CHP Mersin deputy Ali Mahir Basarir attempted a dirty provocation by targeting young people in his speech in the Parliament. Basarir used statements aimed at creating a perception that young people are heading abroad and experiencing hopelessness in the country.” AK Party Ankara Deputy Zehranur Aydemir reacted to CHP’s Ali Mahir Basarir’s statements. Aydemir said, “We are everywhere today, and we will continue to be so, because we have a strong leader behind us, our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.”

AK Party Ankara Deputy Zehranur Aydemir, who spoke at the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, said, “In the last twenty-five years, the number of our universities has been increased to 208; we abolished the fees, ended the coefficient tyranny, lifted the headscarf ban; we abolished the interest and inflation difference in KYK loan repayments; 100 thousand young people benefited from the National Internship Program; 6 thousand university communities benefited from ÜNİDES in the last two years alone; “220 thousand young people had the opportunity to work with the İŞKUR Youth Program; more than 140 thousand young people established their homes with the Family and Youth Fund and many more.”

Aydemir, the youngest member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, who came face to face with CHP’s Ali Mahir Basarir after his statement, said, “Today, I spoke at the podium of the General Assembly, representing the AK Party, as Türkiye’s youngest MP. Many young people are interested in politics, young people are trained in politics, but when you look at it, you are the ones who prevent many more young people from being here in politics, Mr. Ali Mahir Basarir. Today, young people, if even your own Youth Branch President is not on this podium, it means that you are on these lists. “You did not include young people. As young people, we are pioneers in every field of Türkiye, we are the dominant actor in the defense industry, we are also the dominant actor in sports, we are everywhere today, and we will continue to be so, because we have a strong leader behind us, our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” he said.

INVITATION TO ETNOSPOR CULTURE FESTIVAL

While completing his speech, Bilal Erdoğan invited the students to the Ethnosport Culture Festival, which will start tomorrow.

Rector Prof. Dr. In his statement to the press about the event, Atilla Arkan said that they provide education in 3 languages, English, Arabic and Turkish, and that 30 percent of their students are international.

Stating that international students mean Türkiye’s strength, human resources and soft power, Arkan explained that Türkiye can reach 7 continents in this way.

Stating that in order to successfully emerge from a world of chaos, conflicts and global competition, all nations need to build an environment of qualified collaboration and solidarity with good people, intellectuals and thinkers, Arkan said, “The best way to do this is education. Here, we train intellectuals, thinkers, public policy managers and leaders not only of our own country but also of other countries. Therefore, we attach great importance to the international day in this sense.” he said.

Following the speeches, the video message sent by United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed for the event was watched.

The event will last all day with panels, cultural shows and music concerts.

Consuls general of some countries in Türkiye, vice-consuls, rectors of some universities, representatives of institutions and organizations, academicians and students attended the opening of the event.

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi, in his post on his NSocyal account, stated that he strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters, and the unlawful detention of activists. Emphasizing that ill-treatment of civilians is a clear violation of human rights, dignity and international law, Çiftçi said:

“Tying the hands of activists, subjecting them to humiliating treatment and subjecting them to psychological pressure is not a situation that any conscientious person can accept. As our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, ‘The world is bigger than five.’ No system of oppression that disregards the conscience of humanity will survive forever. These illegal practices aimed at silencing the voices of the oppressed will find the response they deserve in the common conscience of humanity and in the presence of history. “I call on the Israeli administration to immediately abandon these practices that disregard international law, to release all detained activists as soon as possible and to act in accordance with human rights.”

The festival, which will be held at Istanbul Ataturk Airport between 21-24 May, will offer participants a multi-dimensional experience by bringing together traditional sports, cultural heritage and social values ​​under the same roof.

The festival, which grows on a global scale with increasing interest every year, will be one of the strong platforms of intercultural interaction by bringing together participants from different geographies in Istanbul this year.

TRADITIONAL SPORTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Ethnosport Culture Festival will continue to be one of the strong platforms of intercultural interaction by bringing together participants from different geographies in Istanbul this year.

