Stating that the Turkish left does not support the Palestinian cause, Erdoğan said, “In Western countries, especially the left segments are at the forefront regarding Palestine. There is no left segment in Türkiye. The entire world left supports Palestine. In our country, in fact, for a while, leftists supported the Palestinian cause, but we cannot see that sensitivity there in this period.” Erdoğan also pointed out that Turkey’s population is rapidly aging and said, “Add meaning to your life. Do not delay marriage. Let’s work to give birth to as many children as we can.” Erdoğan answered a question about politics by saying, “I do not have a political career goal.”

Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Knowledge Dissemination Foundation, met with university students at the Youth Meeting at Konya Tantavi Culture and Arts Center. Answering the questions of the students here, Erdoğan said that the Turkish left does not support the Palestinian cause. Bilal Erdoğan said, “Palestinian sensitivity in Türkiye is only the sensitivity of a certain group. In fact, some groups that are the target of certain political polarization do not want to participate there. Because if I go there, they will think that I am this or that person, I am not one of them, so I should not go there. This is one aspect of the matter. On the other hand, the Palestinian cause is seen as the cause of religious believers. You see, in the world, especially in Western countries, left-wing groups are at the forefront regarding Palestine. There is no left-wing section in Türkiye. The whole world’s left supports Palestine.” In our country, there was a time when leftists supported the Palestinian cause, but we cannot see that sensitivity there. Although the left supports this cause all over the world, the fact that the left in our country does not support this cause is a bit of an obstacle to the spread of this sensitivity in Türkiye. This is the issue of all humanity. Even if you do not have sensitivity about Jerusalem, you have to say something with religious sensitivity. “We need to ensure that those who do not have religious sensitivities can also embrace this cause. The boycott is important and should not be diluted.”

HE CALLED TO YOUTH; ‘DO NOT DELAY MARRIAGE’

Drawing attention to the importance of the family, Erdoğan said, “Add meaning to your life. Do not delay marriage. Believing how great an institution the family is. It is not that I should look out for my own pleasure, you should look out for yours, let’s build a home for it. Let’s all have a beautiful, happy home in this world for our afterlife. Let’s work to give birth to as many children as we can. Our Lord gives us this responsibility as a responsibility. If we don’t give such a meaning to this world, this will not get better. You too can change your marriage.” Don’t delay, don’t delay. Our primary schools will start to become empty in 5 years or 10 years. The aging of the population is very bad news. Our fertility rate has dropped from 2.5 percent to below 1.5 percent in 20 years. It is very bad news. Turkey will be a country with a super-aged population of less than 50 million in 2100. “We talk about goals and things to be done in the world, but is it possible to achieve these at this rate?” he said. Answering a question about politics, Erdoğan said, “I do not have a political career goal. Let’s say we became famous when someone came up with something.”

The investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against Bayrampaşa Municipality for the crimes of “extortion”, “bribery”, “qualified fraud” and “tender rigging” continues.

Bayrampaşa Municipality Deputy Mayor Mahmut Kılıç, who was released in January within the scope of effective remorse provisions during the investigation, testified 3 times in this context.

In his statement given on December 30, 2025, Kılıç explained that he started working as a coordinator at the logistics support center affiliated with Support Services in Bayrampaşa Municipality on September 20, 2024.

Stating that Hasan Mutlu’s brother, Ayhan Mutlu, has been his friend for 20 years, Kılıç said, “Although steps were taken within the scope of the investigation regarding the Marnas Hotel, I was not involved in any irregular transactions here, but as far as I heard from Bilgehan, 1.5 million liras were agreed here upon the instructions of Hasan Mutlu. I do not know how 1 million liras of this money was received, but 500 thousand liras of it was given to Lütfi K. by Bilgehan Yağcı in his office at the municipality.” “I saw that this money was distributed to 10-12 municipal council members. Öztürk H, Ersin B, Deniz U, Arzu D, Çetin K. are some of the council members to whom this money was given, I do not know the others. However, I know clearly that it was not given to Saki T.” he claimed.

