President Erdoğan received representatives of workers and employers on the occasion of ‘May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day’. Also present at the reception were Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran.

“I SEE MAY 1 AS MY OWN HOLIDAY”

President Erdoğan said, “I congratulate all our worker brothers and sisters on May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day. I am a brother of mine who started his life with the title of worker. I would like to especially express that I see May 1 as my own holiday. You know best the importance that both myself and our government attach to labor and labor getting the reward it deserves. We have always stood by our worker brothers and their representatives throughout our 23 years of power. We have implemented the issues that we ignored and ignored in cooperation and unity with you. We expanded union rights, removed the obstacles to organizing, strengthened the collective bargaining system, increased the bargaining power of our employees, put into effect the historical regulations in the field of occupational health and safety, gave the right to collective bargaining to our public servants, and strengthened the rights and freedoms of women, disabled people and other vulnerable groups in working life. While doing all these, we have always consulted with you, our employees’ representatives. “We marched together with our confederations and professional organizations. Again, in this process, we did not consent to the defeat of our workers’ rights for any reason. Lastly, we ensured that the problems of our miners, who took action because they could not collect their receivables from a company, were resolved.”

“WE DO NOT TAKE ANY STEPS AGAINST WORKERS, LABORERS, EMPLOYEES”

Erdoğan said, “I would like to underline this once again today; we do not take any steps against workers, laborers and employees. Because it is your sweat that truly makes this country a homeland. The labor of every brother of mine who produces in the factory, works in the field, labors in the workshop and sheds sweat in the office is the basis of the rise of this country. We will never allow the rights of you and our workers like you, who make a living with their labor and produce added value for their country and nation, to be violated. Our vision is It is clear; we want a working life that focuses on people, glorifies labor and strengthens social justice to prevail in this country. We see our unions as our companions on the path to this important goal. I hope that we will continue to develop and grow our country in unity and solidarity. I congratulate you and all our workers on May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day.

President Erdoğan also touched upon the 110th anniversary of the Kut’ül Amare Victory at the group meeting. Erdoğan said: “On the 110th anniversary of this epic victory, I remember with mercy the soldiers who fought heroically on all fronts of the First World War, especially the Selman-ı Pak and Kut battles. The Kut’ül Amare Victory, along with the Çanakkale Victory, emerged as a magnificent military success story that reveals the intelligence of our army’s staff as well as our nation’s determination to fight. While 18th Corps Commander Kazım Karabekir Pasha was congratulating his victorious soldiers, he also ordered them: ‘Lion-hearted men of the 18th Corps, let us prostrate ourselves to God Almighty. This evening, let the Fatihas, Tebareke and Yasin be recited to our martyrs. Let the veterans hug each other and congratulate each other. I sincerely kiss your pure and high foreheads.’ Yes, this is how the Kut’ul Amare Victory was welcomed and took its place in our national memory as a heroic epic written in our history with glory and honor. The Kut Victory is the ‘I. It is one of the most obvious examples that expose the lie that ‘Arabs stabbed us in the back during World War II’. The people of Kut acted as part of the Ottoman army and supported the siege. In addition to the Arabs, Kurdish tribes such as Kurdi, Berzenjiye Sayyids, Niayn Sayyids, Talabani also fought alongside the Ottoman army. Among the Arab tribes that supported our army, there were also Shiites. This aspect of the victory reminds us of the strategic importance of the Turkish, Kurdish and Arab alliance, which we often underline.

MESSAGE FROM MSB

The Ministry of National Defense shared the message: “On the 110th anniversary of the Kut’ül Amare Victory, which we celebrate with pride, we commemorate Halil (Kut) Pasha and his heroic soldiers, who led the war with great success, and all our heroes in our glorious history, especially the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with mercy, gratitude and respect.”

President Erdoğan spoke at the “Türkiye 11th International Memorization and Holy Quran Reading Competition Award Ceremony” at Beştepe Nation Congress and Culture Center:

The final of the competition, which started on April 20 and was attended by 41 Quran lovers from 39 countries, was held last Sunday in Diyarbakır, the city of prophets and companions. In the finale, our valuable hafizes and qaris chanted the most beautiful of words, the Holy Quran, in a very effective, very sweet way, in awe. I wholeheartedly congratulate the nightingales of the Quran, to whom we will present their awards.

As Muslims, we are going through a difficult and painful period. Unfortunately, wherever we turn our heads, from Palestine to Lebanon, from the Gulf to Sudan, from Somalia to Yemen, we encounter tears. In these testing days when the so-called civilized world plays the three monkeys, babies in swaddles and defenseless civilians are brutally murdered. Today, we all see the true faces of those who have been arrogantly talking about justice, equality, human rights and freedoms at every opportunity they get for years. I would like to state this clearly: We have no other way to pass this test than to hold tightly to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the rope of Allah. In order to pass this test, we have no choice but to believe, trust and support each other. As Muslims, we are obliged to put aside discord, discord and hostility, and unnecessary and untimely debates and come together as one.

