Daily Agenda
February 28 message from Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar: We have not forgotten, we will not let you forget
KADEM Board of Trustees Chairman Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar, in her statement in Beyazıt Square regarding the February 28 process, which went down as a “postmodern coup” in Turkish political history, said that 29 years have passed since this happened.
Stating that those days are over, but it is still not possible to say that the mentality that made those days possible has completely disappeared, Bayraktar noted that they gathered today not to dwell on the past, but to remind the value of rights and freedoms.
Bayraktar said, “February 28 is not just a calendar page. February 28 is the name of a period in which fundamental rights and freedoms can be limited by various mechanisms. It is the name of a mentality in which people can be excluded from the public sphere by the state due to their beliefs, identity and clothing.” he said.
Explaining that headscarved women go through very difficult psychological processes such as being excluded from the society they live in, being marginalized and discriminated against, Bayraktar continued as follows:
“Again, girls who had to take off their headscarves for compulsory reasons experienced psychological traumas that lasted for many years. In this process, thousands of people were oppressed and excluded from education, working life and public space due to their religious identity. Especially due to the bans imposed in universities and public institutions, many women had to abandon their education and give up their dreams of having a profession. However, these pressures were not limited to headscarved women only. Men were also directly targeted and faced with practices such as profiling, investigation, suspension from duty and dismissal from their profession.”
Bayraktar stated that not only university students were the recipients of the bans, but even religious high school students were forcibly removed from schools by the police.
KADEM Board of Trustees Chairman Bayraktar said, “I was one of them. When I was only 16 years old, my friends and I were confronted by the police in front of the school gate for days. I had to leave my school because I could not continue my education while wearing a headscarf. I even continued my education at a high school in another city that accepted students with headscarves at that time.” he said.
Noting that he, like thousands of his friends, was struggling to finish high school, alone, away from his family, friends and school, Bayraktar said, “Throughout history, there have been many interventions that harm democracy, human rights and the rule of law in these lands. However, one of the most striking of these is undoubtedly the process that took place on February 28, 1997 and is described as the ‘postmodern coup’. One of the most striking aspects of this process is that civil and military authorities equipped with unlimited powers, “It was that he intervened in democracy indirectly.” made his assessment.
“WE HAVE TO BUILD A FUTURE WHERE EQUAL RIGHTS ARE GUARANTEED FOR EVERY SECTION OF SOCIETY”
Bayraktar said that February 28 was also a period that deeply shook the social fabric, disregarded individual rights and freedoms, directly intervened in economic life, tended to redesign the capital structure, and brought pressure and liquidations on the business world.
Bayraktar pointed out that these interventions, ranging from public tenders to financial audits, from profiling of companies to explicit and implicit sanctions imposed on business people, created a systematic oppression and discrimination system that affected the lives of millions of people, and said, “Due to the bans imposed in universities and public institutions, thousands of women were removed from education life and were forced to give up their dreams of having a profession. Anachronistic and dark practices, publicly known as ‘persuasion rooms’, are just a few of the events that left their mark on the period.” he said.
Emphasizing that the coefficient application introduced to prevent Imam-Hatip and vocational high school students from entering university has caused serious injustice in education and has darkened the academic future of thousands of students, Bayraktar said, “Civil servants, academics, teachers and many people working in the private sector have been dismissed or forced to resign just because they adhere to their religious values. A part of the media displayed a biased attitude during the February 28 period and carried out perception operations on the religious values of the people, portraying certain segments of the society, such as headscarved women, bearded or praying men, as ‘reactionary’.” made him a target under the pretext of ‘activity’.” he said.
Bayraktar explained that those days will never be erased from the memories of those who lived on February 28 and said:
“Today, some people are asking, ‘Isn’t this issue closed now?’ he says, ‘February 28 literature is being produced.’ It is said, ‘There are no such problems anymore.’ It is said. Remembering February 28 today is important not only to understand the past but also to shape our future. Because the awareness of defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law is only possible if such incidents are not forgotten and completely erased. Today, we have to continue to defend the principles of ‘rights, justice and freedom’ and build a future where equal rights are guaranteed for all segments of society.”
