Şırnak University Rector's Response to Allegations: Cleared by Police and Denial of Nepotism

Following the publication of news and claims regarding nepotism and controversial social media posts, Professor Doctor Abdurrahim Alkış, Rector of Şırnak University, broke his silence. In an interview with the media, he strongly denied all allegations related to illegal hiring and extremist religious statements attributed to him [1].

Innocence Confirmed by Security Agencies and YÖK The Rector of Şırnak University announced that after the publication of posts on social media claiming he considered hiring relatives a "religious duty," he immediately filed a complaint with the Police (Emniyet). According to Alkış, technical investigations by security agencies and inquiries by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) showed that these accounts and posts were fake and created by malicious individuals [1][3]. He emphasized: "If even one of these claims were true, I would have been dismissed from my position by now. These are all slanders and part of a perception operation against the university" [2].

Response to Nepotism Allegations One of the main points of criticism against Alkış was the hiring of his niece, Gülzar Artuç, at the Faculty of Theology. In response to this allegation, the Rector clarified that his niece completed her hiring process and began working three terms before he was appointed as Rector [1][4]. He also explained regarding other names mentioned in news reports that out of five names raised, three were present at the university before his tenure, and only two were hired during his term, both of whom fully completed all legal and academic procedures [3].

Claims of Identity Theft and Media Conspiracy Alkış claims that certain groups produced fabricated content by copying his profiles on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to damage his public image. He noted that these media attacks intensified after an international symposium attended by prominent regional figures [1]. He called on the media to verify the accuracy of news with official authorities before publication and announced that legal proceedings against those spreading these lies are ongoing [2][4].

Legal Oversight and Academic Transparency While the debate over meritocracy in Turkish universities has always been a sensitive issue, Alkış emphasized that all appointments at Şırnak University are conducted under the strict supervision of YÖK and presidential institutions [3]. Stating that Şırnak University has made significant physical and academic progress during his management, he described these controversies as an attempt to stop the growth process of this scientific center [4].