Ramadan (File Image)
The Turkish news that has sent shockwaves is that, following the accusation of having hindered staff from exercising their "freedom of belief, thought, and expression" during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Koksal was removed from office and subsequently detained by the authorities.
Reports say the first drama was caused by an internal email written by Koksal, which was leaked onto social media and attracted the interest of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate. It turned into widespread condemnation after much of the contents of the email became public.
The controversy began with Ergun Guler, who is the CEO of Vestel Elektronik, a subsidiary of Zorlu Holding, writing an internal email to staff members congratulating them on the start of Ramadan. Koksal then responded internally that, in his view, the holy period was "not on the company's list of celebratory days."
He went on to say, "Only religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha should be celebrated. It is not us who should officially celebrate other religious holidays."
Perhaps the most alarming part of Koksal's email was its tone, which was taken by many to signify a secular sentiment in Turkey. Notably, the use of the word "Ramadan" is shunned by some secular parts of society, referring to Eid festivities a "sugar festival" instead.
As the leaking of the email triggered such a huge public backlash, calls for a follow-up boycott against Zorlu Holding brands grew stronger. In response to the backlash, Koksal's resignation from office was announced on March 1. Zorlu Holding, in a formal statement, even spoke of the sensitivity of the issue, ascribing it to "an internal debate on management guidelines." The company went on to say, "As Zorlu Group, we sincerely apologize to all stakeholders and the public for this accident."
The scandal became public when Turkish authorities became involved. The Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor in Istanbul initiated a formal investigation into the issue. According to the office of the prosecutor, "Our office has initiated an investigation of this event where Cem Koksal, Zorlu Holding's CEO, allegedly ordered workers not to fast during Ramadan. The order that arose on a number of social and visual media tools is investigated on the accusation of 'hindering freedom of belief, thought and conscience'."
Koksal remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
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