“COMMEMORING FEBRUARY 28 IS THE COMMON RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WHOLE SOCIETY, NOT OF A GROUP”
Stating that although the February 28 mentality has disappeared from the public sphere, they can still see manifestations of this mentality in some areas, Bayraktar explained that everyone has seen the news of women who were eliminated in interviews by private companies because they were wearing headscarves, who were not allowed into site pools because they were wearing hijab swimsuits, and who were subjected to verbal pressure from their bosses and managers.
Bayraktar continued his words as follows:
“To forget is to ignore. To ignore is to pave the way for the same mistakes. If we do not confront rights violations, there is always the risk of repeating similar processes. For us, this issue is not about producing a language of victimization; it is about keeping the principle of the rule of law and democratic memory alive. We want to build a more just future by remembering, not by forgetting. When we talk to young people today, they are surprised when they hear what happened on February 28. ‘Did such things really happen?’ they ask. Even this question shows how quickly memory can be erased. Yes, the majority of the younger generations do not have any intolerance towards beliefs, thoughts or clothing. This is hopeful for us. However, to a lesser extent, an exclusionary, socially damaging mentality still exists, which can be encountered especially in some corporate and private sector practices.”
“WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN, WE HAVE NOT FORGOT ANY SCENES”
Bayraktar pointed out that they will continue to talk about February 28 and said:
“Because democratic memory is the basis of strong societies. Because confronting violations of rights strengthens the rule of law. What happened 29 years ago is not just a part of a certain segment, but a part of this country’s democratic experience. Therefore, commemorating February 28 is the common responsibility of the whole society, not a group. We have not forgotten, we have not forgotten any of its scenes. We will not forget, we will not let it be forgotten. But we will do this not with anger, but with a demand for justice. We will do this not with the language of polarization, but with a rights-based stance. Not by getting stuck in the past, but with more awareness.” “We will do it to build a free future.”
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Numan Kurtulmuş, accepted the representatives of young non-governmental organizations abroad in Türkiye within the scope of the “Diaspora Young Representatives Meeting” organized by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). During the reception held in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Kurtulmuş gave the message: “The Turkish diaspora is developing in parallel with the increasing power of Türkiye. As long as Turkey is a major actor in its region, a country that makes a name for itself in the world, with a strong voice and an effective power, you will become much stronger wherever you are.” Stating that Türkiye is one of the important countries of the world and that its increasing power has become more visible in the world, Kurtulmuş continued as follows: “We are the children and descendants of a nation that has managed to experience multiculturalism over the centuries. I would like to express that you have the opportunity to tell about these beauties to your Western neighbors, friends and friends there who do not know about them and are far away from them, and to attract their hearts to this civilization. Turkey is the pioneer and the heart of the Islamic world and the ummah. It is about every inch of these lands.” “I advise you to keep your memories, your intentions, your mind alive. Be there, but always keep your mind and heart with Türkiye.”
The Ministry of Family and Social Services provides “Family Counseling” services to strengthen family communication. Expert psychologists, social workers and child development experts provide support on the following issues:
Ways to establish healthy dialogue with young people in adolescence. Ways to solve intergenerational conflict and communication problems.
Strategies to protect children from dangerous trends on the internet and cyberbullying.
Methods of resolving family conflicts.
Support for parents going through the divorce process to manage the process in a healthy way. Those who want to receive professional support can meet with experts at the nearest Social Service Center by making a “Family Counseling Application” via e-Government. Necessary information can also be obtained by calling Alo 183 Family, Women, Children and Disabled Social Support Line. The ministry, which creates a neighborhood-based social risk map, plans to provide family counseling services to every family. On the other hand, with the declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Family”, the ministry implemented online psychological support and family counseling services in Adana, Izmir, Erzurum, Şanlıurfa, Ordu, Sivas and Sakarya, representing 7 geographical regions.
Istanbul Family Foundation and National Defense University (MSÜ) organized an important event discussing the importance of the family institution. Türkiye’s rapidly falling fertility rate was brought to the agenda at the “Family and Population in Defense of the Homeland” symposium. Speaking at the symposium, MSU Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu’s words, “Our chances of staying on these lands in 2100 are getting weaker” attracted attention. Experts emphasized that population decline will have not only social but also economic and strategic consequences. Stating that the number of children per woman in Türkiye has decreased to 1.48, Afyoncu reminded that the renewal level of the population is 2.1. Stating that Türkiye will be among the rapidly aging countries if the current situation continues, Afyoncu evaluated the population issue as a national security issue and said, “We are facing a greater danger than wars. If the population decrease continues at this rate, our chances of staying on these lands in 2100 are weakening.” Stating that the decrease in the young population will affect many areas, Afyoncu pointed out that preserving the family structure is of strategic importance.
