Provincial Chairman Gürhan Albayrak emphasized that women have an important place in all areas of life in his message on the occasion of March 8 International Women’s Day. In the video, Kara Fatma, the hero of the War of Independence, Sabiha Gökçen, the first female fighter pilot, Refet Angın, the first female teacher, and Safiye Ali, the first female doctor, were commemorated, while women who worked hard in the fields, at school and in all areas of life were thanked.

Sharing a short message parallel to the content of the video, Albayrak used the following statements in his statement:

“To those who ask what a woman can do on her own, our women who change the world with their determination, labor and struggle give the best answer. That spirit, which is Kara Fatma on the front and Sabiha Gökçen in the skies, lives in Eskişehir and in every aspect of life in our country today. Every place touched by a woman’s hand becomes beautiful, every work becomes valuable. I wholeheartedly congratulate all our women, especially the mothers of our martyrs and veterans, on March 8, International Women’s Day.”

Every place touched by a woman’s hand becomes beautiful, every work becomes valuable. 💐 We are grateful to all our women who shape our history and brighten our future with their efforts. Happy March 8 International Women’s Day. ✨ pic.twitter.com/HngsH3Ie6E

— Gürhan Albayrak (@GurhanAlbayrak) March 7, 2026

The Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) continued its work throughout the month of Ramadan and organized iftar, panel and brotherhood meetings in many cities of Europe, especially the Balkans. YTB ​​officials came together with Turks within the scope of the programs and experienced the spirit of unity and solidarity of Ramadan with the diaspora. YTB ​​executives also met with Bayırbucak Turkmens in Syria at an iftar program the other day.

SOCIAL CULTURAL ISSUES WERE DISCUSSED

Turks, representatives of non-governmental organizations, academics and young people came together at the same table in iftar programs held in many European cities since the beginning of Ramadan. While the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan was shared in the programs, social and cultural issues faced by Turks living abroad were also discussed.

TIES WITH THE TURKISH DIASPORA ARE GETTING STRONGER

In the first 15 days of Ramadan, YTB organized a series of iftar, meeting and sahur programs in Europe and the Middle East, starting from the Balkans. The event was held in a total of 7 cities in Macedonia, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Syria. While Türkiye’s support to its citizens abroad and diaspora policies were discussed in the programs, the problems of citizens living abroad were also brought to the agenda. It was stated that the main purpose of the programs is to strengthen the ties of Turkish citizens living abroad with Türkiye. While different segments of the Turkish society come together through the programs, it is also aimed to strengthen the cultural ties between the new generation of expats and Türkiye.

FROM EUROPE TO THE BALKANS AND THE MIDDLE EAST

It is planned to continue meetings with Turkish citizens and cognate communities in a wide area from Europe to the Balkans, from the Middle East to different geographies, with iftar and sahur programs. Thus, it is aimed to keep the spirit of unity, solidarity and solidarity of Ramadan alive among Turks living all over the world.

Iftar with SYRIAN TURKMENS

Following the iftar and sahur events organized by YTB in the Balkans and Europe, an iftar program was organized for 500 people in Burç İslam town in the Bayırbucak region of Syria, with the participation of Turkmens, families of martyrs, Turkish graduates, people in need and local people.

In the statement made on the DMM’s virtual media account, “The allegations made in some social media accounts that the appointments of the Head of the Department of Emergency Situations and Defense Planning to the ministries are preparations for a war, citing regional developments, do not reflect the truth. These positions, which were created and appointed in the central organizations of the ministries, were strengthened by the Presidential Decree dated October 16, 2025, strengthening the coordination between public institutions in the processes related to preparations for disasters and emergencies, civil defense activities and mobilization.” “This regulation is a part of the institutional structuring aimed at increasing the crisis management capacity in public administration. Therefore, the appointments in question do not indicate any war preparations, as claimed, but are merely the implementation of a pre-planned institutional arrangement aimed at strengthening inter-institutional coordination in the fields of disaster, emergency and civil defense. The public is kindly requested not to rely on manipulative and unrealistic content aimed at creating fear and panic.”

According to Şahin, the shooting of a school in Minab, Iran, in the first hours of the war and the death of many girls caused deep outrage in the global public. Stating that this incident affected the international conscience, Şahin said, “This situation, which occurred in the very first hours of the war, caused the USA and Israel to suffer a serious loss of legitimacy in the global public opinion.”

Deputy Şahin stated that the attacks had a result contrary to expectations in Iran’s domestic politics and said, “Before the attack, there was serious tension between secular segments and regime supporters. However, foreign intervention united Iranian society within itself.”

