President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sent a message to the opening of the Turkic World Week held in Baku on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the First Turcology Congress. Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı read Erdoğan’s message.

Wishing the event to be successful and beneficial for the Turkish world, President Erdoğan stated in his message that a century ago, intellectuals from different regions of the Turkish world aimed to strengthen a common historical and civilizational awareness in Baku on the basis of positive sciences.

Erdoğan pointed out that the intellectuals who participated in the First Turkology Congress demonstrated an astute will and vision through their consultations and decisions, as well as academic studies that shed light on today, and said:

“It is our common responsibility to keep this ideal, which the Baku Congress bequeathed to us, alive in every corner of our heartland, to strengthen it and to pass it on to future generations. As a matter of fact, we are deepening and diversifying our activities within the Turkish cooperation organizations, which are the manifestations of our institutional cooperation in the Turkish world, day by day, inspired by the great thinker İsmail Gaspirali’s motto ‘unity in language, thought and work’.”

Emphasizing that they continue to see the vision put forward by the Baku Congress as a beacon illuminating their path throughout this process, Erdoğan said, “Türkiye’s sincere wish is for the Turkish world to protect our common history, language and culture, and to build the Turkish Century with the strength we draw from our ancient past. In this context, we will make the Ankara Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, which we will organize next autumn and take over the term presidency from Azerbaijan, as a turning point that will guide our goal of integrating the Turkic world.” “We are working with all our strength to bring it.” he said.

Erdoğan underlined that it is not a coincidence that this event, like the First Turcology Congress, was held in Baku and made the following statements:

“Azerbaijan, one of the strongest advocates of the unity and solidarity of the Turkic world, continues to contribute to the common goals of the Turkish states today. With these thoughts, I congratulate all institutions and organizations of Azerbaijan who contributed to the organization of this event. On the occasion of the congress, I commemorate our ancestors who participated in the First Turcology Congress, and I pray that God will always preserve our unity, solidarity and brotherhood.”

Breaking news! President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “The massacres we have witnessed recently, especially those in Gaza and Lebanon, have caused deep wounds in the conscience of humanity, while at the same time they have destroyed the reputation of international institutions and institutions. I think it is not possible to explain the current situation with old concepts without seeing this dimension of the new era. I believe that in this environment, both NATO’s preservation of deterrence and the strengthening of solidarity between allies have become more critical.” he said.

In his speech at the NATO Parliamentary Summit in Istanbul, Erdoğan said that he was very pleased to meet with the participants in Istanbul, the crossroads of continents and cultures.

Expressing his hope that the NATO Parliamentary Summit will be productive, Erdoğan thanked everyone who will contribute to the summit.

Stating that he believes that this important meeting has a special meaning before the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7-8, Erdoğan said, “I congratulate those who contributed to the organization of this summit, which I see as a distinguished sign of cooperation and solidarity between the parliaments of allied countries, and wish you success in your work.” he said.

Last Minute | Remarkable ‘NATO’ message from President Erdoğan: Türkiye is one of the countries that best reads the spirit of the new era! | Video

Erdoğan said, “Euro-Atlantic security is going through a historical turning point. Threats such as war, crisis, terrorism and irregular migration, especially on the eastern and southeastern borders of our alliance, require us to reshape our understanding of security. While old patterns and old presuppositions are being destroyed one by one, it is not yet known what will replace them. It is a period of uncertainty where tension instead of stability, chaos instead of order increases, predictability decreases, and no one can predict what will happen in the morning.” “We’re in the middle of it.” made his assessment.

Underlining that the current definitions describing the global system and politics have largely lost their meaning in today’s world, Erdoğan said, “The massacres we have witnessed recently, especially those in Gaza and Lebanon, have caused deep wounds in the conscience of humanity, while at the same time they have destroyed the reputation of international institutions and theories. I think it is not possible to explain the current situation with old concepts without seeing this dimension of the new era. I believe that in this environment, both NATO’s preservation of deterrence and the strengthening of solidarity between allies have become more critical.” he said.

