Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Cultural Association left a wreath in front of CHP Kayseri Provincial Directorate building. Abbas Tan, President of the Association, stated that they organized a press statement against the alleged statements of Provincial Chairman Ümit Özer ‘against Alevis’.
The reaction to CHP Kayseri Provincial Chairman Ümit Özer's statement “As I got to know Alevis, I made MHP supporters my favorites” continues.
📌Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Cemevi Association and Foundation left a black wreath at the CHP Kayseri Provincial Presidency building. pic.twitter.com/J225IF2lR0
- Halkweb (@Halkweb) January 16, 2026
In his statement, President Tan said; “We are here before the public today representing the members of a tradition and organized Alevis who have experienced many pains and negativities from history to the present day, but who have preserved their common sense under all circumstances. We, whose basic philosophy is based on the love of nature and humanity, who have adopted the principle of having hands, waist, tongue, food, spouse and job, have never been anyone's man nor have we allowed anyone to speak on our behalf. We have never interfered in the internal affairs of any political party. This is not our business. While we were waiting for our demand for equal citizenship, which we started years ago, to be met through democratic and parliamentary means within the framework of the constitution and laws, unfortunately we faced various attacks on our faith and ethnic identity. In the recent past, we have responded to such incidents, such as the examples of Güner Ümit, Mehmet Ali Erbil and Leyla Şahin Usta a few days ago, with our Alevi language and Alevi manners. While bloodshed is raging in the countries around us, while people in our country are struggling with hunger and suicides are occurring due to lack of livelihood, we have to question once again what we are dealing with as a society. We, organized Alevis, continue to express our democratic demands, reactions and stance with Alevi language, Alevi manners and human love.”.
Referring to the statements allegedly belonging to the Provincial Chairman Mr. Ümit Özer, which led him to make a press statement, President Tan said; “The reason why we are here today is this: Three days ago, we came across a statement on social media that allegedly belonged to CHP Kayseri Provincial Chairman Mr. Ümit Özer. During a conversation, he was alleged to have said, “As I got to know Alevis, I made MHP members my crown jewels”. As Alevi organizations, we do not react to any rumor without investigating its veracity. In this case, we acted with the same responsibility. We held meetings with many party members, party executives and provincial administrators. As a result, Mr. Provincial President called us and stated that these words did not belong to him. We then asked him, “If this allegation is not true, please make a public statement.” However, no statement was made. When we did not receive a statement on the second day either, we decided to make a public statement as a result of a meeting with a total of eleven association representatives and executives, whose names we will share in a moment. Our aim is not to accuse the Republican People's Party or party members, to provide rent for someone, or to play with the political future of any person or group. Our aim is to correct any wrongdoing, if any, and to apologize to the Alevi public and the common-sense party members for any out of line statements. Following the announcement of our decision to hold a press conference, many senior party officials called us to inform us that Mr. Provincial President would make a statement. However, the statement made late yesterday did not satisfy us and our public opinion. Dear ones, we are guided by the following words of Hünkâr Hacı Bektaş Veli, the father of Alevis:
“Remember that even your enemy is human.” “Do not condemn any nation or people.” “The beauty of a man is the beauty of his words.” “The end of the path without knowledge is darkness.” “Do not impose on anyone what is too much for your ego.” “Whatever you seek, seek it in yourself.”.
President Tan continued his speech; “We are against racism today as we were yesterday, and we will continue to be against it tomorrow. Once again, we state it loudly: Our aim is neither to defame a party nor to harm it. Our aim is not to allow our Alevism to be overshadowed. We will never allow the Alevi way and belief to be compared to any political view, any person or group and to be used in this way. We are an experienced, patient and tolerant society that will not be a tool for anyone's ambitions. We are in the month of Hızır, which has a great meaning for Alevis. With the resistance of Pir Sultan Abdal and the tolerance of Hünkâr Hacı Bektaş Veli, we greet you all with love, respect and friendship on behalf of Kayseri Hacı Bektaş Veli Foundation, Kayseri Hacı Bektaş Veli Association, Acırlı Village Association, Alavlı Village Association, Beydağı Association, Çadıryeri Village Association, Çağşak Village Association, Darıdere Village Association, Evciler Association, Gümüşali Village Association, Karapınar Village Association, Kırkısraklılar Association, Sancakağıl Village Association.”.
Provincial President Ümit Özer had denied the allegation: My daughter-in-law is also Alevi
CHP Kayseri Provincial Chairman Ümit Özer had denied allegations that he used discriminatory statements against Alevi citizens during his visit to Özvatan district.
“My daughter-in-law, whom I recently had the happiness of having a daughter, and whom I am happy and proud of, is also an Alevi, she is dear, she is our life, she is the precious one of our family.
I would like it to be known that we have never been and will never be among those who sow the seeds of discrimination, who see every way as permissible for the seat and who incite the language of hate.”.