Controversial Defense of Nepotism by Şırnak University Rector in the Name of Religion

In one of the most unusual cases of administrative corruption in the Turkish academic system, Professor Abdurrahim Alkış, the Rector of Şırnak University, sparked a wave of astonishment and anger in scientific and political circles on July 1, 2026, by publicly defending "nepotism." In statements published on social media, he declared that hiring his relatives and close associates at the university is not a violation, but rather the implementation of divine commands and his religious duty [1].

Religious Justification for Family Appointments Responding to severe criticism regarding the appointment of his family members to key university positions, Alkış labeled critics as "fitna-mongers" (troublemakers). In his statement, he wrote: "Those who spread these fitnas do not know, because they do not attend Friday prayers, that according to our faith, helping relatives is recommended every Friday." He emphasized that providing suitable job positions for his friends and relatives is both his legal right as Rector and a part of his religious beliefs [2][3].

These remarks come despite previous reports regarding the appointment of his brother, Abdullah Alkış, to a dedicated administrative post, which faced widespread reactions at the time [4]. However, the Rector has now defended this approach more explicitly, linking it to matters of faith.

Threatening Critics and Emphasizing Loyalty In another part of his speech, the Rector of Şırnak University turned the academic environment into an arena for testing loyalty. He claimed he would pave the way for those who believe in his "vision" and serve the Rector with "honor and loyalty." Alkış explicitly threatened to identify and expel from the university those who resist his will or spread "rumors" against these appointments [1][2].

He also claimed that he enjoys the support of high-ranking officials in the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to carry out these changes and appointments, and that he has been able to use his influence to secure numerous employment quotas for the university to place his preferred individuals [1].

Reactions to the Violation of Meritocracy These statements have drawn sharp reactions among university professors and civil activists in Turkey. Critics believe that turning a university into a "family business" under the guise of religion deals a fatal blow to Turkey's scientific credibility. Many social media users, pointing to the high unemployment rate among elite graduates, have described Alkış's words as a blatant exploitation of religious concepts to justify structural corruption [3].

As debates over his resignation or dismissal intensify, this incident has once again brought the issue of "customized appointments" in Turkish state universities to the headlines, raising serious questions about government oversight of educational institutions.