First Lady Erdoğan said the following in her speech: Dear ladies, gentlemen, valuable participants; I greet you with love and respect. Today, we see that humanitarian violence is growing; We are together for a very special conversation that reminds us that it has no color, identity or geography. I am very pleased to be with you in such an inspiring, meaningful atmosphere. TRT World Citizen Awards is a very valuable project that has been drawing attention to global problems and raising awareness since 2017. This approach, which brings us together with a common conscience wherever we are in the world, is also a strong reflection of TRT’s broadcasting approach, which does not give up on the truth and stands by the truth under all circumstances. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to all the TRT family who contributed to this meaningful organization. You welcomed and brought joy to all our guests, especially our guests who came from abroad to visit our country.

CONFLICTS ARE NOT ENDING IN THE WORLD

Dear guests; Today, while keeping track of the footprints we leave behind, we have to ask the world we live in this question: What kind of legacy will we leave on these pages that future generations will read? There are more than 130 conflicts ongoing in many parts of the world. More than 676 million women and children struggle to survive under the shadow of guns. Almost half of the forcibly displaced people are children. 132 million people consider themselves lucky if they can find a roof over their heads and have a full day. Children who shed tears longing for a bite of bread or a drop of water are dragged to the brink of death. It is really difficult not to feel pessimistic when faced with such a picture. In fact, this is exactly what those who want to make war, destruction and the banality of evil the new normal benefit the most: Humanity’s loss of hope. But look, Yaşar Kemal says it beautifully: “At a moment when I firmly believe that my hopes are dead, humanity is suddenly enlightened by a cloud flower of light escaping from a thousand and one directions.” I see this hope alive in this hall today. We all witness how courageous people who walk on the path indicated by the compass of conscience shed light on those around them. Because man is hope itself. In Anatolia, we believe that “Man is the homeland of man” and we live with this belief. We try to be a homeland that opens to brotherhood and compassion, where anyone who is in trouble can knock on their door. Those who receive awards here today show the whole world that the conscience of humanity is still alive with their work. An educator who believes that education will change the world, he builds hope for children in times of crisis; It opens the paths to the dreams of disadvantaged children. A young girl finds the power to change the world. Two young women, graduates of the world’s most prestigious universities, unmask the technologies designed to kill innocent people; It reminds the whole world that progress cannot be made by violating ethical and human values. By building free public buildings for people struggling with war and poverty, an architect makes his profession more than just a technical field; transforms it into a new expression of compassion and social justice. A civil society leader fights tirelessly for places of worship, making the invisible visible. That’s why I wholeheartedly congratulate all those who received awards here today; I thank each of them on behalf of humanity.

THEY ALWAYS RAISE THEIR VOICES

We have a “World Citizen of the Year” award winner who cannot be with us today. Our brother was one of approximately 300 journalists and truth fighters killed by Israel. He was practicing a profession that should be protected under international law. Against those who hide the truth to legitimize massacres, occupation and human rights violations; He raised his voice to the fullest, on the side of the oppressed. On this occasion, I would like to commemorate last year’s World Citizen award winner Ayşe, who was martyred. Here, I would like to share with you the lines he wrote to introduce himself on a digital platform, which touched me deeply. He said: “I am driven by a passion to make a positive impact. I constantly seek opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the most meaningful projects.” Humanity survives thanks to those who seek opportunities to rebuild the world with the best form of being human, those who increase meaning and leave a legacy of virtue to the earth. May God have mercy on both of our children; May they rest in heaven and may their ranks be high. I believe that these stories shared today show that those who are on the right side in the struggle between truth and falsehood do not give up; It will show that many unnamed heroes in all corners of the world are fighting for a just world. Let’s not forget that every individual action has the power to change the world. Being human means being responsible for taking a stance. Our Prophet says: “Whoever sees evil, let him correct it with his hand; if he is not able to do this, let him correct it with his tongue; and if he is not able to do this, let him hate it with his heart.” Using one’s professional knowledge to serve humanity opens a new path. As long as we take a stand for justice in every step we take in our daily lives, no matter how big or small.