Traditional sports, games and cultural shows from a wide geography from Japan to Kazakhstan, from Azerbaijan to Lithuania, from Russia to Kyrgyzstan will take place in the festival area.

This year, visitors will have the chance to experience traditional sports such as Ripka (Lithuania), Lapta (Russia), Zorkhana (Azerbaijan) and Tavreli (Russia) for the first time at the festival.

EXPERIENCE, PARTICIPATION AND MEMORY

Ethnosport Culture Festival goes beyond being a classic event and invites its visitors to active participation.

Contents offered in the fields of traditional sports and games, performing arts, handicrafts and gastronomy; It brings together the knowledge of tradition with today’s experience.

Participants will be able to experience traditional sports such as archery and horseback riding, and have direct contact with cultural heritage as part of production in the workshop areas. The festival area will turn into a cultural atmosphere that is experienced rather than watched.

FREE EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

The 8th Ethnosport Culture Festival will offer events for visitors of all ages.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience many traditional sports and games, such as archery and horse riding, free of charge, accompanied by professionals.

At the same time, participants will gain experience in traditional arts in the workshops in this area. During the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about traditional sports, local flavors and games, as well as nature and animal communication.

WORLD CULTURES MEET IN ISTANBUL

With participants from different countries, the festival will strengthen its multicultural structure and offer visitors a unique area of ​​discovery.

The events, where each country reflects its own cultural texture, will reveal a wide perspective from traditional lifestyles to arts.

Thanks to the camp areas, hair tents and thematic experience areas, visitors will have the opportunity to closely observe the traces of traditional life.

INCLUSIVE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Ethnosport Culture Festival stands out with its inclusive structure that appeals to visitors of all ages and walks of life.

Special activity areas for children, experiences where families can spend time together and interactive games constitute an important part of the festival.

With special events designed for disadvantaged groups, accessible workshops and stage performances, the festival will aim to provide an equal and meaningful experience area for everyone.

FAMILY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCE AREAS

Special areas created within the scope of the festival draw attention to the role of the family in transferring cultural heritage from generation to generation.

Activities that families can experience together offer a structure that strengthens common memory and sense of belonging.

Ethnosport Culture Festival is not just an event; It stands out as a strong meeting point that supports cultural continuity, keeps social memory alive and carries traditional values ​​to the future.

The organization, which will be held in Istanbul, invites its visitors to reconnect with tradition.

CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS AND THE RIGHT TO PLAY

Special playgrounds, workshops and stage events were prepared for children at the festival.

Dozens of activities will be held for children in the event, where it is important for children to learn by playing, to be introduced to traditional games and to establish ties with cultural values.

“Every child has the right to play.” The organization operates with the understanding that it is important for children to meet in a safe, educational and culturally rich environment.

SOLIDARITY OFFICE

“Solidarity Obası” will be established at the festival this year too.

Social awareness activities will be carried out together with non-governmental organizations in this field.

During the organization, interviews, workshops and various events will be held in order to draw attention to the human tragedies experienced in oppressed geographies, especially Gaza.

GREAT PARTICIPATION

In addition to Türkiye, the following countries will take part in the festival, which will be held at Ataturk Airport:

Japan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Spain, Lithuania, Russia, Italy, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Bangladesh, Georgia, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tanzania, Palestine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Algeria, Morocco

Gagauz Turks, Bashkirs and Turkmen culture will also meet with the participants in the organization.

STAGE PERFORMANCES AND CULTURAL EVENTS

Ethnosport Culture Festival will host its visitors with artists, musical ensembles and cultural performances from all over the world.

This year, the festival will include Kazakh artist Dimash, Nippon Taiko Group from Japan, Tennure artist Anas Aladas from Egypt, Jetisu Sazı from Kazakhstan, Alatau Series, Hassak Ethno Folk Group, Natiq Rhythm Group from Azerbaijan, Nuray Şuşalı Hacızade, Kolay Sess from Gagauz Turks, Ay Yola from Bashkirs, Vigüela from Spain, Salamat from Kyrgyzstan. Sadykova, Shanyrak Ethno Music Ensemble, Fadıl Aydın, Resul Aydemir, Grup Nefes, Ekin Uzunlar, Kıraç will meet with the visitors at the Türk Telekom Main Stage.

