Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin visited Erzurum AK Party Provincial Directorate. Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, members of parliament, party executives and many citizens also attended the program.

Minister Tekin made evaluations about education investments, reconstruction works in the earthquake zone, national unity and values ​​themed activities carried out in schools, and inter-ministerial cooperation. Minister Tekin said that the education infrastructure was re-established with a stronger capacity after the earthquake. Expressing his satisfaction with the interest he received in Erzurum, Minister Tekin stated that the support of the citizens increased his determination to work.

“THE INTEREST OF OUR CITIZENS INCREASES OUR DETERMINATION TO WORK”

Expressing his satisfaction with the welcome in Erzurum, Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Yusuf Tekin said that the interest of citizens is an important source of motivation for them. Minister Tekin said, “When we come here and see our countrymen, brothers and sisters hugging us sincerely, our motivation to work, our enthusiasm, and our determination to fight against the opposition’s criticism and ‘we won’t let it’ efforts increase. That’s why I thank you all very much, may God bless you all.”

“WE DID FLAG MOBILIZATION IN MORE THAN 75 THOUSAND SCHOOLS”

Reminding the criticisms made during the report card period, Minister Tekin stated that an important event was held throughout the country with the opening of schools. Minister Tekin said, “The opposition, which criticized so much about the report card, last week, when schools were opening, we organized a flag mobilization in more than 75 thousand schools in Türkiye, which will reinforce the sense of national unity and solidarity of our children and instill in them the love of the flag and the awareness of being a nation. But not even a single opposition party said ‘thank you, you did a nice event’.”

“POLITICS ARE BASED ONLY ON CRITICISM, LIES AND SLANDERS”

Criticizing the opposition’s approach, Minister Tekin said, “Unfortunately, this is the approach of the opposition in Türkiye. We are faced with an understanding of politics that is based only on criticism, only lies, only slander, and aims to break people’s moral motivation. They even present holding a groundbreaking ceremony as a feat. They are trying to portray not investing as success by arguing that building roads will increase the traffic problem because traffic in cities is increasing. We, on the other hand, continue to grow our cities with investments and services.” Minister Tekin emphasized that the support of citizens is of critical importance in this process.

“RAMADAN IS AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR CHILDREN TO KNOW COMMON VALUES”

Stating that new activities will begin in schools with the approach of Ramadan, Minister Tekin also called on families and said, “Ramadan is one of the important values ​​that hold us together. We want our children to recognize these values ​​and learn the culture of sharing and solidarity, whether they fast or not. I especially request you to support our children in these awareness activities.”

“In difficult times, the consciousness of being a nation emerges”

Minister Tekin also touched upon the anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes and drew attention to the importance of solidarity that emerged after the disaster. Minister Tekin said, “A country’s consciousness of being a nation emerges in difficult times. On February 6, we experienced the disaster of the century, but right after, we also saw the unity of the century. From our students to our parents, from non-governmental organizations to public institutions, everyone made an effort to heal the wounds according to their power.”

“OUR PRESIDENT FOLLOWED THE PROCESS DIRECTLY”

Stating that the works carried out after the earthquake were closely followed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister Tekin said that all ministries were working in coordination. Minister Tekin said, “Our esteemed President followed the work done in the earthquake zone one by one at every cabinet meeting. Each ministry presented the work in its own field and carried out the process step by step.”

“WE ARE BUILDING 25 THOUSAND CLASSROOMS INSTEAD OF THE DEMOLISHED 10 THOUSAND CLASSROOMS”

Sharing the figures regarding education investments in the earthquake zone, Minister Tekin stated that significant progress has been made in strengthening the education infrastructure. Minister Tekin said, “Approximately 10 thousand classrooms in 11 provinces became unusable during the earthquake. Instead, we have built approximately 15 thousand classrooms so far. The construction of approximately 10 thousand classrooms continues. When the next academic year begins, we will continue education with approximately 25 thousand classrooms, much more than the number of classrooms destroyed. Our goal is to reach at least 15 percent more classroom capacity in each province than before the earthquake.”