ALGORITHMS ARE GROWING
Speaking at the program, Istanbul Family Foundation President Üner Karabıyık pointed out the importance of social policies that will strengthen family ties. Karabıyık said, “Today, children are not only raised by mothers and fathers, but mostly by algorithms. Screens, not mothers, have become breastfeeding the child. Televisions and screens market the family as a ‘crisis’, marriage as a ‘burden’ and privacy as ‘backwardness’. The great power that took to the streets on the night of July 15 was brewed in the family hearth. Now, the state, politics and civil society must stand shoulder to shoulder against the dark currents that want to prevent this hearth from smoking.” Istanbul Governor Davut Gül also announced that they took action to ease the burden of working mothers. Gül said, “We will build 300 nurseries and kindergartens under the coordination of the Mufti’s Office, Family and Social Services and the Directorate of National Education.”
47 PAPERS WERE PRESENTED
The PROGRAM deals with family and population issues not only under the heading of social policy; It also opened up discussion in terms of homeland defense, state capacity, social resilience and civilization continuity. At the symposium, 47 scientific papers on population policies and family structure were presented. Academics and experts shared solution suggestions for Türkiye’s demographic future.
Büşra Kırtaş (27): I wholeheartedly support our country’s development of the domestic and national defense industry. YILDIRIMHAN became our pride.
Tahir Akbaşoğlu (47): We are very proud. I liked YILDIRIMHAN the most. It was a great breakthrough for our country. Hopefully there will be better ones. May God not harm our country and our nation.
Muhammed Ali Balçok (20), TALAY Teknofest Competition Team student from Sakarya University of Applied Sciences: We come from Sakarya. Coming to the fair with our team was a great experience for us. It did justice to the progress we made.
FUTURE IS HERE
Mevlüt Acar (32): Türkiye’s future is in this field. YILDIRIMHAN missile is truly impressive.
Yeliz Ürkmez (57): We felt proud when we saw it. Tanks and guns are all very nice. I liked Kızılelma and YILDIRIMHAN the most.
Hasan Akın Tatarhan (19) from the TALAY team: It is truly an honor to see and experience the newly developed technologies of our country. We were amazed by Red Apple.
ALL ARE BEAUTIFUL
Metehan Köse (20) from TALAY team: Today, we observed the beautiful projects developed by our country at this fair. All the products are beautiful, I liked them all very much, but the vehicle I liked the most was TULPAR.
In line with the event where national technology was exhibited within the scope of SAHA 2026 defense, aviation and space industry fair, TCG Anadolu, Türkiye’s largest military ship and the world’s first UCAV ship, was opened to the visit of citizens in Sarayburnu. Citizens had the opportunity to witness the power of the Turkish Naval Forces by touring this huge ship produced with local and national resources.
Hanife Sude Daş from Tuzla: I came to see the ship closely. It is a proud event for us that this huge ship was built by Turkish engineers.
Barış Akardaş, who was touring the ship with his child: I am the ship captain, this is my second visit. This time I am coming with my son Ömer. I want my child to be an engineer and achieve such important work. That’s why I wanted him to see this technology and witness its successes at an early age. I go to technological fairs such as TEKNOFEST and I am very proud.
Marmara Anatolian Imam Hatip High School students touring TCG Anatolia: Our goal is to be like engineers who will develop such technologies.
4th grade student Mehmet Emin Titiz: I kissed the hand of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a technology fair. When he asked me what I wanted to be, I said that I wanted to take part in BAYKAR and be the second Selçuk Bayraktar. I am proud to witness these technological developments. I also visited TCG Barbaros. I became extremely hopeful for my future.
12-year-old Deniz Negiz: It is a great honor to build such a ship with our technology. I’m so happy to be here.
Osman Turhan: The technological success of our country in recent years has made us very proud. It will shed light on the successes of the next generation. It is very nice and proud to witness such a technology and experience it live after many years. I believe that the next generation will take this technology even further.
