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Son, whistleblower expose alleged dirt on Turkish lawmaker

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New Party (YP) lawmaker Mustafa Sarıgül faces further legal troubles as his son and a family associate have told investigators about alleged corruption and bribery involving the politician. The former mayor of Istanbul’s Şişli district, who founded a political party and served as a lawmaker first for the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and later for the YP, saw his sons and close associates detained last month over allegations of money laundering. Sarıgül left the party last week as the investigation closed in on the lawmaker, who currently retains parliamentary immunity.

His son, Emir Sarıgül, has cooperated with authorities, according to a report by the Sabah newspaper, alleging that his father bribed YP leader Özgür Özel to secure his position. He said his father had handed Özel a total of $350,000 in cash concealed among gift packages.

Emir Sarıgül was one of 24 suspects detained last month as part of an investigation into the Sarıgül family over allegations of money laundering and unexplained wealth. He recently gave an additional statement to prosecutors, detailing the hundreds of thousands of dollars allegedly handed directly to Özel.

“I know that during the establishment of the New Party, $250,000 was left inside a vehicle belonging to Özgür Özel to cover the interior furnishing of the party’s headquarters. The money was handed over outside a restaurant in Ümitköy, Ankara. My father and Özgür Özel had dinner that day with a group of six or seven members of parliament. As they left the restaurant, my father personally placed the $250,000 in the back of Özgür Özel’s vehicle. He told me this himself.

“He also told me that Özel had been given another $100,000 in cash last month. At the time, my father told me that Özgür Özel would be coming to his house in Ankara for dinner. He asked me to buy two scarves from a store. I purchased them and handed them to my father. He then placed $100,000 inside the scarf package at his house in Istanbul. The scarves were placed alongside the money. We then prepared the package as a gift.

“He took the package and drove to Istanbul Airport in his own vehicle. He flew to Ankara, first stopping by Parliament before going to his house in Ümitköy. Özel came over for dinner that evening, and the money was handed to him in person. My father told me about it the following day,” he said.

Özel’s name has been repeatedly linked to bribery allegations dating back to his tenure as head of the CHP. Figures close to Özel already face charges of bribing delegates to secure their votes for him in the party’s 2023 internal election, which brought him to power. Muhittin Böcek, the former mayor of Antalya who was arrested on corruption charges, has also claimed that he repeatedly delivered cash to Özel in secret to secure his nomination as the CHP’s candidate in the 2024 municipal elections.

Cihan Tunç, a family associate who was detained as part of the money-laundering investigation, also detailed the Sarıgül family’s alleged shady dealings in his testimony to investigators, according to a report by the Hürriyet newspaper. He alleged that the Sarıgüls had transported gold and diamonds purchased at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar abroad aboard private jets.

Saying he had known Emir Sarıgül for 25 years, Tunç alleged that after Mustafa Sarıgül became mayor of Şişli, he had a private office allocated to his son on the municipality’s sixth floor, where Emir began following up on various business matters.

“During the period when many construction projects were underway, Emir Sarıgül would meet with the owners of those projects there. Davut Kaymak served as the municipality’s information technology director both during Mustafa Sarıgül’s tenure and before it. I had heard from people inside the municipality that this individual altered the dates of tax payments made by citizens and deleted certain records. I suspect these changes may have been related to zoning procedures,” he said, implying that Sarıgül may have received bribes in exchange for zoning permits.

Tunç also claimed that Beşir Ömer Demir, Mustafa Sarıgül’s personal bodyguard, was given an apartment in Istanbul in exchange for his silence. Leaked footage allegedly showing the lawmaker and Demir having sex surfaced earlier, although Sarıgül denied its authenticity. Demir was also detained as part of the investigation and admitted that he had been involved in a longstanding sexual relationship with Sarıgül, but said he had been afraid to come forward earlier.