“NATIONAL UNITY AND TOGETHER SHOULD BE KEPT ABOVE POLITICS”

Stating that the earthquake process should not be the subject of political discussions, Minister Tekin emphasized unity and solidarity. Minister Tekin said, “What we call national unity and solidarity is a process that everyone, both the government and the opposition, must embrace. We must all fulfill our responsibilities.”

“A PEACEFUL SOCIETY IS POSSIBLE WITH A STRONG FAMILY STRUCTURE”

At the end of his speech, Minister of National Education Tekin touched upon the joint work carried out with the Ministry of Family and Social Services and stated that a strong family structure is the basis of a strong society. Minister Tekin stated that the two ministries work in close cooperation, especially to support the social and cultural development of children, and thanked the citizens and members of the organization for the interest shown during his visit to Erzurum.

Within the framework of his visit to Erzurum, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş met with Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, party executives, deputies, mayors and members of the organization at the AK Party Erzurum Provincial Directorate. Referring to the studies carried out in the earthquake region, Göktaş made evaluations about the social service investments, family-oriented policies and support programs for young people implemented in Erzurum. Minister Göktaş said that, as the Ministry, they never withdrew from the field after the earthquake and that they continued their social support activities uninterruptedly.

“WE HAVE BEEN IN THE FIELD SINCE THE FIRST DAY TO HEAL THE WOUNDS OF THE EARTHQUAKE”

Commemorating the citizens who lost their lives in the February 6 earthquakes, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that, as the Ministry, they especially focused on psychosocial support activities. Minister Göktaş said, “Yesterday, we commemorated the anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes in Osmaniye. I wish God’s mercy to all our citizens who lost their lives in the disaster of this century. As the Ministry, we actively continue our psychosocial support work in the field. To date, we have provided psychosocial support to more than 5 million 100 thousand citizens affected by the earthquake and we continue to provide it.”

Pointing out that trauma can continue to have an impact after the disaster, Minister Göktaş emphasized that the Ministry has been actively working in the region since the first day.

“WE NEVER WITHDRAWED FROM THE FIELD”

Minister Göktaş also touched upon the criticisms regarding the work carried out after the earthquake and stated that social service teams were constantly on the field. Minister Göktaş said, “We never took our hands off the field. We were not among those who went to the region only on certain days as earthquake tourists. We were always there, and we are there today. Our citizens know this very well.”

Stating that extensive work has been carried out to revive the cities after the earthquake, Göktaş stated that efforts are continuing to re-establish normal life as soon as possible.

“THE EARTHQUAKE ZONE HAS BEEN REMEMBERED IN TWO AND A HALF YEARS”

Referring to the reconstruction efforts after the earthquake, Minister Göktaş stated that the process attracted worldwide attention. Minister Göktaş said, “The world witnessed that a region the size of Bulgaria, which turned into rubble, was brought back to its feet in a short period of two and a half years. Recovering at this speed after a disaster of this magnitude is not something that every country can achieve.”

Minister Göktaş stated that the work carried out in this process should not be the subject of political polemics and said that the services provided should be seen.

“OUR SOCIAL SERVICE INVESTMENTS CONTINUE IN ERZURUM”

Referring to the social service investments carried out in Erzurum, Minister Göktaş said that new centers for women, youth and children were opened in the city. Minister Göktaş said, “We have opened three new family centers for women, youth and children in Erzurum after 2023. Today, we will deliver 75 social houses to our families in need with the support of our Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation, governorship and municipalities.”

Stating that an active life center for disabled people will be implemented in Aziziye district, Göktaş said that the work on the nursing home project is continuing. He announced that efforts are continuing to build a new social service center in Hınıs district.

