Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec’s photo with his mom triggers culture wars in Türkiye

Yusuf Dikec, who won a silver medal with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and gained worldwide recognition for his shooting performance, recently found himself in the spotlight on social media.

Even after the Olympics ended, Dikec remained in the news due to a photo he shared with his mother, which drew criticism from some social media users.

Hateful comments on Dikec’s mother’s photo

Dikec, who is active on X, shared a photo with his mother, captioned “My Most Precious…”. However, this innocent post became the target of hateful comments.

One user expressed discomfort with Dikec’s mother’s headscarf, commenting, “Unfortunately, we’ve embarrassed ourselves to the world. I wish you hadn’t shared a picture of your mother.”

Others chimed in with remarks like “Delete this” and “We’ve been humiliated in Europe.”

Dikec defends his post: ‘I love my mother’

Unfazed by the backlash, Yusuf Dikec responded in an interview with Sabah, saying, “May God never let the youth of this country lose their love for their mothers and their homeland. Those who are ashamed of their mothers are also ashamed of their country. I love my mother, and therefore, I love everything about my country.”

Dikec further added, “Look, a Turk did something, and now the whole world is imitating him. We don’t need to imitate anyone. We will leave our own footprints, and others will follow us.”

‘Look at Zubeyde Hanim’s photo’

Dikec addressed the criticism regarding his mother’s headscarf by referencing Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s mother, Zubeyde Hanim, saying, “Let them look at the photo of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s mother, Zubeyde Anne (Mom). What difference do they see? I don’t let it bother me. We have important work to do, and we won’t surrender to this mindset. Our country will achieve greater things.”

Yusuf Dikec, a national athlete, delivered a meaningful response to the criticisms directed at his mother, spreading a message of love and unity.

Despite the negative comments on social media, Dikec, who dedicated his Olympic success to his country, continues to express his deep love for his homeland.

Legendary strength of Anatolian women

Throughout history, Anatolian women have been the backbone of their families and communities. Much like Kibele (Cybele), these women are the life-givers and sustainers, ensuring the continuity of their societies. Known for their strength, wisdom, and determination, Anatolian women have preserved their culture and traditions for centuries, playing a vital role in the modern world.

Their stories, intertwined with Kibele’s legendary legacy, continue to inspire and empower people today. These women are not just symbols of physical strength but also of resilience and leadership.

Legacy to be proud of

Anatolia, home to countless civilizations, is also the birthplace of powerful female figures. The legacy of Kibele reflects the courage and determination shown by these women throughout history. Rather than being a source of shame, the stories of these women are a heritage to be proud of.

Just like Kibele, Anatolian women continue to be the pillars of their communities. Their stories, past and present, serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.

The strength and resilience of Anatolian women, much like Kibele’s legacy, are stories of pride, not shame. These powerful female figures represent a unique heritage rooted in Anatolia’s fertile lands.