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Türkiye pushes for Russia-Ukraine peace amid warning of expansion

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Istanbul on Saturday, where he met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for talks focusing on Black Sea grain corridor and maritime safety.

Also on Saturday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who was in the U.S. city of Atlanta for a G-20 foreign ministers’ meeting, called on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to make a deal to reach a peace agreement, warning that the nearly five-year war has inflicted enormous damage on the global economy and carries the risk of further regional escalation.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) and broadcaster TRT on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting, Fidan said the economic and social costs of the conflict have become increasingly difficult to ignore, particularly for European countries. “These wars are no longer sustainable. Therefore, Russia and Ukraine must reach an agreement,” he said.

He added that a lasting settlement would require not only peace between Russia and Ukraine but also an improved relationship between Russia and Europe.

“A constructive relationship between Europe and Russia needs to be redefined in the aftermath of peace. This is because any peace agreement that Ukraine reaches with Russia will not be limited to those two countries alone. In a sense, Europe also needs to reconcile with Russia and restart certain aspects of their relationship. This is important,” Fidan stressed.

Fidan warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had significantly compounded the economic consequences of the Ukraine war, further disrupting energy supplies and international trade. He said the interconnected nature of the global economy made it “increasingly difficult” to calculate the full financial impact of these disruptions. European industries had long benefited from relatively inexpensive Russian energy, which supported manufacturing, exports, and related financial activities. The breakdown of these economic connections has created far-reaching consequences, he explained. He stressed that the mounting economic burden must be brought to an end.

Fidan also expressed concern over disruptions to commercial shipping in the Black Sea, noting that Russian and Ukrainian grain and energy supplies are struggling to reach international markets. “Food security, in particular, is an incredibly problematic issue. It needs to be brought to a halt as soon as possible.”

He said Türkiye is continuing intensive diplomatic contacts and making substantial efforts to facilitate the transportation of grain from the Black Sea to international markets.

Fidan said the Ukraine war has caused significant human suffering alongside its economic and geostrategic consequences. He voiced concern that the conflict could spread further if international efforts fail to stop it.

He said many of the scenarios Türkiye had previously feared of the war expanding had already materialized.

“If we do not stop it, the conflict could expand further, a scenario we certainly do not wish to see. To be frank, we are warning both international and regional actors about this. For our part, we will continue to do everything we can,” he said.

Using its good relations with both Russia and Ukraine, Türkiye has continued to position itself as a diplomatic interlocutor in efforts to end the war and address its broader regional and international consequences.

In a joint news conference with Zelenskyy on Saturday, President Erdoğan stated that attacks on civilian vessels could further escalate tensions in Black Sea, which would serve no one’s interests.

Underlining that their meeting also addressed ensuring Black Sea maritime safety, Erdoğan said that Ankara has been “actively” working to protect maritime safety and stability.

“However, in parallel with the recent escalation, we are witnessing the conflict spreading into the Black Sea,” he said. “We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification they may offer,” he added, urging both parties to act responsibly and conduct themselves accordingly.

The Turkish president vowed that Ankara would continue to hold talks with both sides on restoring safety in the Black Sea.

Erdoğan underlined that the talks between Ukraine and Russia, hosted by Türkiye, had shown that concrete results can be achieved through diplomacy. “Even at this stage, we maintain that there can be no losers in a just peace,” he said. The Turkish leader expressed Ankara’s readiness to make “every possible effort to pave the way for peace” in Ukraine.

He voiced hope for fresh momentum to efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, helped by a possible deal over safety in the Black Sea. He said they intend to advance the process through discussions with Russia as well. “Today, we once again reaffirmed our commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of our strategic partner, Ukraine,” he said. “The entry into force, as of Oct. 1, of the free trade agreement signed between our countries in 2022 represents an important milestone in our bilateral economic and trade relations. “This agreement has brought us one step closer to our target of achieving a bilateral trade volume of $10 billion,” he said. Turkish companies that remained in Ukraine despite the war, which began in 2022, will play a significant role in the country’s reconstruction, he added.

