Turkey bans Sayyid Qutb book nationwide

The Antalya 1st Criminal Court of Peace has issued a nationwide ban on the printing, distribution, and sale of the book “Signs on the Road” by Sayyid Qutb. The court also ordered the seizure of the work, which is published in Turkey by Beka Publications.

The decision was made based on articles 25/2-3 of the Press Law No. 5187. While the court did not provide specific reasons for the ban, the decision follows investigations in Ankara and Mersin involving the works of Sayyid Qutb.

The Press and Publication Union (BASYAYBİR) expressed strong opposition to the ruling, describing it as a “great misfortune” for the publishing world and the law. The Union stated that the decision is “shameful” and argued that ideas cannot be eliminated through bans or administrative obstacles, calling the move a blow to freedom of expression and cultural life.