THE LAND OF GAZA BECAME A CHILDREN’S CEMETERY

Dear guests; Four months ago, when the ceasefire was signed in Gaza, we, as humanity, took a deep breath. However, we regret to see that despite the ceasefire, attacks on Gaza still continue. It is a pity that, when it comes to Palestine, the common conscience of humanity can remain silent despite universal values. Tens of thousands of children have lost their lives in Gaza since the beginning of the year. While the lands of Gaza are turning into a children’s cemetery, people in the region where the destruction has reached ninety percent are freezing to death without even being able to find a tent in winter conditions. The pain of losing a child is one of the hardest tests a person can experience; In Gaza, this pain has become a part of daily life. Unfortunately, these images are in the flow of social media; It gets lost among the videos and promotions. The image of a baby wrapped in his grief passes after a few seconds. Let’s not surrender to compassion fatigue. With the inspiration we received from the stories we heard today; Let us continue to be a voice for the oppressed, to right wrongs, to act with empathy and to stand wholeheartedly against the oppressor. Let’s not forget that every person bears the responsibility of their own story. I end my words with these thoughts; I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the program and greet you with affection. Thank you very much.

In his message, President Erdoğan stated that the state and the nation showed great solidarity by joining hands after the earthquakes on February 6, 2023. Reminding that more than 455 thousand residences, workplaces and village houses were delivered to their rightful owners in this context, Erdoğan noted that it is aimed for 500 thousand citizens to become homeowners in all 81 provinces with the newly launched housing mobilization.

President Erdoğan said, “Ignore those who say we cannot do it, we will hopefully implement it within the determined timetable, just like all our previous projects,” and thanked all citizens who applied for the project and entrusted their hopes to the state.

At the draw ceremony where the beneficiaries of 6 thousand 865 houses were determined in Tekirdağ, a short film about the 500 thousand social housing move was also screened. In his message, President Erdoğan expressed his hope that the draw would be a new beginning for the citizens who are eligible to become homeowners, and that hopes should be kept alive for those who have not yet qualified.

“I pray to God Almighty that this great social housing move, which carries hope for the future, will bring abundance to our country and peace to our nation,” said President Erdogan, and completed his words by greeting the citizens.

Medya A.Ş., which is in Ekrem İmamoğlu’s A team. It was revealed that President Murat Ongun, İmamoğlu’s coffers, textile businessman Hüseyin Köksal, and Ongun’s partner, fugitive Emrah Bağdatlı, held drug and prostitution parties in the VIP flat number 2604 in Raffles Hotel, where they held tenders and bribery meetings. 10 suspects were arrested along with Gülşah Rojin Demir, codenamed ‘Mama Gönül’, who brought women to the A team and attended the parties in the flat where the network led by the detained former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality President Ekrem İmamoğlu, who caused a public loss of 161 billion, held secret meetings. Gülşah Rojin Demir, who previously testified to the prosecutor’s office, gave additional testimony the other day.

Stating that they had a relationship with Hüseyin Köksal from 2019 to 2024, Demir said, “He wanted to have an imam marriage with me. I left because I did not accept.” Demir stated that, thanks to his meeting with the manager of an investment company, he heard that Ekrem İmamoğlu from the investment company in question frequently traded on the stock market. Demir stated that the manager of this investment company told him that ‘Imamoğlu looks after finance and stock market affairs, buys and sells paper in the stock market, and thus evaluates İmamoğlu’s money.’ He also said, “He told me that İmamoğlu sometimes received money from abroad and that he invested the money by buying and selling on the stock market.” The prosecutor’s office put the manager of the investment company in question under the spotlight.

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi started his duty quickly. The Ministry dismissed Giresun’s Görele Mayor Hasbi Dede, who was arrested for “sexual harassment against a child”. In the statement made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, “Görele Mayor Hasbi Dede was referred to the court on 10.02.2026 within the scope of the investigation numbered 2026/332 by the Görele Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for the crime of ‘sexual harassment against a child’ and was arrested for the crime of ‘sexual harassment against a child’ by the decision of the Görele 1st Criminal Court of First Instance numbered 2026/17d, in accordance with Article 127 of the constitution.” “He has been suspended from his duties as a temporary measure in accordance with Article 47 of the Municipality Law No. 5393. It is respectfully announced to the public.”