Emphasizing that the current geopolitical equation increases the importance of NATO’s role, Erdoğan said, “As Turkey, we are one of the countries that best understand the spirit of the new era. Turkey, which has a land border of more than 1800 kilometers with crisis areas, has been one of the allies that has contributed to the security of NATO for more than 70 years with its strong army, modern military capabilities and advanced defense industry. We take an active part in NATO missions and support the maintenance of peace and stability. We demonstrate our exceptional ability to manage regional crises, “We share our vast experience both within NATO and with our allies. The Ankara Summit will be the strongest basis for sharing experience.” shared his opinion.

President Erdoğan stated that they observed that there was intense interest in the Ankara Summit not only among the allies but also around the world, and said:

“As parliamentarians, you undertake a very important responsibility to guarantee the right to life, which is one of the most fundamental human rights. Our people’s demand from us is to create conditions that will enable future generations to live in peace, prosperity and peace. Our main expectation from the summit is to achieve results that take into account the national security sensitivities of the allies and strengthen the alliance solidarity and spirit of unity.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “We are increasing our defense expenditures in line with the commitments we accepted at the Hague Summit, and we are among the top 5 allies that contribute the most to NATO missions and operations.” he said.

In his speech at the NATO Parliamentary Summit in Istanbul, Erdoğan said that as the leader of a country that has successfully fought against terrorism for many years and is now working to end terrorism completely, he has high expectations from the alliance in this field.

Erdoğan said, “If we want to combat the challenges we face, we need to remove the obstacles to defense industry trade while sharing the burden among the allies in a balanced and fair manner. Implementation of the decisions we have taken at previous summits on both main topics is very, very important in this regard. We are doing our part in terms of burden sharing, and we will continue to do so. Finally, we are increasing our defense expenditures in line with the commitments we accepted at the Hague Summit, the first one that contributes the most to NATO missions and operations.” “We are among the 5 allies.” he said.

Emphasizing that despite these contributions of Türkiye, the indispensable benefits it provides to European security have been ignored in some cases, Erdoğan said, “As one of the countries that have a say in the development of the European pillar of the alliance, we have the will to be involved in all defense and security initiatives on the continent. We expect the close attention and support of you, the parliamentarians, regarding the inclusion of Türkiye in the defense and security initiatives announced by the European Union. Excluding Türkiye’s capacity in the field of defense due to narrow political interests does not benefit anyone. At this point, the alliance-wide goal, extending from Texas to Ankara, “We must create a but-free security and defense network.” he said.

“OUR ALLIES AND GUESTS WILL HAVE SEEN THE SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE CREATED BY Türkiye IN THE FIELD OF DEFENSE INDUSTRY IN A SHORT TIME”

Pointing out that another distinguishing feature of the Ankara Summit is its emphasis on defense industry cooperation, Erdoğan said, “At the NATO Defense Industry Forum, which we will organize within the scope of the summit, we will exhibit our advanced products and, on the other hand, discuss measures that will make this cooperation much more effective. Our allies and guests will see the significant distance Türkiye has covered in the field of defense industry in a short time. In addition, in accordance with NATO’s 360-degree approach to security, we will discuss global issues, especially Ukraine, Iran, the Gulf and Palestine.” “We will also evaluate regional developments. At this point, we will continue to provide the necessary contributions, together with friendly and brotherly countries, as well as Pakistan and Qatar, to conclude the ceasefire between the United States and Iran with a permanent solution.” shared his knowledge.

“An INDEPENDENT, SOVEREIGN PALESTINE STATE WITH TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY MUST BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE 1967 BORDERS”

Stating that they are closely following the attacks, especially those targeting Lebanon, which aim to undermine the agreement that gave the region and the world a sigh of relief, Erdoğan said:

“We expect your support in preventing the provocations of the genocide network, which cannot tolerate the stabilization of our region and even sees this as a threat to its own security. The Palestine issue lies at the basis of the tensions in the Middle East. Unfortunately, permanent peace cannot be achieved in our region without ending the occupation and Israel’s ever-increasing land grab. The door to permanent peace is the two-state solution. An independent, sovereign Palestinian State with territorial integrity must be established on the 1967 borders. In this process, you Parliamentarians also have important duties. Here, I would like to draw your attention to the following: Turkey is a strong country with the experience of providing communication simultaneously with its history, social structure and geostrategic location, with a wide geography extending from Europe to Asia and from the Balkans to Africa. We wish to use this potential to the maximum extent for regional peace and world peace.”

