AKP made a statement after the opposition’s strong reaction to the calling for caliphate in the Gerçek Hayat journal. This journal is ruled by Albayrak Group close to ruling AKP.

AKP’s spokesperson Ömer Çelik reacted to controversy that began after calling for caliphate in pro-AKP Gerçek Hayat magazine’s July 27 issue. The publisher is Mustafa Albayrak and editor-in-chief is Kemal Özer. Çelik said that Republic of Turkey is a democratic, secular and social state and he stressed that “creating political polarization about Turkey’s political regime is wrong. Our republic means to the world to us with all its qualities.”

“OUR REPUBLIC MEANS WORLD TO US”

On the cover of Gerçek Hayat journal that owned by Yeni Şafak group, “If not now, when, if not you, who? "Gather for caliphate." At the same time, Hagia Sophia was reminded to open for worship on the cover. In his posts Çelik said: "Republic of Turkey is democratic, secular and social state. With these qualities, our Republic is the common ground for all of us. The political regime of our country has gone through great social and political experiences and is walking into the future. Republic of Turkey is not only strong and powerful state but also a state that will be there for those who have no one all around the world. Our responsibility is ethical and political. Instead of struggling political polarization without political basis, we should walk into the future with our common ideals. Republic of Turkey will stand forever. We are marching towards the goals called 'inaccessible' for our country and humanity with the prayer and support of our nation under the leadership of our President. Our republic will continue to shine. All members of our nation have a share in this future. We commemorate with mercy and respect to our first president and founder of our state Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who was commander-in-chief in Turkish War of Independence and also heroes of War of Liberation. We are getting stronger our determination which is continue from past to today as an uninterrupted chain." Translated by Hasan Berk Akkoç