“A STRONG SENSE OF SOLIDARITY ALSO IN SHIA COMMUNITIES”

Stating that the attack on Iran’s religious leader Ali Khamenei and the regime debates also produced a different result, Şahin said that such developments created a strong sense of solidarity not only in Iran but also in Shiite communities around the world.

Şahin also emphasized that the possibility of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz creates serious turbulence in the global economy. Stating that this development directly affects the world energy markets, Şahin stated that the responsibility has begun to be attributed largely to the USA and Israel in the international community.

Stating that important discussions have begun in US domestic politics, Şahin stated that criticism against the Donald Trump administration has increased, especially in the context of the upcoming elections. Şahin said that the American public is starting to question Israel’s influence in US foreign policy more openly.

Stating that the Gulf countries are faced with a situation stuck in the middle of the war, Şahin said that the fact that the US military bases in the region cannot provide the expected protection in terms of security has initiated a serious strategic questioning in these countries.

Stating that there has been a remarkable transformation in European public opinion, Şahin said that while sympathy for Iran has emerged in some European societies, especially in Spain, criticism towards Israel has increased.

“A PROLONGED WAR COULD FURTHER CONSOLIDATED IRAN INTERNALLY”

Şahin also stated that the cautious and silent attitude of China and Russia, which are seen as Iran’s allies, throughout the process attracted attention in the international community. He stated that this situation could start a new discussion between the allies of the countries in question.

Stating that the balances in the region may become more complicated if the war is prolonged, Şahin made the following assessment:

“A protracted war could further consolidate Iran internally. In turn, it is possible that the political costs for the United States and Israel will increase both regionally and globally.”

Şahin completed his evaluation with the following words:

“We need to wish for the best, but we also need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Re-engaging diplomacy and negotiation channels is vital for regional and world peace.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During the meeting, conflicts in the region were evaluated. President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye is following the process that started with attacks against Iran, and that if the interventions are prolonged, they could cause great harm to regional and global stability.

In the statement made by the Directorate of Communications regarding the meeting, the following statements were made:

Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer. Leaders discussed bilateral relations between Türkiye and the United Kingdom, the conflict process in our region, and regional and global issues. Our President stated that the will to develop Türkiye-United Kingdom cooperation in every field, especially in the defense industry, is strong and that they will continue to take steps to take this further. During the meeting, President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye is following the process that started with the attacks against Iran, that if the interventions are prolonged, they may cause great harm to regional and global stability, that there is still work to be done to build the basis for dialogue, and that our peace-oriented efforts continue.

Within the scope of the Kilis program, Minister Uraloğlu first visited Kilis Governorship and received information from Governor Ömer Kalaylı about the work carried out in the city. Later, Uraloğlu visited a family and participated in the “Conversation with Young People” program organized by the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports. After the program, Musabeyli attended the opening ceremony of Ayrım-Kilis Road.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Uraloğlu stated that they have made great investments in highway infrastructure in the last 24 years and that they have equipped all parts of Türkiye with high standard roads. Stating that highways play an important role in the development of industry, agriculture and tourism, Uraloğlu noted that the divided road network, which was 6 thousand 101 kilometers in 2002, has reached 30 thousand 49 kilometers today.

Minister Uraloğlu reminded that in the past, only 6 provinces were connected to each other by divided roads, and stated that today 77 provinces are connected to each other by safe and comfortable roads. Stating that approximately 9.3 billion lira has been invested in the transportation and communication infrastructure of Kilis in the last 24 years, Uraloğlu said that the length of the divided road in the city was increased from 2 kilometers to 58 kilometers. In addition, Uraloğlu stated that there had never been a bituminous hot mixture paved road in Kilis before, and that by building a 69-kilometer-long road of this standard, citizens had safer and more comfortable transportation.

Stating that the route was upgraded to divided road standard with the opening of the 17.3 kilometer long Musabeyli Ayrım-Kilis Road, Uraloğlu said that the Afrin Bridge and different level intersections were also built within the scope of the project. Stating that with the completion of the project, transportation in the region has accelerated and travel time has decreased to 9 minutes, Uraloğlu noted that 121 million lira will be saved annually and carbon emissions will also decrease significantly.

In his speech, Minister Uraloğlu also touched upon the Israel-Iran war and emphasized that Türkiye is in favor of peace. Referring to the missile fragment that fell in Hatay’s Dörtyol district, Uraloğlu wished the people of the region to get well soon and said: “While we stand tall against such possible attacks and have taken all kinds of precautions, I emphasize once again that peace, moderation and dialogue are always our priority. We will continue to work for permanent peace and stability in our region.” After the speeches, Minister Uraloğlu and the accompanying delegation cut the opening ribbon of the Musabeyli Ayrım-Kilis Road and opened the road into service.