President Erdoğan said, “I would especially like to emphasize that we need to get results in the coming period regarding the solution of the Russia-Ukraine war through dialogue. We will continue to actively contribute to the peace efforts as an ally that has gained the trust of both parties with its fair stance that can talk to both sides and initiates the processes that yield results. In conclusion, I wish you success in your work, including your inspection tour to our defense industry companies today. I congratulate our Presidency of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on this beautiful meeting.” “I thank you. I hope that your consultations and the decisions you make will be beneficial for our alliance and world peace.” He said his words.

Later in the program, a family photo was taken with the participation of President Erdoğan within the scope of the NATO Parliamentary Summit hosted by the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Numan Kurtulmuş.

6 suspects, including Şile Mayor Özgür Kabadayı, were detained on July 10, 2025, within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Terrorism and Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau of the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against Şile Municipality for the crimes of “establishing an organization to commit a crime”, “extortion”, “bribery” and “tender rigging”. Mayor Kabadayı, Oğuz Kaçmaz, Tuncay Tolga Özçakmak, Ali Şafak and Evren Buçhan were arrested, and Aslı Kotan was released with a judicial control order. Following the review of HTS records and account movements in the MASAK report, 22 suspects were detained with the second wave operation on December 23, 2025, 15 of them were arrested, and 7 of them were released by applying the judicial control provisions. After it was determined that there were irregularities in direct procurement, zoning, license and settlement procedures in Şile Municipality and that unfair benefits were obtained by taking bribes, a third wave operation was carried out on Friday, June 26, at the addresses determined in Istanbul and Izmir. In this operation, 16 suspects were detained, and with the capture of 1 more suspect, the number of detentions increased to 17.

HE WAS REFERRED TO THE COURTHOUSE

Among the names detained within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Koşan Adam Company Owner Berkant Emergency, brother of singer Haluk Levent, and a total of 17 suspects were sent to the courthouse.

The 2235th anniversary of the establishment of the Land Forces Command was celebrated with a ceremony held in Ankara.

A ceremony was held at the Land Forces Command Headquarters on the occasion of the 2235th anniversary of the establishment of the Land Forces Command. Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel, relatives of martyrs, veterans, veterans’ relatives, Land Forces Headquarters personnel and their families attended the program. The program started with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, followed by prayers.

At the ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s congratulatory telegram was read.

In his message, Erdogan said, “I congratulate the founding anniversary of our Land Forces Command, the apple of our heroic army’s eye and the source of trust and pride of our nation.”

Stating that the Land Forces are the guarantee of the survival of the state and the peace and security of the nation with their centuries-old history, superior sense of discipline, high sense of duty and history full of glorious victories, President Erdoğan said, “Our heroic Mehmetçik, who wrote epics in the defense of our homeland from Malazgirt to Çanakkale, from Sakarya to the present day, is still performing his duty with the same faith, perseverance and determination.”

Emphasizing that the Land Forces, which are becoming stronger day by day with the opportunities of the local and national defense industry in line with the targets of the Turkish Century, make significant contributions to the country’s deterrence and regional peace, President Erdoğan said, “I congratulate all members of our Land Forces Command, and remember with mercy our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and our heroic veterans with gratitude. I wish health, success and success to all our personnel on duty.”

Following President Erdoğan’s message, congratulatory telegrams from Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu were shared with the participants.

Commander of the Land Forces, General Metin Tokel, also made a speech within the scope of the program.

Tokel stated that the foundations of the Land Forces were laid by Mete Han 2235 years ago and that it is a big family with its deep-rooted history, strong traditions and unshakable spirit of solidarity.

Pointing out that the Land Forces are one of the most established military organizations in the world, Tokel said, “Our Land Forces, which have served for the peace, security and independence of our nation throughout history, have always been by our nation’s side and at its command, with the strength and high sense of duty it draws from its deep-rooted past.”

