In his speech at the “Muslim Impact Forum 2026” held in a private hotel in Ataköy, Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran said that he was very pleased to host the participants in Istanbul, one of the ancient centers of Islamic civilization.

Stating that the world is going through a deep transformation process today, Duran explained that 20 years ago, this situation could have been considered a normal change in the international system.

Duran, however, pointed out that the situation they are facing today is much more dire and said, “Wars, genocides, pandemics and the gradual weakening of trust in international institutions and norms clearly show that a critical threshold has been crossed. We are indeed passing through a turning point. However, the main issue is that the international community and the institutions that were once considered the backbone of the global system do not have a clear forward-looking vision.” he said.

Emphasizing that there are only some signs, Duran noted that the first sign is clear, the great powers are no longer assuming great responsibilities, and the super powers are becoming increasingly reluctant to assume leadership responsibilities.

Presidential Communications Director Duran explained that the second sign is much more worrying and said: “In many cases, the founders of the old system have become its main destroyers today. They have committed crimes against humanity or tolerated the commission of these crimes. On the other hand, international institutions established to maintain stability and resolve conflicts are becoming increasingly ineffective.” he said.

“THE SPREAD OF MANIPULATION AND FALSE CONTENT IS INCREASING”

Emphasizing that an important dimension of this deep transformation is experienced in the field of communication, Duran stated that many people define the period they are in as a “Communication Age”, but he is of the opinion that they have left this phase behind.

Duran underlined that today, we are in a new era that can be described as the “age of narrative” and said, “In this new era, we are no longer talking about a competition that focuses only on communication, but a narrative competition that is shaped by how realities are framed, how they are interpreted and ultimately how they are accepted by the global public. Nowadays, any message can reach the whole world within seconds. The concept of ‘global village’ put forward by Marshall McLuhan has now become a daily reality for all of us.” made his assessment.

Pointing out that this speed and access capacity brings with it serious risks, Duran said that the spread of disinformation, manipulation and untrue content is gradually increasing, and these trends are blurring the boundaries between truth and lies.

Burhanettin Duran continued as follows:

“In this context, as the Presidency Directorate of Communications, we see the establishment of an information ecosystem based on accurate, confirmed and reliable information as one of our top priorities. Because today, in an environment of increasing uncertainty in the international system, wars are no longer waged not only on the front lines but also in minds, on screens and through perceptions. Fake videos, manipulated contents and organized propaganda networks constitute the new front lines of today’s conflicts. We have to express this clearly: In the age we live in, strategic communication is handled together with conflict areas and crises.” It is a fact that needs to be taken into consideration.”

Duran stated that, as Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, they strive to strengthen the capacity of a state that manages information rationally, shapes the future and acts with a strategic perspective against perception operations.

For this reason, Duran stated that Türkiye, with a perspective shaped by its geography and history, noticed the flaws in the system much earlier and voiced the call for reform before many other actors. “Turkey has played an important role as a mediator and peacekeeper in many of the most severe crises in the world, from the war in Iraq to the civil war in Syria, from the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia to the occupation of some parts of Georgia and Ukraine, from the nuclear crisis around Iran to the genocide in Gaza.” he said.

Duran noted that President Erdoğan’s message “The world is bigger than five” is a direct response to this crisis, and that this statement is a clear call for injustice, imbalance and dysfunction at the center of the global system.

Pointing out that while the international order was being built eighty years ago, the opportunity for Muslim countries and societies to direct this process was almost non-existent, Duran emphasized that international institutions did not provide a sufficient basis to reflect their centuries-old values, traditions and experiences.

Duran stated that for this reason, Muslim societies have become actors who are forced to adopt norms, not norm-setters, and that nearly 50 years ago, Edward Said, in his work “Orientalism”, revealed how Western narratives established a hegemonic relationship over the Middle East and the Islamic world.

Underlining that the representation of the other is never neutral, Duran stated that this representation determines who is considered civilized, who is labeled as backward, and who has the right to speak.

“WE MUST BECOME NORMS SETTER”

Duran mentioned that Said’s later work titled “Covering Islam” reveals how the Western media constantly frames the Islamic world through suspicion and stereotypes.

Pointing out that today, in this transition period, they are faced not only with risks but also with history and an opportunity, Duran said, “We have the opportunity to contribute to the emerging global order. Our duty is clear. We must become norm-makers. We have to bring our values ​​back into the system and overcome the defensive approaches imposed by Islamophobia and Western-centered thought.” he said.

Director of Communications Duran said that he would especially like to emphasize that when it comes to global narratives, technology companies, lobby groups, intelligence networks and digital platforms far from accountability are among the main actors.