Erhan Afyoncu, Musti Kusti, Hatice Kübra Tongar, Sertaç Abi, Saniye Bencik Kangal, Altay Cem Meriç, Kemal Sayar and Ömer Demirbağ will meet with the visitors in the Family Tent talks.

In the festival area, traditional folk dance teams, street shows, street music, stage performances and cultural events will continue throughout the day.

In the question-answer part of the press briefing held in Seferihisar within the scope of the Distinguished Observer Day of the EFES-2026 Exercise by the Press and Public Relations Consultancy of the Ministry of National Defense, information was shared including the status of the air defense systems deployed in Türkiye, strategic projects submitted to NATO and current developments regarding the EFES-2026 Exercise.

In the statement made by the Ministry, it was emphasized that activities related to air defense systems were planned in coordination with allied countries. The statement stated that the security environment in the region is closely monitored and the following statements were made:

In addition to the Spanish Patriot air defense system operating in our country, one of the two additional Patriot systems assigned by NATO due to the conflicts between the USA, Israel and Iran will be replaced by Germany. The change in question is planned to be completed in June, and the relevant system is expected to operate for approximately six months. The process will continue in coordination with allies in line with current security assessments.

“Cost effective” energy proposal from Türkiye to NATO

The Ministry announced that a “NATO Fuel Pipeline Project” proposal was made in order to strengthen energy supply security on NATO’s eastern flank. It was emphasized that the project, which aims to reduce dependence on seaborne fuel transportation in parallel with the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, is 5 times more cost-effective than its alternatives and can be implemented in a shorter time.

Historical participation in Exercise EFES-2026: Libya and Syria

Remarkable information was shared about the ongoing EFES-2026 Exercise hosted by Türkiye. It was stated that in line with the goal of “One Libya, One Army”, the Libyan army participated in its first exercise outside its territory in Türkiye. It was noted that a total of 502 personnel, 331 from the east of Libya and 171 from the west, received joint training with the Turkish Armed Forces during the exercise.

At the same time, it was stated that the Syrian army took part in EFES-2026 with a core element, participating in an exercise outside its own territory for the first time, and that training support for the Syrian army will continue.

Strategic cooperation with Germany deepens

In the statement, which also touched upon the positive relations that have developed with Germany recently, it was stated that European countries evaluate Türkiye’s strategic role in the European security architecture more strongly and attach importance to deepening defense cooperation.

The ‘Corruption’ investigation against Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was suspended from his post as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and arrested, was completed and a 3,809-page indictment was prepared on November 11, 2025.

Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is mentioned as the ‘leader of the organization’ in the indictment; ‘Establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime’, ‘Bribery’, ‘Laundering of proceeds of crime’, ‘Fraud to the detriment of public institutions and organizations’, ‘Recording personal data’, ‘Seizing and disseminating personal data’, ‘Hiding evidence of crime’, ‘Preventing communications’, ‘Damaging public property’, ‘Taking bribes’, ‘Publicly disseminating misleading information to the public’, It was claimed that he committed the crimes of ‘Extortion’, ‘Laundering of assets resulting from crime’, ‘Tender rigging’, ‘Deliberate pollution of the environment’, ‘Opposition to the tax procedure law’, ‘Opposition to the forest law’ and ‘Opposition to the mining law’. It is requested that İmamoğlu be sentenced to imprisonment from 828 years and 2 months to 2,352 years for 142 actions.

KENT A.Ş. GENERAL MANAGER SERDAL TASHKIN MAKES A DEFENSE

The trial, in which 414 defendants are on trial, 77 of whom are detained and 5 of whom are “complainant defendants”, continues on its 40th day. The hearing started with the defense of Serdal Taşkın, the former General Manager of IMM subsidiary Kültür A.Ş. and IMM Communication Coordinator.