Emphasizing that Sheikh Edebali’s saying “Let the people live so that the state lives” still forms the basis of their understanding of duty today, Tokel stated that they see the welfare of the staff, their professional development and strengthening the sense of corporate belonging among their priorities.

Expressing that Türkiye is the legacy of martyrs and veterans, Tokel stated that they prepared the Land Forces for the second century of the Republic under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with the inspiration they received from the historical heritage extending from Mete Khan to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Tokel said, “We are trying to strengthen our Land Forces and further increase our deterrence in the world with the capabilities required by the changing security environment. In this context, we continue to accelerate our work with determination and effort.”

Stating that today’s security environment has turned into a multidimensional structure, Tokel said that in addition to land, air and sea operation areas, space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum have become integral elements of the battlefield.

Tokel added that in this context, they have made significant progress in areas such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence-supported technologies, electronic warfare, cyber security, air defense systems and long-range precision strike capability.

Mehteran Union gave a concert within the scope of the ceremony. During the concert, the Equestrian Sports Training Center Union paraded with flags representing the 16 Turkish states established in history. Following the program, a commemorative object was presented to the Commander of the Land Forces, General Metin Tokel, to commemorate the day.
Within the scope of the event, participants also took photos with KİRPİ, Sikorsky, Mehteran Corps and the commando branch and watched the demonstrations of bomb detection and search and rescue dogs. Pastries, bread and soup prepared in ERAY kitchen and GÖKBERK field oven were served to the participants. At the end of the program, the guests visited the stands displaying national defense industry products and received information from the authorities.

Breaking news… AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik said, “Israel continues to threaten regional peace and global order. Those who remain silent in the face of Israel’s aggression today will have to face Israeli aggression tomorrow.”

AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated the following in his post on his social media account:

We condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s attacks targeting Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

These attacks are violations of all agreements. It is a new wave of threat to regional peace. It is an aggression towards the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.

The international community must take strong steps against these lawless attacks by Israel.

Israel continues to threaten regional peace and global order.
Those who remain silent in the face of Israeli aggression today will have to face Israeli aggression tomorrow.

Israel’s attacks targeting Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in the strongest possible way…

— Ömer Çelik (@omerrcelik) June 29, 2026

Within the scope of the ‘Our Local Delicacies Project with Women’s Handicrafts in the City of Religions and Languages’ prepared by Midyat District Governorate in Mardin and supported by Dicle Development Agency (DİKA), a local delicacies cafe and handicrafts sales store was opened in the stone mansion next to the historical State Guest House. Within the scope of the project, 15 women will be employed in the cafeteria that will operate in the historical mansion, and visitors will be offered local delicacies such as stuffed meatballs, sembusek, pancake varieties, stuffed ribs, mehir soup, homemade basil sherbet and lemonade. In addition, filigree products, embroidery works, decorative ornaments and various handicraft products prepared by approximately 250 women who produce at the Family Support Center courses within Midyat Public Education Center will also be sold.

WE ARE WAITING FOR EVERYONE
Midyat District Governor Mehmet Kaya stated that the center contributes to the participation of women in economic life and said, “A very nice project has emerged with a local products sales place, kitchen and cafeteria. I am waiting for all our citizens. Many local products are offered for sale in our cooperative. We will always continue to support our women. As long as our women produce, our women create added value. As a state, we are always with our women.” Midyat Women’s Enterprise, Production and Business Cooperative President Gülten Erol said, “15 women are actively working in our cooperative. We cook very delicious food here. We offer many local delicacies to our guests. We invite all local and foreign tourists to introduce Midyat’s historical atmosphere and culinary culture.” DHA

‘WE ARE EXPERIENCED THE HAPPINESS OF PRODUCING’
Safiye Çelik, one of the women working within the CO-OPERATIVE, expressed her satisfaction with the project and said, “We make pancakes here, wrap them in vine leaves and serve them to our guests. We both contribute to our family budget and experience the happiness of producing in a social environment.” Türkan Tunç said, “Our prices are affordable. This place has become an important source of income for us. We had the opportunity to turn our labor into profit.”