For his part, Zelenskyy said that he had agreed with Erdoğan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor.

“Today, I reached an agreement with President Erdoğan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor. Our goal is to ensure that this corridor remains in place and continues to function effectively,” he said during the news conference.

Türkiye was instrumental in establishing the first Black Sea grain corridor of 2022-2023. Zelenskyy said Türkiye supports efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and restore normal living conditions. “Türkiye consistently supports our efforts to ensure our sovereignty and territorial integrity, secure safe navigation in the Black Sea, and restore normal living conditions in the Black Sea region,” he said.

He also described Türkiye and Ukraine as allies in defense and the defense industry, saying their cooperation would continue to grow. “We are working on new joint industrial ventures and other economic projects. The free trade agreement between our nations has entered into force, creating new opportunities for both the Ukrainian and Turkish business communities,” he said.

He added that progress on freedom of navigation would help unlock the agreement’s full potential, while energy and infrastructure projects offered significant opportunities for both countries. “Especially at a time when the Russians have intensified their terrorist attacks on the energy infrastructure of our cities and villages, every energy project we undertake with our partners carries great importance,” he said.

Zelenskyy said he also met representatives from Turkish energy companies and expected supplies of generators and other energy equipment to increase in the coming week. He urged the swift implementation of agreements reached at the presidential level and thanked Türkiye for its continued support, saying cooperation in security and the economy was growing stronger despite difficult circumstances. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was preparing for trilateral talks with Russia and the US scheduled for the first half of November.

“We discussed the prospects of this format and other possibilities with the president, specifically the potential for including Türkiye and the rest of Europe in the process, as well as the possibility of holding meetings here in Türkiye,” he said.

He stressed that “strong decisions are needed to achieve peace” and urged a clear message to be delivered to Russia at every level that there was no alternative to peace and that support for Ukraine would not weaken. He said de-escalation was possible if Russia was compelled to take steps to reduce tensions.



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Thousands join silent march for Gaza in southern Türkiye

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Thousands of students and residents marched on Friday silently through the streets of Alanya in southern Türkiye, carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza and drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.

Thousands of students and residents gathered in the Alanya district of southern Türkiye’s Antalya province for a silent march protesting Israel’s attacks on Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

The demonstration, titled “Silent Cry for Gaza,” was organized by the Alanya Imam Hatip Alumni Association (ALIMDER) in cooperation with the Alanya District Directorate of National Education and the District Directorate of Youth and Sports.

Carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags alongside banners, demonstrators walked without chanting slogans, using silence to draw attention to the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

Following the march, ALIMDER President Isa Arıkan delivered a statement condemning the humanitarian situation in Gaza and criticizing what he described as the international community’s silence over Palestinian suffering.

“We gathered here today to let our conscience speak where words have failed,” Arıkan said.

“We did not shout today because the cries of children in Gaza were louder than our voices. We did not chant slogans because the silence of destroyed homes was heavier than any slogan,” he added.

Arıkan noted the demonstration was intended to raise awareness of the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and encourage greater international attention to the plight of Palestinians.

He argued that the suffering in Gaza should not be viewed solely in the context of the past three years but as part of a longer history of occupation, blockade, displacement and violence affecting Palestinians.

Describing the situation as a test of humanity, Arıkan accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and condemned attacks affecting children, hospitals, schools and residential areas.

“We simply walked today, but every step we took became a question directed at the conscience of the world,” he said.

Karam Saleh, a Palestinian student in Alanya and a representative of Palestinian students in the district, expressed appreciation for the demonstration and the support shown by local residents.

Saleh, whose family lives in Palestine, said solidarity events organized in Türkiye provide encouragement to Palestinians and remind them that they have not been forgotten.

“This march was truly meaningful. I will do my best to convey it to Palestine,” Saleh said.