“WE CONTINUE TO STAND BY OUR MARTYRS AND VETERANS’ FAMILIES”

Stating that they will also meet with the families of martyrs and veterans within the scope of the program, Minister Göktaş stated that social service activities cover all segments of society. Minister Göktaş said, “Today, we will meet with our martyrs’ families and veterans. We continue to always stand by them.”

“WE WILL CONTINUE STRENGTHENING FAMILY AND POPULATION POLICIES”

Stating that policies aimed at strengthening the family structure are continuing, Minister Göktaş drew attention to the importance of family-oriented projects. Minister Göktaş said, “Last year was declared the ‘Year of the Family’ by our President. This year, we continue our work to strengthen family and population policies within the scope of the ‘Decade of Family and Population’.”

Minister Göktaş also touched upon the support programs for families and stated that the maternity assistance application continues. Minister Göktaş said, “We provide a one-time payment of 5 thousand liras for the first child, monthly support for the second child, and monthly support for the third and subsequent children. 7 thousand 999 families in Erzurum benefited from this support.”

“WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL MARRY”

Minister Göktaş also stated that support is provided to young couples within the scope of the Family and Youth Fund, and that many couples in Erzurum benefit from this opportunity. Minister Göktaş said, “We provide loan support to our young people who will get married. We enabled 1190 couples in Erzurum to benefit from this support. These supports are an investment in the future of our young people.”

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND BY OUR CITIZENS IN NEED”

Stating that social policies cover all segments of society, Minister Göktaş said that thousands of families are supported within the scope of home care assistance in Erzurum. Minister Göktaş said, “We provide monthly home care support to 5 thousand 936 families in Erzurum. We will continue to support our families who care for the disabled and elderly.”

At the end of his speech, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş thanked the members of the organization and the citizens and concluded his program by stating that social service activities will continue increasingly.

After the tete-a-tete meeting between President Erdoğan and King Abdullah, the delegations of the two countries proceeded to meet. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Director of the National Intelligence Organization İbrahim Kalın and Chief Advisor to the President on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç were also present at the meeting.

“WE MADE IMPORTANT DECISIONS”

President Erdoğan said, “In today’s meetings with my dear brother, King Abdullah of Jordan, we made important decisions that will strengthen the friendship between the two countries.” he said.

“WE AGREE WITH HIM”

President Erdoğan continued as follows:

“In today’s meetings with my dear brother, King Abdullah of Jordan, we made important decisions that will strengthen the friendship between the two countries. We saw that we agree with him on the point that peace, tranquility, security and stability should prevail in every square meter of our region. I expressed to my dear brother that we appreciate the efforts of Jordan, the protector of the holy places in East Jerusalem, in this field. I hope that our meetings will be beneficial for our countries and our region. I hope that Ramadan, which we will celebrate in 11 days, I congratulate your Sheriff and sincerely hope that the holy Ramadan opens the door to mercy, abundance and peace for our countries and the entire Islamic world.” Expressing his gratitude to King Abdullah II and stating that he once again greeted his Jordanian brothers with respect and affection, Erdoğan said, “May God perpetuate our brotherhood and solidarity.”

The two leaders came together at the official dinner and then left the office.

First Lady Erdoğan cordially welcomed Queen Al Abdullah at the entrance of the Examination Hall of Dolmabahçe Palace. First Lady Erdoğan and Rania Al Abdullah hugged each other, greeted each other and chatted, took a photo in front of the crystal stairs of the palace and went to Medhal Hall.

Later, First Lady Erdoğan, together with Al Abdullah, visited the “From the Harmony of Nature to Cultural Memory: Nakş-ı Zaman Exhibition”, which included colorful threads on fabric, embroideries, paintings, manuscript books and miniature-like works, organized by the Olgunlaş Institute in the 1st Binek Hall.

Examining the products in the exhibition, which aims to reflect the traditional and artistic richness of Türkiye’s cultural heritage in a multi-layered way through the theme of embroidery, Erdoğan and Al Abdullah showed interest in the embroidery samples made from wire wrapping, wire breaking, Maraş work, calculation work, cord fastening and suzeni techniques.

