is tense, young people are uneasy, and they are worried about the future. The increasing political polarization and atmosphere of uncertainty are making the question ‘What will happen to me?’ more dominant in the minds of the youth.”
İlber Ortaylı: “What Will Happen to These Children’s Efforts and Rights?”
Ortaylı pointed out that political life in the country has become confined to certain regions, stating: “Regionalism, although it may seem legally acceptable, is based on extreme local partisan tendencies and strong nepotism, which are unacceptable.”
Expressing his concerns about the future of young people, he asked: “What about the youth in other cities who have studied for years, learned foreign languages, and worked hard to develop themselves? What will happen to their efforts, hopes, and rights?”
In the final part of his statement, Ortaylı offered solutions, emphasizing: “The future of young people must be secured; the bureaucracy and justice system must regain public trust. We should not wait for major crises to take action. The necessary regulations and reforms must be implemented immediately.”
Highlighting that this is not just a political party issue, Ortaylı concluded: “This is not about a particular political party, government, or opposition; it is a national issue. It concerns the future of our children and youth. And this is a collective responsibility for all of us.”
İlber Ortaylı: “What You Think You Have Destroyed Today May Rise to Power Tomorrow”
In an interview on Kafa TV’s program “Cahille Sohbeti Kestim” with Candaş Tolga Işık, Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı opened his remarks with a stark warning: “What you think you have destroyed today may rise to power tomorrow.” He then delivered striking insights on issues such as the politicization of diplomas, judicial transparency, the collapse of universities, the ambitions of politicians, media silence, and young people’s historical awareness.
“This Cannot Be Solved with Grandmotherly Advice”
Starting with historical examples from Turkey, Ortaylı noted that politicians imprisoned during political turmoil often return to power. “In times of chaos, those who go to prison often come back to lead,” he said, citing similar examples from European history. Criticizing passive attitudes, he added: “Telling people to stay at home and be quiet, like some grandmotherly advice, doesn’t work. You have to speak up. This is a matter of sovereignty.”
Supporting CHP Chairman Özgür Özel’s criticism of the secret witness testimonies in İmamoğlu’s trial, Ortaylı stated: “A trial cannot be based 90% on secret witnesses,” stressing the importance of judicial transparency. He also criticized the media for ignoring the massive protests in Saraçhane, calling Özel’s condemnation of this silence “commendable”and adding, “No one should be ashamed of this.”
“Only Istanbul’s Voters Can Save Istanbul”
Addressing his audience directly, Ortaylı said: “I tell my supporters: he says he won’t take away your property. In the end, only Istanbul’s voters can save Istanbul. Whatever they decide at the ballot box will prevail. It’s that simple.”
Reiterating the need for democracy and justice, he stated: “We all need justice and democracy. In Turkey, they are indispensable. But we truly need justice and democracy.”
İlber Ortaylı: “The Issue of Diplomas Is Overblown in Turkey”
Discussing the controversy surrounding İmamoğlu’s diploma at length, Ortaylı criticized Turkey’s contradictory approach to academic credentials: “Few societies cling to diplomas as much as the Turkish people do, yet take them so lightly at the same time.” He pointed out that in the West, there are many highly successful professors without doctoral titles, saying: “No one was ever bothered by their lack of a doctorate,” emphasizing that the real issue is merit.
“Universities Have Deteriorated, Diplomas Have Lost Their Value”
Explaining the decline of the university system in Turkey, Ortaylı particularly criticized the lack of oversight in private universities. “When private universities fail, they dump their students onto the state. How is that acceptable?” he questioned, highlighting the irresponsible use of public resources. “There are countless law schools now. The number of medical faculties is also skyrocketing. These institutions have gone beyond their original mission as foundations.”
Criticizing the loopholes in the education system, he stated: “In our political history, no one’s diploma has been left untouched. Turkish diplomas are losing their credibility internationally.” He also pointed out that “university life has been heavily influenced by bureaucratic decisions rather than academic merit, making the situation highly complicated.”
İlber Ortaylı: “The State Must Give Young People a Clear Answer”
Addressing concerns over the annulment of diplomas and its impact on both professors and students, Ortaylı criticized the government’s silence, stating:
“Naturally, students are panicking, thinking, ‘What about the courses I took, the credits I earned, the signatures I collected—am I doomed?’ The Ministry of Justice should step in and assure them: ‘These students will not be harmed.’ Why aren’t they doing this? I don’t understand.”
İlber Ortaylı: “The Media Must Be Neutral”
Touching on the role of the media, Ortaylı warned: “Censorship and self-censorship prevent society from accessing the truth. The media’s duty is to reflect reality because the public has the right to information.”
“Political Operations Backfire”
Ortaylı argued that political crackdowns often have unintended consequences, saying: “The person you think you have eliminated today may come back tomorrow to take power. This is inevitable.” He pointed out that imprisonment often boosts political careers, adding: “For many leaders, going to prison has now become part of their political trajectory.”
“In Turkish history, those who stood at the forefront of student movements often rose to prominent positions later. Another recurring theme is that imprisonment has become a career milestone for leaders. Those who come out of prison emerge in a completely different position.”
İlber Ortaylı: “This Is Turkey—There Is No Other Turkey”
Regarding the speculation about placing a trustee (kayyum) in charge of CHP, Ortaylı issued a stern warning: “Appointing a trustee to CHP would be a very dangerous and unpleasant move. I sincerely hope they do not do this.”
Emphasizing Turkey’s geopolitical and cultural balance, he warned against internal polarization:
“This is Turkey, and there is no other Turkey. More importantly, Turks have nowhere else to go. No one can accommodate us. We are too large in numbers. We excel in competition, and that’s precisely why we are not wanted.”
Concluding his remarks, Ortaylı stressed that societal peace is the most fundamental demand: “The only thing this nation wants and deserves is peace. Please ensure that.”
