Cem Koksal, the former CEO of Zorlu Holding, one of Turkey’s largest conglomerates, was fired and detained by police for preventing employees from celebrating Ramadan. The controversy began when Koksal responded to an internal email from a subsidiary CEO, expressing his disapproval of the company observing the holy month. This move sparked a significant public backlash and triggered a legal investigation.
The Dispute Over Ramadan Celebrations
The incident began when Ergun Guler, the CEO of Zorlu Holding’s subsidiary, Vestel Elektronik, sent an internal email wishing employees a happy Ramadan. Koksal responded by making it clear that the company would not celebrate Ramadan, as it was not on the list of official holidays. In his email, Koksal stated that the company recognized only two religious holidays—Seker Eid and Eid Al Adha. “It is not appropriate for us to corporately celebrate religious days other than these,” Koksal added.
This email quickly gained attention when it went viral on social media. Public outrage grew as many felt Koksal’s stance was an infringement on employees’ religious freedom and cultural rights. In Turkey, people widely observe Ramadan, and the secular government often refers to it by its alternative name, “Seker,” which relates to the sugar candies given to children during Eid celebrations. However, Koksal’s refusal to acknowledge Ramadan as a corporate holiday did not sit well with the public or the company’s employees.
Koksal’s Previous Warnings and the Backlash
According to Turkish publication Haberturk, Koksal had previously warned Guler over similar issues, which suggests that the dispute was ongoing. However, the latest email went beyond internal communication and spread across social media, creating a firestorm of criticism. Many accused Koksal of suppressing freedom of belief, thought, and opinion.
The backlash was swift and intense. Calls for boycotts of Zorlu Holding’s brands and services flooded social media. The situation quickly escalated, prompting Zorlu Holding to take immediate action.
Zorlu Holding’s Response and Koksal’s Resignation
In response to the controversy, Zorlu Holding issued a statement on March 1, announcing Koksal’s resignation. The company clarified that the issue stemmed from a “sensitivity arising from an internal discussion” between Koksal and Guler. The statement also expressed regret, saying, “As Zorlu Group, we regret these developments to all our stakeholders and the public.”
Despite the company’s apology, the damage had been done. Public opinion was largely against Koksal, leading to his ousting from the top position.
Police Investigation and Legal Ramifications
The incident didn’t end with Koksal’s resignation. Turkish police launched an investigation into the matter, detaining Koksal as part of the probe. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an ex officio investigation after the email spread widely on social media. The investigation focuses on the crime of “preventing the exercise of freedom of belief, thought, and conscience.”
According to the prosecutor’s office, Koksal’s email instructing employees not to celebrate Ramadan was deemed an infringement on their fundamental rights. This investigation underscores the legal consequences of suppressing religious freedoms in Turkey, where religion plays an important role in society.
Impact on Turkey’s Corporate Culture and Religious Freedom
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Turkey between secularism and religious freedom. While the country is officially secular, many citizens observe religious practices such as Ramadan. The incident has sparked debates over the role of religion in the workplace and the boundaries of corporate governance. Koksal’s actions raised important questions about respecting employees’ beliefs, especially in a country where Ramadan holds deep cultural significance.