In the exhibition, selections that brought together modern designs and historical textile works decorated with floral patterns reflecting the thousands of years of embroidery richness of Turkish culture were presented to First Lady Erdoğan and Rania Al Abdullah.

First Lady Erdoğan and Rania Al Abdullah also closely observed the clothing works made with Ottoman palace fabrics and embroidery samples.

“I HOPE THIS MEANINGFUL MEETING WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES”

In her post about the visit on her social media account, First Lady Erdoğan tagged Queen Rania and said the following:

“I was pleased to meet with Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, whom we hosted in our country, in Istanbul. We visited the exhibition ‘From the Harmony of Nature to Cultural Memory: Nakş-ı Zaman’, which consists of works shaped with fine craftsmanship, arising from the accumulation of our Maturation Institutes. I hope that this meaningful meeting will further strengthen the friendship between our countries.”

‘THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE IS THE PRESIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM’

Minister Tunç said, “There was an article in our constitution that said martial law could be declared when necessary, all of them were abolished. There was a temporary article 15, which was constantly discussed, ‘Coup plotters cannot be tried, even if those who made this constitution commit a crime.’ “The terrorists were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment. The judiciary of this country did this. This is what those who constantly spread disinformation about the judiciary cannot digest. And the most important of these is the Presidential Government System. This system is a system where the people directly determine their ruler through the ballot box,” he said.

‘IT IS APPROPRIATE TO CONTINUE WITH A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION AND NOT WITH A COUP CONSTITUTION THAT HAS TURNED INTO A PATCHED BOARD’

Minister Tunç said, “Of course, we do not see these as sufficient. This nation deserves more. Because starting the Turkey Century with a coup constitution is a huge deficiency for us. We need to eliminate this deficiency. We need to pay our debt to the nation. We call it the Turkey Century, we call it the second century of our Republic, we say that we should continue on our way not with a constitution written by the coup plotters, but with a democratic, civil, participatory social contract written by the representatives of our nation and approved by the nation, prioritizing fundamental rights and freedoms. And hopefully, if Turkey achieves this. “At this point, we say that continuing our way with a democratic constitution, with a constitution approved by our MPs and nation, rather than with a coup constitution that has turned into a patchwork bundle with around 180 amendments, suits the Turkish Century and will make the process of building the Turkish Century even easier.”

‘WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF BEING RID OF THE TERRORISM THAT WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR 41 YEARS’

Finally, evaluating the stage reached in ‘Terror-free Türkiye’, Minister Tunç said, “Of course, one of the most important issues that will facilitate the construction process of the Turkey Century is getting rid of terrorism. We are on the verge of getting rid of terrorism, which we have been fighting against for 41 years. We have lost thousands of martyrs and experienced great pain. Thanks to those martyrs, we are holding these meetings today. We have not taken any steps to hurt their families, our martyrs’ families, our martyrs, and we will not take them from now on.” Of course, this process has been called Terror-Free Turkey in the last year, but the struggle for a Terror-Free Turkey has actually been a 41-year struggle and has come to this day in the last 23 years, with the elimination of both security and fundamental rights and areas that pave the way for terrorism, one by one. Of course, the relevant institutions of our state continue to monitor the disarmament process, not only within Turkey, within Turkey’s borders, but also both inside and outside, in full coordination. “By taking the steps to be taken within the framework of the decisions to be taken by the commission and the road map it will draw, we will hopefully cleanse Türkiye from terrorism and build a terror-free Türkiye, and we will make the process of building the Turkey Century even easier and faster, hopefully,” he said.

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran spoke at the opening of the 17th Al Jazeera Forum held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Explaining that they came together in Doha to address one of the defining questions of the age, and that the theme of the Forum was “Regional Balance of Power in the Context of the Palestinian Cause and the Emergence of a Multipolar World”, Duran said, “This theme forces us to confront not only the devastating realities of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, but also the deeper transformation in the international system itself.” he said. Duran said, “For more than 20 years, we have been told that the world is in transition, that we are moving from one global order to another. Today, this narrative is no longer sufficient. The world is not only in transition, it has already completed the transition.” he said.

