Turkish President Erdogan has condemned military graduates who took a pro-secular oath, vowing to purge those responsible from the military. The incident occurred during a graduation ceremony at the Turkish Military Academy, where some graduates chanted in support of secularism, contrary to Erdogan’s religious agenda. The president described the individuals involved as “opportunists” and assured an investigation to remove them from the military.
Erdogan’s government has shifted towards religious conservatism, deviating from the secular principles of Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The military, historically a defender of secularism, has faced challenges from Erdogan’s regime, including a failed coup attempt in 2016 resulting in widespread purges in various institutions.
The controversial incident at the graduation ceremony sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing the graduates and others viewing it as a stance for secularism. Following the uproar, an investigation was initiated by the Ministry of National Defense.
Despite the turmoil, this year’s graduation marked a significant milestone with women leading the graduating classes in all three branches of the military — army, navy, and air force — for the first time in Turkish history.
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