We will be patient, we will not lose hope. We will be tightly interlocked like bricks of a wall. Together we will build a peaceful future where there is no oppression and oppressors. May God be our friend and helper.

SACRIFICIAL DONATION FROM ERDOĞAN TO TDV
PRESIDENT Erdoğan donated a sacrifice to the Turkish Religious Foundation. Erdoğan received the President of Religious Affairs Safi Arpaguş at the Presidential Complex and gave the power of attorney for the sacrifice to the Turkish Religious Affairs Foundation. President Erdoğan signed the donation receipt.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave important messages about the current issues at the AK Party’s group meeting in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Erdoğan reacted especially harshly to Özgür Özel, who threatened media organizations reporting the bribery network in CHP municipalities by saying ‘you will be judged’. Here are Erdogan’s words:

Like the main opposition, we were not among those who talked about freedom of the press when it came to words, pointed their fingers at the press from the podium, or arrogantly threatened members of the press just because they exposed their corruption. We tolerated criticism. We listened to constructive suggestions. We sought our rights within the law again in the face of unlawfulness. We never resorted to anti-democratic methods such as ‘We will close this, we will lock that door, we will hold all of you to account’.

Look, here I would like to open a short parenthesis about the hypocritical attitude of those who have been criticizing us about press freedom for years. While we were holding the draw ceremony for 100 thousand houses in Istanbul over the weekend, the CHP Chairman was in a meeting with the mayors at the same time. He came out after the meeting and made many unfounded accusations. He targeted us and our party with extremely vulgar expressions. There is not an iota of vision, project or kindness in you; Those who listened were treated to a style that did not suit Türkiye’s main opposition party.

First of all, everyone sees this deep contradiction. Those who are slaughtered in the face of mayors who are tried for corruption; You see, he disguises himself as a lion against members of the press. Those who cannot say two words to those who negotiate bribes, make threats to anyone they come across from the podium. For years they talked about freedom of the press, respecting different voices and opinions, and listening to criticism; But before there was anything, they started threatening him or her. Is this what you understand by freedom of the press? Is this your understanding of freedom and democracy? Is this your style of politics? I just want to say this to those who see themselves in the giant mirror: Gentlemen, you will burn as much space as your skin. You cannot intimidate anyone in this country with threats, blackmail, and symphonies of insults that you constantly increase in dose.

Whether you accept it or not, the old Türkiye you are used to is no longer there. Gone are the days when newspapers appeared as CHP’s press releases. Gone are the days when screens were allocated to CHP ideology. The days of silencing dissenting voices are now over in this country. One way or another, you will get used to the press criticizing you and reporting allegations of corruption while complying with ethical principles. You will get used to hearing different sounds outside of your echo chambers. If you have reached out to Bethlehem, you will get used to being accountable to justice.

WE SHOULD EXPLAIN THE BROTHERHOOD

Especially in this painful period that our region is going through, we have to put aside our differences of origin, disposition and sect and embrace unity and glorify brotherhood together. We have to speak in the language of brotherhood beyond our borders and give our messages of peace very strongly. It is an admirable policy for Türkiye to embrace all its brothers in the region, regardless of Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens and Persians, and to try to build a new security paradigm on the basis of common history and common future. Like our past, our future is also common. The process of Türkiye without terrorism is progressing as it should.

HE WILL FIND US IN THE HEARTS OF THE NATION WHO SEEKS US

We neither have the time nor the inclination to deal with the Byzantine games in the CHP, nor do we have the time or stomach for them. The principle of ‘He who serves finds glory’ is our compass in politics. We have no business with the politics of tension, polemics that polarize the country, and fake and virtual discussions that do not benefit the nation. Those who seek us will find us at the opening ceremony, at the construction site, while laying the foundations of huge investments, putting finished works into service, and producing work and performance. Those who seek us will find us in the center of our nation’s heartland. Those who seek us will find themselves worrying about the troubles of this nation and sharing their joy.

I LOVE YOU DEDE TAYYIP
During his speech, PRESIDENT Erdoğan responded to a child who called him “Grandpa Tayyip, I love you” by saying “I love you too”.

THOSE WHO CANNOT LEAVE HOME DO NOT SORRY, NEW GOOD GOOD IS ON THE WAY

Citizens showed great interest in the Housing Project of the 100th Year, which will provide “500 thousand social housing” in 81 provinces. 8 million people applied for 500 thousand houses. We rolled up our sleeves to be worthy of the citizens’ trust. In a record time of 4 months, we transparently identified 500 thousand beneficiaries in the presence of a notary in 81 provinces. Starting from March 2027, we will gradually hand over the keys to our homes. This summer, we are starting to deliver the keys to the rental houses. I wish good luck to our citizens whose names were chosen in the lottery, I hope they can live happily in their new homes. Our citizens whose names were not included in the draw should not be upset. We are a team that erased the traces of the disaster of February 6th century in a short time of 3 years. Just as we have done these, we will add new ones to our works. We will add new housing projects.