Emphasizing that they are experiencing the consequences of a historical rupture, Duran stated that the assumptions that once structured the post-war international system have collapsed, the norms determining the limits of acceptable behavior have weakened, epidemics have revealed the fragility of global governance, and genocide has returned to the center of international politics not as an exception but as a tolerated reality.

Duran pointed out that international institutions designed to prevent these tragedies have repeatedly and structurally failed in public, and emphasized that the international system is now characterized by fragmentation, competition and institutional fatigue, that great power competition increasingly dominates global agendas, and that uncertainty in this environment has now become a structural reality.

“WARS ARE NOW Waged THROUGH NARRATIVES, DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND PERCEPTION MANAGEMENT”

Noting that what fundamentally distinguishes this era is “the full integration of information warfare into the logic of conflict,” Duran said, “Wars are no longer limited to physical battlefields, but are waged through narratives, digital platforms and perception management.” expressed his opinion.

Duran stated that technology companies, platform owners and algorithm designers have emerged as powerful non-state actors that can shape political outcomes without democratic accountability and continued:

“Algorithmic control has introduced a new form of domination. It determines what is visible, what is trustworthy, and what disappears. At this point we must face a fundamental question: What principle can maintain order when hierarchy collapses, institutions weaken, and power fragments? The answer is justice. Not just as a moral aspiration, but as an organizing principle of political order. Justice produces legitimacy. Where justice exists, order is internalized rather than imposed.”

Emphasizing that justice cannot exist without truth and truth cannot survive without the conditions that protect it, Duran said, “Our region has a civilizational heritage that connects truth and justice. Our intellectual tradition, from Al-Farabi to Ibn Khaldun, teaches us that civilizations survive not with sovereignty, but with legitimacy, unity and moral purpose.” he said.

“REGIONAL PROBLEMS REQUIRE REGIONAL SOLUTIONS”

Director of Communications Duran pointed out that today the Middle East is experiencing multiple and overlapping crises and said that the center of gravity has changed and the impact is no longer measured only in military terms, but is “defined by economic capacity, diplomatic networks, reconstruction power and coalition-building ability.”

Duran stated that the boundaries between the fields of security and humanitarian aid have collapsed, and humanitarian crises no longer only accompany wars, but shape strategic outcomes.

On the other hand, Duran stated that even though regional actors now have unprecedented diplomatic and economic capacity, coordination remains the main challenge and said, “Without collective action, individual power cannot create permanent stability.” he said.

Duran explained that the aftermath of the war had become as strategic as the war itself and shared the following views:

“Gaza and Syria remind us that wars end not only with ceasefires, but also with governance arrangements, reconstruction frameworks and political means. At this critical turning point, Türkiye’s vision is based on the principle of regional ownership. This is a strategic framework that prioritizes local actors, operationalizes regional diplomacy and strengthens collective capacity. Regional problems require regional solutions.”

Stating that the region is currently at such a turning point, Duran said, “(The region) will either resolve its internal fractures through cooperation, justice and common responsibility, or it will turn inward, compete, fragment and export instability.” he said.

Duran said, “If regional actors cannot manage their own conflicts, they will not remain local, they will become the fuel of global anarchy.” He stated that in this sense, the region is no longer only affected by the crisis of the international system, but is in a position to alleviate or deepen this crisis.

⁠”OUR BASIC BELIEF IS THAT STABILITY CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH INCLUSIVE COOPERATION, MUTUAL TRUST AND COLLECTIVE WISDOM”

Director of Communications Duran pointed out that the crises in the region have led to “an unprecedented wave of insecurity” and said, “This insecurity includes military conflicts, humanitarian disasters, economic pressure, information wars and political polarization. In Gaza, this wave of insecurity is seen in its most striking form: Mass destruction, deep trauma, genocide and humanitarian collapse.” he said.