“When such demonstrations take place, people in Palestine feel happy because they realize they are not alone and have not been abandoned in their struggle,” he added.

The demonstration concluded with prayers and messages of support for Palestinians, as participants reiterated their calls for greater international awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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Erdoğan, Zelenskyy mull diplomatic avenues amid Black Sea tensions

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul on Saturday as the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, the Russia-Ukraine war and growing security concerns in the Black Sea.

Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul earlier in the day for a working visit at Erdoğan’s invitation. He was welcomed at the airport by Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.

The Ukrainian president confirmed his arrival in a post on X, saying he had landed in Istanbul with his delegation for important discussions with Erdoğan.

“We’re working to strengthen the protection of our people, our bilateral partnership with Türkiye, and real diplomatic prospects,” Zelenskyy wrote.

He also highlighted the importance of maritime security, saying there were significant issues to address concerning commercial shipping in the Black Sea. A meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was also on his agenda.

The two presidents met at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office, where their discussions were expected to focus on expanding cooperation between Ankara and Kyiv and addressing regional and international developments.

Turkish Presidency Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said the talks would cover steps to further develop bilateral relations, with particular attention to the war in Ukraine and the security situation in the Black Sea.

A joint news conference was expected following the meeting.

Black Sea security

The safety of commercial shipping has become an increasingly important concern for Türkiye as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to threaten maritime traffic and critical infrastructure in the region.

Both countries’ military operations have created risks for civilian vessels, including those transporting essential goods through the Black Sea. Attacks involving drones, missiles and naval mines have raised concerns about the potential impact on international trade and regional stability.

Türkiye has repeatedly called on Moscow and Kyiv to avoid attacks on commercial shipping and respect maritime safety principles.

Speaking after a trilateral meeting with Bulgarian and Romanian defense ministers in Sofia in late October, Güler warned both sides against further attacks on civilian vessels. He also said Türkiye reserved its legal rights in the event of strikes against Turkish-flagged or Turkish-owned ships.

Ankara has proposed measures to prevent attacks on commercial vessels and improve maritime safety, including efforts to facilitate grain shipments. Türkiye has also worked with regional partners on mine countermeasures and the protection of undersea infrastructure.

The issue is particularly important for Türkiye, which controls access between the Mediterranean and Black Sea through the Turkish Straits and has consistently sought to prevent the conflict from further destabilizing the region.

Türkiye maintains diplomatic role

Türkiye has maintained relations with both Ukraine and Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, while supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ankara played a central role in brokering the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative alongside the United Nations, allowing Ukrainian agricultural exports to reach international markets despite the war. The agreement collapsed in 2023 after Russia withdrew.

Türkiye has since continued to offer its diplomatic support for efforts to end the conflict, including hosting negotiations between the two sides in Istanbul.

Erdoğan and Zelenskyy have also maintained contact through bilateral meetings and international diplomatic engagements. Their discussions have included maritime security, trade, defense cooperation and possible avenues for renewed negotiations.

The relationship extends beyond diplomacy, with both countries exploring opportunities for cooperation in defense technology and industry. Ukrainian officials have expressed interest in combining Türkiye’s technological capabilities with Ukraine’s engineering expertise, particularly in the development of drones and other defense systems.

Economic cooperation, energy projects and Ukraine’s eventual reconstruction also remain important areas of bilateral engagement.

Zelenskyy to meet Ecumenical Patriarch

Beyond his meeting with Erdoğan, Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Patriarchate in Istanbul’s Fener district.

The Ukrainian president has previously held discussions with the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians on humanitarian concerns arising from the war, including the plight of Ukrainian children, as well as the religious situation in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy thanked those supporting his country ahead of the visit, emphasizing the importance of continued international solidarity as Kyiv pursues diplomatic efforts and seeks stronger security guarantees.

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Erdoğan vows to replicate defense industry success in health care

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pledged to expand Türkiye’s domestic medical technology industry, saying the country aims to achieve in health care the same level of success it has reached in the defense sector.