Kılıç claimed that Bekir Ö had a business in the illegal structure built here and that he was much more aware of the irregularities here, and said, “The cleaning tender before the cleaning tender awarded to Aslan B was canceled by Öztürk H.’s initiatives. Later, Öztürk H. had the tender canceled again. He ensured that the cleaning job was given to İŞTEM, owned by Aslan B, for 6-month periods. Here, they acted together with Bilgehan Yağcı.” gave his statement.

Kılıç stated that although the price of this tender should have been 12 million liras, it was given to 17 million liras, that he could not know how the 5 million liras were shared between Öztürk H. and Bilgehan Yağcı, and that a shopping card worth 5 million liras was received from the application-market owners regarding the SOO application.

THE ALLEGATION THAT SÜLEYMAN KÖŞKEROĞLU AND ÖZLEM TUT AGREED IN EXCHANGE FOR BRIBE

In his additional statement on January 8, Kılıç claimed that the detained suspect Süleyman Köşkeroğlu wanted to build a construction within the borders of Bayrampaşa district, and that the then Deputy Mayor of Bayrampaşa Özlem Tut, with whom he met, asked for a bribe regarding the transactions to be carried out in the municipality and they mutually agreed.

Kılıç, who claimed that Tut told this to Ayhan Mutlu when Köşkeroğlu prepared the money, that Mutlu sent Safa B, an employee of the company named VG, to these people’s company, and that Safa B received 300 thousand dollars, said that Safa B allocated 80 thousand dollars from this money and went to the municipality to give it to Tut.

Kılıç claimed that Özlem Tut later called him and asked for 200 thousand liras to be collected from the contractor Halit A, who has an office in Yıldırım District of Bayrampaşa Municipality, and that he went to the office with the personnel he worked with in the municipality and gave him 6 thousand 700 dollars, the equivalent of 200 thousand liras.

Kılıç, who stated that he gave this money to the staff he came with to convey to Özlem Tut, claimed that he did not know for what purpose the money was received.

BRIBERY ALLEGATION AGAINST AYHAN MUTLU

Suspect Kılıç continued his statement as follows:

“In addition to my statement about the cleaning tender that Aslan B received, Öztürk H. called me on a Friday, the date of which I cannot remember exactly, and asked if I was at the logistics support center. When I told him that I was here, he said that he wanted to come and have a coffee. A short time later, Ayhan Mutlu came to the same place. Here, together, we took out the money in the bag of 2 million 400 thousand liras that Öztürk brought from the trunk of the vehicle. Later, Ayhan pulled up to the same place. He put this money in his trunk. As far as I know, this money was brought on the day the payment was made. Ayhan (Mutlu) then went to my office. He said that he had credit card and check debts and that he needed 2 million liras. This situation will be seen when the account transactions are examined.

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.

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, which is the scene of frequent workers’ protests because it does not pay the salaries and social rights of its employees on time, continues to waste the scarce resources created by public taxes in order to cover the losses of the municipal companies, which have become a black hole because they constantly make losses. İZBB, which transferred 2.4 billion liras of capital to İztarım and İzelman Companies last month, is now preparing to transfer money to the Fair Organization Company İzfaş, which provides services within the municipality, and the maritime company İzdeniz, which carries passengers and vehicles in the inner bay. By the instruction of İZBB President Cemil Tugay, both motions, which were put on the agenda in the first session of the metropolitan municipality council in February, were referred to the specialized commissions for discussion. The proposals will be discussed and decided upon again in the municipal council in the coming days. If the proposals are accepted, İZBB will transfer 349 million 849 thousand liras to the fair company Izfaş and 1 billion 858 million liras to Izdeniz. Thus, the amount of resources transferred from İZBB’s coffers to municipal subsidiaries in the last two months will reach 4.6 billion lira.

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.