In this context, Duran emphasized that regional and Gulf actors have decisive tools such as diplomatic influence, reconstruction capacity, mediation channels and consensus-building authority, and continued:

“We must unite around two absolutes and non-negotiables: ending this war and preventing all forms of displacement. Second, we must actively shape the ‘morning after’ by putting in place credible governance frameworks, rather than leaving a vacuum that destabilizing agendas can easily fill. Third, we must ensure that reconstruction is tightly linked to political viability, effective protection mechanisms and lasting stability.”

Duran stated that Türkiye has taken a series of concrete steps to ensure that the region contributes to global stability in the field of peace and security in this new era and invited all countries in the region to share this common responsibility. “Our fundamental belief is that stability can only be achieved through inclusive cooperation, mutual trust and collective wisdom. First of all, we have taken important initiatives to create the necessary mechanisms to resolve all disputes and disagreements in our region through dialogue and diplomacy.” he said.

Pointing to the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, the Grain Corridor Agreement between Ukraine and Russia and the facilitating role of Türkiye in the latest Iran crisis, Duran said, “All examples show themselves in this initiative.” made his assessment.

“WE AIM TO CREATE OUR OWN KNOWLEDGE AND DIPLOMACY ECOSYSTEM WITH ALL THESE EFFORTS”

Duran said that Türkiye encourages the creation of an inclusive and sustainable regional security architecture at a time when the world is becoming increasingly complex, adding: “We believe that this architecture should not only produce solutions to intra-regional problems, but also create a common capacity against threats originating from outside the region.” he said.

Duran also stated that they are making continuous efforts for the recovery, reconstruction and restructuring of countries that have suffered deep destruction due to civil wars and said, “Ensuring Syria’s stability and strengthening its institutional capacity is at the center of these efforts. We believe that a similar approach should be applied to Yemen and Sudan if the hostilities end.” he said.

Duran noted that special importance was given to institutionalization in order for these initiatives to yield permanent and effective results, and that these efforts were continued through various initiatives and multilateral platforms, adding, “In addition, we contribute to the establishment of various cooperation mechanisms against the new wave of risks and insecurity emerging in our region.” he said.

Director of Communications Duran said, “With all these efforts, we aim to create our own knowledge and diplomacy ecosystem. We want this ecosystem to reflect the realities of our region, promote collective wisdom and contribute to the emergence of a more balanced global order.” made his assessment.

Duran emphasized that we will continue to work determinedly in bilateral and multilateral meetings and similar international forums in order to develop a common language for peace and stability.

⁠”OUR REGION MUST RECLAIM THE AUTHORITY OF ITS OWN STORY”

Stating that the region has been the subject of others’ narratives within the framework of “crisis, fear and orientalism” for a very long time, Duran said, “This period must end now. Narrative is power. What defines the meaning, shapes the order. Our region must regain the authorship of its own story, not to mythologize itself, but to express the mission of civilization with clarity and confidence at a time of global rupture.” he said.

Duran said that Türkiye, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, “A more just world is possible.” Pointing out that the call had deep repercussions, he said, “This is not just a statement of hope. This is a strategic horizon, a belief that justice must be built consciously.” made his assessment.

Emphasizing that the world is changing, Duran said, “Our responsibility before us is to ensure that the world changes in the right direction. This requires cross-border cooperation, resistance to algorithmic sovereignty, defense of truth, restoration of justice, and the courage to imagine a new global order based on dignity and legitimacy.” he said.

Duran said, “This is how truth turns into justice. This is how justice turns into order. And this is how a region that was once talked about becomes a region that speaks for itself.” expressed his views.

Thanking those who contributed and participants at the Forum, Duran said, “I hope that our discussions today will not only enrich our understanding, but also inspire collective action for a more just, peaceful and humane international order.” he said.