I SALUTE THE BRAVE MEN OF PALESTINE

I salute those who struggle for life with their heads held high and their foreheads white in different corners of the HEART and cultural geography. Despite all the barbarity, oppression and genocide they were subjected to under the silent gaze of international organizations, ‘If we remain silent, we will press the stones, if we are hungry, we will be satisfied with the land, but we will never abandon it. Our blood is innocent, but we will not hesitate to shed it. Today, once again, I respectfully salute the brave sons of Palestine who protect their land by saying ‘Our past lies before us, the present is within us, the future is behind us’. We are always with them with our prayers and support.

As part of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, a detention order was issued for 3 suspects, including Zuhal Böcek, the daughter-in-law of Muhittin Böcek, who was suspended from his duty as the Mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality.

ZUHAL BÖCEK AND 1 SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

Thereupon, police teams detained Zuhal Böcek and 1 suspect, while efforts to capture the other suspect continue.

4 SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED PREVIOUSLY

Within the scope of the same investigation, Muhittin Böcek’s chief advisor, 2 personnel working in Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and 2 drivers were arrested.

HE EXPLAINED THE SPIRAL OF BRIBERY IN THE MUNICIPALITY, ONE BY ONE!

In the indictment completed within the scope of the ‘bribery’ and ‘corruption’ investigation against Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the statements of Zuhal Böcek, the daughter-in-law of Muhittin Böcek, who was arrested and suspended from his duty as president, were also included in the statements of both the law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office. Zuhal Böcek, who is listed as the 4th suspect in the indictment; She described her husband Mustafa Gökhan Böcek’s relationships with people and companies doing business with the municipality, with assets and money movements allegedly obtained through these relationships.

THE MESSAGE “EXPLAIN THE 75 MILLION YOU LAUNCHED” IS IN THE INDICTMENT…

Within the scope of the investigation, it was stated that 7 million 499 thousand liras in Zuhal Böcek’s account, which was considered to have been obtained from the crime of ‘Extortion’, was kept in a time deposit account, and together with the interest income, the amount reached 10 million 748 thousand 660 liras. It was stated that the luxury wristwatch seized from Zuhal Böcek was purchased in cash for 11 thousand 550 euros from the store in Antalya on April 19, 2025, but there was no cash withdrawal close to this amount in bank records.

The indictment also included the analysis of messages between Zuhal Böcek and Mustafa Gökhan Böcek via WhatsApp between 27 February 2025 and 5 July 2025. In the messages, Zuhal Böcek’s statements such as ‘Explain to Zeynep the 75 million you laundered’ and ‘How you transported cocaine in municipal cars’ were pointed out.

A new investigation was conducted against Antalya Metropolitan Municipality by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Within the scope of the investigation; Detention orders were issued for 34 suspects, including business people. Among the suspects; Muhittin Böcek, who was suspended from his duty as the Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and arrested within the scope of the ‘bribery’ and ‘extortion’ investigation, Metropolitan Municipality General Secretary and ANSET’s former director CT, who is in the hospital for treatment due to health problems, businessman MOK, who was previously arrested within the scope of the same investigation and released at the last hearing, ANSET Administrative and Financial Affairs Manager ANB, City History, Promotion and Tourism Department Head İ.O., ANET manager EKB, ANET Manager VN, Antalya Social Services Inc. General Manager KKT was also present.

It was also learned that there was a detention order against AB and DY, the directors of the Golden Orange Film Festival, GS, the director of the Gastronomy Festival, business people L.Ş., OB, NT, AKK, ND, AEE, KAB, Ç.S., MTA, İ.K., HK, HV, MEG, KYMLF, CM, municipality employee GK, KK, former municipality employee AA, company employees İ.Ö., AS, ASAT employee AG. It was learned that there was also a detention order for Durmuş Ali Arslan, who previously served as the Head of the City History, Promotion and Tourism Department, but was released from prison on murder charges.

PUBLIC DAMAGE OF 113 MILLION 426 THOUSAND TL

It was stated that 27 of the 34 suspects for whom detention orders were issued within the scope of the investigation against ANSET, a subsidiary of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, were detained. It was reported that 2 of the suspects were in prison and 2 were abroad. It was noted that efforts to capture the 3 suspects continue. It was stated that money transfers were detected among the suspects, who were accused of ‘tender rigging’, ‘bribery’ and ‘laundering of criminal proceeds’, for the purpose of laundering the proceeds of crime, and a public loss of 113 million 426 thousand TL was caused.