Pointing out that these actors determine how conflicts will be framed, whose pain will be visible and whose voice will be ignored, Duran said, “This situation also offers an important opportunity. Muslim societies can reclaim their own narratives and tell their own stories. We have to make a determined effort to break the deep-rooted monopolies on the narrative. First of all, communication processes must include both strong states and active civil societies. Only the efforts of governments are not enough. Academics, journalists, artists and citizens must be an integral part of this process.” he said.

“MUSLIM COMMUNITIES SHOULD BE PROTECTED AGAINST DISINFORMATION”

Presidential Communications Director Duran said:

“Secondly, Muslim societies must be protected against disinformation. Digital literacy is now a must. Verification mechanisms and institutions that combat disinformation are critical in combating Islamophobia, prejudice and hate campaigns. Thirdly, we must build our own communication institutions. We cannot remain merely reacting once narratives have spread. We need to create media platforms, research centers and strategic communication structures that pre-produce reliable information. If we cannot tell our own story, others will continue to tell it on our behalf. And our story will continue to be told on our behalf.” “If they tell us, they will define our place in the world. Therefore, we must reclaim our own narrative, tell our story ourselves, and secure our deserved place in the world on our own terms.”

Hoping that the dialogue and cooperation established here will strengthen unity and solidarity in the Islamic world, Duran wished that the forum would lead to beneficial results for the Islamic world and all humanity.

CHP leader Özgür Özel, in his statement after the meeting with mayors in Ankara, said about Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, “She cannot go out on the streets in Aydın.”

AK Party Aydın Deputy Seda Sarıbaş responded to these words with a post on her social media account.

“THE SOUNDS OF OUR PRESIDENT’S HEELS SCARED YOU”

In his statement, Sarıbaş said, “The unfounded statements made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel about our Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu are an expression of political indigestion and helplessness. Obviously, the footsteps of our Mayor have frightened you…”

Sarıbaş continued his statement and said, “Mr. Özel should know this very well: Contrary to your imaginary claims, our President Özlem performs his duty with the blessings of our elderly, the sincere hearts of our youth and the unshakable trust of the people of Aydın. As AK Party cadres, with the strength we derive from our unity and solidarity, we continue to be with our fellow citizens of Aydın at every moment, walking from street to street, door to door, day and night.” he said.

“THE PEOPLE OF AYDIN ​​KNOW WELL WHO IS A REAL SERVICE LOVER”

In his statement, Sarıbaş emphasized that citizens will make the real evaluation beyond political debates and said, “You can continue to defend those who take corruption, lawlessness and profit-oriented politics as their way, and occupy the agenda with polemics disconnected from reality. However, the truth is the street itself and the people of Aydın know very well who is a real lover of service. Today, as in the past, those who have no place in the hearts of the nation and those who try to survive only with the politics of smear will be disappointed again. “You will lose again as always! We will continue to work non-stop at the service of our nation and in the service of Aydin.”

A new internal crisis broke out in the CHP, which is struggling with corruption investigations, the ‘Özkan Yalım’ scandal and absolute nullity discussions. Mine Kırıkkanat, one of the writers of Cumhuriyet Newspaper, used the phrase “Crypto sword residue” for former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in her tweet the other day. These words, which aroused the Alevi community, also caused an explosion of anger in the opposition within the party. CHP politicians and journalists close to Kılıçdaroğlu made statements one after another and lashed out at Kırıkkanat.

‘DELAYED’ CONDEMNATION FROM ÖZEL

On the other hand, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who remained silent for a long time, shared a condemnation message at 12 at night after the reactions intensified. In his short statement, Özel said, “This time, the so-called writer has attacked Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu excessively. The law of our former Chairman is primarily entrusted to me. I condemn it in one word.” Özel’s ‘delayed’ condemnation further fueled the crisis. While the opposition reacted to the long-term silence, people close to the headquarters asked: “Why is the chairman involved in these polemics?” His reaction drew attention.

KIRIKKANAT: FORGIVE MY IGNORANCE

Kırıkkanat, who made a new statement after the crisis, said, “I sincerely apologize to my Alevi friends. I did not know the history of the word ‘sword residue’. I said this in reference to Kılıçdaroğlu’s surname. Forgive my ignorance,” but he could not escape the reactions. Writing in the same newspaper, Prof. Dr. Veysel Ulusoy also criticized Kırıkkanat and said, “What kind of blindness, what kind of hatred is this? I condemn you as a Cumhuriyet writer. I emphasize that you do not suit our newspaper.”

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş answers questions regarding the agenda while being a guest on A Haber. How many days has maternity leave been increased? How will the social media ban be applied to those under the age of 15?

STATEMENTS OF MINISTER GÖKTAŞ:

Digitalization is developing very rapidly. We must protect our children. We must be careful about the harmful contents of digitalization. The 15-year-old regulation became law. Obligations will be imposed on the platforms. We made it obligatory for applications with more than 1 million followers to open a representative.