Dede was replaced by CHP’s Hüseyin Çakıcı, a retired history teacher and the oldest member of the municipal council. The election will be held in the coming days. Dede was elected Mayor of Görele from CHP in the last local elections. When the scandal broke out, he was called to testify, judicial control measures were applied, and then he was arrested.

The Bill on Amendments to the Highway Traffic Law, which also includes regulations to increase traffic fines, was accepted by the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and became law. Highlights of the new regulation are as follows:

Those who drive without a license plate will be fined 46 thousand liras and their driver’s license will be revoked for 30 days.

Drivers who drift will be fined 140 thousand liras.

A fine of 180 thousand liras will be imposed on those who insistently follow another vehicle or get out of the vehicle for the purpose of attack.

Those who use mobile phones while driving may be fined up to 5 thousand liras, and in case of repeated use, up to 20 thousand liras.

Those who do not wear seat belts will be fined 2,500 liras.

Those who drive without a license will be fined 40 thousand liras, and those who get behind the wheel even though they have a license will be fined 200 thousand liras.

Anyone who passes the red light will be fined 5 thousand lira. If this is repeated within a year, the penalties will multiply and reach up to 80 thousand liras.

Drivers’ licenses who use drugs or stimulants will be canceled and a fine of 150 thousand liras will be imposed.

The penalty for those who drive with alcohol over 0.50 promil will be increased to 25 thousand liras. A penalty of up to 50 thousand liras will be imposed for the second violation, and up to 150 thousand liras for the third and subsequent violations.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Social Complex yesterday. Speaking at the Agreements Signing Ceremony and Joint Press Conference held after the talks, Erdoğan said:

Total trade volume reached 3.5 billion dollars last year. We are approaching our 5 billion dollar target step by step. We have previously announced that we will participate in Expo2027, which will be held in Belgrade, hosted by Serbia. We believe that this important event will serve as an additional opportunity to develop economic, commercial and cultural relations between our countries.

The number of companies operating in Serbia exceeded 1500, and the total investment amount reached 300 million dollars. Our contractors support the production of housing, roads and infrastructure in Serbia with more than 100 projects they have undertaken.

Our citizens rank first among tourists visiting Serbia. We see great interest in learning Turkish in Serbia. We are working to ensure that this interest is adequately met by institutions such as Yunus Emre Institute and Turkish Maarif Foundation.

We also discussed with Mr. Vucic what can be done for the development of the Sandzak Region, which we see as a bridge of friendship between us and Serbia. We follow his projects for the development of the region. I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly congratulate the upcoming Ramadan of the Muslim community in Serbia.

At a time when uncertainty is increasing in the world, as Türkiye, we are working with all our strength to establish peace and tranquility in our immediate surroundings and beyond. In our work, we never neglect the Balkans, which has an exceptional place for us. In this sense, I see Mr. Vucic’s visit as very valuable.

ERDOĞAN IS A LEADER IN THE WORLD

Serbian President Vucic emphasized that President Erdoğan is a great leader not only in Türkiye and the region, but also in the world. Pointing out that he comes from a country that wants to preserve peace and respects real leaders, Vucic said that they have great respect for Erdogan’s leadership. Noting that Serbia is a much smaller country for Turkey, Vucic said, “We know that we cannot be the most important partner for Turkey. But Turkey is an extremely important partner for Serbia. I hope that we will organize the biggest visit of President Erdoğan to our country.” Pointing out the importance of bringing people together in the Balkans, Vucic said, “President Erdoğan is a much more experienced leader. As a leader who knows very well how peace should be established, I would like to thank you for always listening to us and wanting to listen to us on this issue.” Vucic stated that he was waiting for Erdogan’s visit with great enthusiasm and that they would make great preparations for it.