Erkan Mumcu resigned as Türkiye's Culture and Tourism Minister on 15 February 2005, simultaneously quitting the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The 42-year-old cited persistent cabinet disagreements, becoming the first minister to leave the AKP government since it took office after the November 2002 elections.
The departure followed a reported clash over a proposal to reinstate thousands of expelled students, including those removed for wearing headscarves in school. Mumcu reportedly urged broader education reform instead, and acknowledged the pardon plan as a genuine point of contention.
Speaking at parliament, he framed his decision in ethical terms: he could not remain in a post where he felt unable to contribute. He expressed concern that the government's approach could worsen rather than resolve the underlying issue.
A lawyer known for liberal views, Mumcu had also opposed a 2004 bill to criminalize adultery, later dropped after EU objections. Parliamentary sources speculated he might return to the center-right Motherland Party (ANAP), which he left in August 2002, or found a new political movement. At least 20 AKP lawmakers were said to be aligned with him.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in February 2005, in its own words.