Speaking Saturday at the closing session of the 12th Turkish Medical World Congress and the 2026 TÜSEB Aziz Sancar Science, Service and Incentive Awards Ceremony in Istanbul, Erdoğan highlighted investments in locally manufactured medical equipment, including ventilators, heart-lung machines and ultrasound devices.

“Just as we have written an epic in the defense industry, we will achieve the same success in the health care sector,” Erdoğan said, adding that Türkiye would continue striving to become a global leader in health care with the support of scientists and industry representatives.

The president pointed to progress in domestic medical manufacturing, saying Türkiye was increasingly producing equipment that it previously had to import.

“With our domestic production model in health care, we are now manufacturing medical devices and equipment ourselves instead of purchasing them from abroad,” he said.

Erdoğan cited ventilators manufactured in Batman using domestic resources as an example, noting that the devices were being used in Turkish hospitals and exported to 45 countries.

He also said a domestically developed heart-lung machine had been brought into use, while Türkiye was working toward local ultrasound device production, with an annual manufacturing target of 700 units.

The remarks come as Türkiye seeks to strengthen its medical technology capabilities and reduce reliance on imported equipment. Erdoğan said investments, incentives and support programs were being directed toward improving the country’s health infrastructure, particularly as artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape modern medicine.

Describing the congress as an important opportunity to assess future priorities and develop new strategies, Erdoğan said the government’s vision for a “Healthy Türkiye Century” placed particular emphasis on scientific research, innovation and domestic production.

He congratulated the scientists and companies receiving awards, saying their work could inspire younger generations and help advance medical research. He also stressed the importance of building on previous scientific achievements through new discoveries and technological development.

Erdoğan praises health care workers

Beyond domestic production, Erdoğan paid tribute to health care professionals across Türkiye, thanking doctors, nurses, technicians, caregivers and other medical staff for their dedication.

He said health workers routinely operated under demanding conditions, often sacrificing time with their families and personal rest to ensure patients received timely and quality treatment.

“Every member of our health care workforce working around the clock in all 81 provinces to bring healing to patients and give hope and strength to their relatives has my greetings and affection,” he said.

Erdoğan praised professionals in both the public and private sectors, saying their efforts had helped bring Türkiye’s health care services to their current level.

Quoting the late Turkish poet Erdem Bayazıt, he referred to doctors whose sleep seemed to fall from their white uniforms, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by medical professionals.

He also paid tribute to doctors who had died, remembering their contributions to medical science and the lives of their patients.

The president thanked academics and health care workers whose research, expertise and commitment had contributed to building a healthier Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of continuing their work through scientific innovation.

The 12th Turkish Medical World Congress brought together participants from across Türkiye, the broader Turkic world and other countries.

Erdoğan praised the Health Ministry and the Turkish Health Institutes Presidency (TÜSEB) for organizing the gathering, describing it as an important platform for cooperation and the exchange of scientific knowledge.

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UN envoy returns to Cyprus for talks with Turkish, Greek Cypriot leaders

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ personal envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, arrived on the island Friday for a new round of diplomatic consultations with Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders aimed at advancing efforts to resolve the long-standing Cyprus dispute.

Holguin met with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on Friday before holding separate talks with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhürman on Monday, Nov. 2.

According to Greek Cypriot media reports, Holguin’s meeting with Erhürman is expected to take place at 11:30 a.m. Monday, the Greek Cypriot news agency CNA reported.

The separate consultations are expected to pave the way for a trilateral meeting involving Holguin and the two leaders on Nov. 9 under U.N. auspices.

The upcoming talks are expected to focus on confidence-building measures, negotiation methodology and ways to maintain dialogue between the two sides.

The United Nations previously said the leaders had continued exchanging views on confidence-building measures, the methodology of negotiations and substantive issues related to the Cyprus dispute.