“ENTRY TO SOCIAL MEDIA WILL BE THROUGH E-GOVERNMENT”

Age verification for logging into social media will be done via e-government. We will also introduce parental controls to social network providers. We have introduced a representative requirement for games with more than 100 thousand game users.

“WE INCREASED MATERNITY LEAVES TO 24 WEEKS”

The psychological impact of school attacks will be reduced. We will identify risky families in advance. We increased maternity leaves to 24 weeks. Mothers who have not completed 24 weeks will also be able to benefit. Mothers currently on maternity leave will also be published. It will be published in the Official Gazette in the coming days.

DETAILS COMING…

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that they have maximized the institutional capacity to clarify the unsolved files and stated that, as a result of the scans they carried out throughout the country, they started a comprehensive investigation process regarding 638 files and 693 victims in 75 provinces. Gürlek made a statement on his social media account about the work on unsolved cases. Gürlek said:

THE MOST FILES ARE IN IZMIR
“In this context, we have maximized our institutional capacity to shed light on unsolved files. As a result of the scans we carried out across the country, we have initiated a comprehensive examination process regarding 638 files and 693 victims in 75 provinces. We will not allow impunity to occur with evidence-based, meticulous analysis and strong coordination.” On the other hand, according to information received from ministry sources, unsolved murders and victim cases were compiled one by one throughout the country within the scope of the study. It was determined that the most unsolved files were seen in Izmir. It was recorded that there were 49 files and 51 victims in Izmir, 34 files and 35 victims in Sakarya, and 30 files and 31 victims in Trabzon. An investigation was initiated for a total of 638 files and 693 victims.

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi met with representatives of newspapers and television channels and made statements about current events. Çiftçi said that there are 30 thousand guards within the General Directorate of Security and that these guards work after sunset. Noting that the authority for guards to work outside the night was given to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Çiftçi said, “I transferred this authority to our 81 provincial governors. The authority to determine their working hours is now with our provincial governors.” Mustafa Çiftçi announced that there are both guards and 50 thousand security guards, and in terrorism-free Türkiye, these village guards have begun to be used in places deemed appropriate by the governors or the gendarmerie. Highlights from Mustafa Çiftçi’s statements are as follows:

It falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education, but schools can be assigned security guards from the general budget. It can be considered as service procurement, that is, employment. We already have police in our first-degree and second-degree risky schools. We also have coordination officers in schools with third and fourth degree risk. So, if there is a problem, there are people to contact. This work will become a little more sustainable with our school police on the one hand, our night guards on the other hand, changing their working hours, our security guards, and perhaps the security staff to be given to the Ministry of National Education.

‘School safety’ meetings, which are currently held twice a year (February-September), will now be held regularly in the first week of each month under the coordination of our governors and district governors. All measures regarding school security will be evaluated at these meetings and will be implemented decisively in the field. A “security board” will be established in every school.

IT IS CARRIED OUT METICULOUSLY

The disappearance of Gülistan Doku is an extremely sensitive case that leaves a deep mark on the conscience of our nation. Our main priority in this file is to reveal the material truth in all its aspects and to reach a conclusion that will satisfy the public conscience. The investigation is being carried out meticulously under the coordination of the Tunceli Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. All evidence in the file is being re-evaluated. Technical and physical research is carried out simultaneously. The file is examined from multiple perspectives, taking into account different possibilities.

The fact that JASAT has brought to light 56 ​​unsolved intentional homicide cases and caught 83 escaped intentional homicide perpetrators in the last two years is an indication of the capacity and seriousness of this file. This knowledge and experience is used at the highest level in the Gülistan Doku file.

Between January 1 and April 16, 2026, 15 thousand 815 operations were carried out against drug production and trade. 13 thousand 247 people were arrested, and 5 thousand 102 people were released under judicial control. On the dates in question, 15.7 tons, 44.1 million units, 40 thousand root drugs were confiscated.

Since 2003, 97.2% of the intentional killings that occurred during our AK Party governments have been brought to light. There has been an extremely serious decrease, especially in unsolved cases, in recent years. There are no records of unsolved incidents in the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and the first 3 months and 16 days of 2026.

During the uninterrupted land search and scanning activities, 5 thousand 900 hours of UAV/IKU flights were made. 10 bunkers/shelters were identified and destroyed. Between January 1 and April 16, 2026, 83 terrorists from the PKK terrorist organization surrendered.

CAMERA SYSTEMS WILL BE INSTALLED
In the circular regarding security measures for schools and surrounding areas sent by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to 81 provinces, it was stated that camera systems would be installed in schools to see the inside and surroundings of the school. In the circular, it was stated that “Camera systems will be installed in schools to see the school and its surroundings, and existing security camera systems will be kept active. Additional doors that are not mandatory for the entry and exit of students and visitors will be closed and entrances and exits will be made in a controlled manner from a single door.”