Turkish Historical Society head resigns after calling for reintegrating regretful coup plotters into society

Duvar English

The head of the Turkish Historical Society (TTK), Prof. Ahmet Yaramış, has resigned from his post following backlash over his remarks on reintegrating regretful coup plotters into society.

Yaramış in a panel on July 14 said that those involved in the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt, widely believed to have been orchestrated by U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, should be included in the society if they are regretful.

"We need to protect them, reintegrate them into the society and win them over," Yaramış said.

Following backlash, Yaramış said that he could resign if President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wants him to.

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"I respect all the decisions of Mr. President. I was appointed by Mr. President's will and I won't be sad if he decides to remove me. I'll do what's necessary and resign," Yaramış said.

"However, I think it would be disrespectful if I resign on my own will," he added.

Shortly after his statements, Yaramış resigned on July 22 and was replaced with Prof. Birol Çetin on July 23.

Türk Tarih Kurumu Başkanlığına 664 sayılı Kanun Hükmünde Kararnamenin 24'üncü maddesi ile 3 sayılı Cumhurbaşkanlığı Kararnamesinin 2 ve 3'üncü maddeleri gereğince Prof. Dr. Birol ÇETİN atanmıştır. pic.twitter.com/g9RxVpkPsl

— Türk Tarih Kurumu (@ttkgovtr) July 23, 2020