DUTIES OF TCG ANADOLU
In addition to citizen visits, TCG Anadolu will promote Türkiye’s defense industry by visiting international ports such as England’s Southampton Port as of 2026. TCG Anadolu, which is famous as the guardian of the ‘Blue Homeland’ with its length of 232 meters, can be visited by citizens in Sarayburnu on 8-9 May.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the SAHA EXPO 2026 International Defense, Aerospace Industry Fair Closing Program held at the Istanbul Expo Center under the auspices of the Presidency: SAHA 2026 has now turned into a brand. I wholeheartedly congratulate the SAHA Istanbul family, Europe’s largest defense and aerospace cluster.
Hopefully, we will come to better places and write greater success stories together. We will work tirelessly until we achieve the goal of a fully independent Türkiye in the defense industry. Turkey is undoubtedly one of the founding actors of this new era, where multi-layered and integrated systems replace conventional power elements. Türkiye today; Developing the new generation national combat aircraft, unmanned combat aircraft, helicopters, electronic warfare systems, satellite technologies, air defense systems and radar; It is a country that manufactures and builds tanks, rockets, missiles, armored vehicles, warships and unmanned marine vehicles. It is a state that can develop software, platforms and systems that bear its own signature at every level, from the depths of the sea to the void of space. Türkiye; It has the power and power to cripple any hostile element that dares to threaten its independence and future.
In 2025, we will exceed 10 billion dollars in defense and aerospace exports for the first time in our history. April export figures show that last year’s momentum continues. Our defense and aviation exports increased to 962 million dollars in April. There was a 28 percent increase in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Thus, we exported 2 billion 871 million dollars in the first four months. In other words, Türkiye, which exported 248 million dollars a year 23 years ago, today achieves this figure in approximately one week. Endless thanks be to God Almighty. Our short-term goal is to exceed 11 billion dollars and become one of the top 10 countries in the world in this field.
SENDING FISH TO ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
We have struggled against the sabotage of the Trojan horses, which have settled and placed themselves within us, and sometimes appear to be real. This is extremely striking: Whenever Türkiye broke its shell and took a big step in the defense industry, someone immediately stepped in. They tried to hinder our defense industry moves, sometimes by targeting our national companies, sometimes by belittling them, and sometimes with funny arguments such as “fish are spooked”. People who said “The fish are scared” came and visited our fair, but they also saw that the fish were probably not scared. Our answer to those who say “You can’t do it” is to give it at SAHA.
THIS AWARENESS NEEDS TO BE IMMUNIZED IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Ayhan Küçük (60): Our defense industry, which has been developing for the last 20 years, is for defensive purposes, not for attack. Our understanding of the defense industry is to protect people, not to kill people. We are not like Europe and other imperial countries. Türkiye’s ability to become a deterrent force depends on the power produced in the defense industry. In addition, these products need to be promoted not only at fairs but also in schools. Prototyped products should be introduced in schools like a mobile library. This awareness needs to be instilled in young people.
MINI SUBMARINE WITH 80 PERCENT DOMESTIC MAKING
Datum Submarine Technologies Inc. based in ITU. With the support of SSB, Türkiye’s first domestic and national mini submarine was introduced. The submarine, which has an 80 percent local production rate, was unveiled at SAHA 2026. STM exhibited ALPAGU-B at SAHA 2026 Fair. ALPAGU-B, a larger and longer range version of ALPAGU; It takes its ‘surgical intervention’ capability to a strategic level with its artificial intelligence-supported target tracking ability and high explosion power.
GÖLGE DOESN’T NEED A RUNWAY
GÖLGE UAV developed by TAI has successfully completed its test flights. GÖLGE can operate at an altitude of 12 thousand feet and fly for 10 hours. GÖLGE, which has an operational range of 1300 kilometers, can communicate uninterruptedly within a radius of 100 kilometers. The delta wing UAV, which does not need a runway to take off, can take off from the launcher ramp and land safely with a parachute at the end of the mission. Its operational speed is 90 knots. Shadow will be included in the inventory this year and will start a new era in reconnaissance/intelligence missions. In addition, the platform will not only be able to perform its own mission, but will also be able to expand the operational link range by taking on communication duties for other aircraft. Betül USTA-Semih KARA/SABAH
President Erdoğan received the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mansur bin Zayed al Nahyan, at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul.
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