Holguin’s latest visit follows a U.N.-facilitated meeting between Erhürman and Christodoulides on Oct. 27, during which the leaders discussed crossing points, the status of Varosha and the framework for potential negotiations.

Following the Oct. 27 meeting, Christodoulides said he and Erhürman had agreed to refrain from making further public statements on substantive aspects of the Cyprus dispute ahead of Holguin’s visit.

The move was intended to allow the upcoming diplomatic consultations to proceed without additional public disagreements over sensitive negotiating issues.

Greek Cypriot media reports suggested that Holguin’s visit would concentrate on confidence-building measures and outstanding differences between the two sides.

However, the reports indicated that no concrete progress had yet been achieved toward formally restarting comprehensive settlement negotiations.

The planned Nov. 9 trilateral meeting is expected to provide another opportunity to assess the prospects for further engagement and determine possible next steps in the U.N.-led diplomatic process.

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Türkiye pushes common Turkic alphabet, stronger media coordination

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Türkiye aims to strengthen the Turkic world’s resilience against disinformation and increase its international visibility through closer media cooperation, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Friday, as Ankara prepared to assume the rotating chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Speaking at the Turkic World Dialogue Forum, organized by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate under the theme “From Ideas to Dialogue, Forward,” Yılmaz emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in strategic communication, digital transformation and cultural integration.

“We aim to increase the Turkic world’s resilience against disinformation and its international visibility,” Yılmaz said.

The forum, attended by Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, was held alongside the 13th OTS Summit in Ankara.

Yılmaz described the Turkic world as a community united by centuries of shared history, language and cultural heritage, saying cooperation among Turkic nations had expanded significantly over the past 35 years.

He said Türkiye would use its OTS chairpersonship, taken over from Azerbaijan, to translate existing institutional cooperation into tangible benefits for regional stability, development and prosperity.

Media cooperation

Yılmaz warned that disinformation, manipulation and misleading content could undermine public trust and international relations despite the growing accessibility of information through digital platforms.

He said countries’ international influence increasingly depended not only on economic and military capabilities but also on their ability to produce reliable information and communicate their perspectives globally.

Highlighting existing OTS mechanisms, Yılmaz cited regular meetings of ministers responsible for media and information, the Media Coordination Committee and the Union of Turkic News Agencies, established in 2023.

He also pointed to an action plan adopted at the 2025 meeting of media and information ministers in Baku as a framework for expanding joint initiatives.

Yılmaz said these mechanisms would be used more effectively to counter disinformation and strengthen the international presence of Turkic nations.

Common alphabet

Yılmaz also highlighted the adoption of guidelines for using the 34-letter Common Turkic Alphabet in Astana in June, describing the initiative as an important step toward strengthening linguistic and cultural ties.

He said the common alphabet would facilitate communication among Turkic peoples and support efforts to preserve their shared cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, Duran stressed the importance of developing high-quality digital content in Turkic languages to ensure artificial intelligence systems reflect the region’s own historical and cultural perspectives.

“We must produce quality content in our own languages and from our own sources and ensure that artificial intelligence models are also fed by our data,” Duran said.

He warned that without stronger digital representation, narratives about the Turkic world could increasingly be shaped by external sources.

Duran also emphasized the region’s growing geopolitical importance, citing energy corridors stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean and Europe, alongside the Middle Corridor’s transportation infrastructure.

Speaking at a separate panel on parliamentary diplomacy, Turkish lawmaker Fuat Oktay called for stronger institutional cooperation and joint projects among Turkic countries.

Oktay said the Turkic world represented a population of approximately 250 million, an economy exceeding $2.5 trillion and foreign trade approaching $1 trillion.

He stressed that the region’s strategic geographical position, young population and economic resources offered significant opportunities for deeper integration.

Yılmaz also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to advancing the OTS Turkic World Vision 2040, which outlines long-term cooperation in political coordination, economic connectivity, science, technology, culture and youth development.

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