President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Uzbekistan President Şevket Mirziyoyev in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, where he went to attend the Unofficial Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT).

In the statement made about the meeting on the virtual media account of the Directorate of Communications, the following statements were made:

Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, had a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, Şevket Mirziyoyev, in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, where he was for the Unofficial Summit of the Organization of Turkic States. Leaders discussed Türkiye-Uzbekistan bilateral relations and regional and global issues. During the meeting, President Erdoğan stated that they will continue to work to develop cooperation between Türkiye and Uzbekistan in all fields, especially in the defense industry and trade. Our President stated that he believes that the two countries will increase their solidarity on international platforms and invited Mirziyoyev to the Organization of Turkic States Summit and COP31 to be held in Türkiye.

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek came to Kayseri to make various visits. Minister Gürlek first visited Kayseri Governorship. Minister Gürlek was welcomed here by Governor Gökmen Çiçek. Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek’s visit to the governorship was accompanied by AK Party Deputy Chairman Mustafa Elitaş, AK Party Kayseri Deputies Hulusi Akar, Dursun Ataş, Şaban Çopuroğlu, Bayar Özsoy, Chief Public Prosecutor Habib Korkmaz, and Kayseri Regional Court of Justice Chief Public Prosecutor Mehmet Ali Yüce.

‘OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE THE STRONGEST PORT’

Stating that he was honored to be in Kayseri, Minister Gürlek said in his statement at the governor’s office, “It is our highest priority for our state to remain within the legal order with all its institutions and organs and to stand by the law. A fair and effectively functioning judicial system is one of the most important lifelines that nourish the future of our nation, which extends from the corporate identity of the state to all segments of society. The existence of an independent and impartial judicial institution is one of the basic conditions for the state to rise on strong pillars. As our President also stated, our judicial system should be the strongest port where our citizens can seek their rights. “Our duty is to continue to build this port in this city, which is the cradle of civilizations, in accordance with the realities of our age. For this reason, we are here today to further strengthen our bond with our fellow citizens from Kayseri and to provide a stronger justice service to our citizens,” he said.

‘WE ARE TURNING DOWN THE IRON FIST OF OUR STATE’

The Minister said, “We visit our country from city to city, inspect the physical judicial functioning under the responsibility of our ministry, and carry out our work with great effort and sincerity together with our colleagues in order to raise the quality of services offered to our citizens to a better level. We continue our determined stance centered on peace and security, based on the culture of living together regarding the innate rights and freedoms of our citizens, the awareness of being a society and our understanding of a blessed state dating back thousands of years, with the same sensitivity. You are all witnessing the relentless struggle we have been waging in recent months. With our Ministry and other stakeholder institutions.” “Together, in extraordinary cooperation, we put down the iron fist of our state wherever it touches. We see it as our primary duty to protect and protect our children, our youth, our families, and to leave them a hopeful future. We use all the powers given to us by the law with this understanding. We hope that the work on our judicial package is still continuing in our Gazi Parliament.”

‘OPERATIONS AGAINST CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS WILL CONTINUE WITH DETERMINATION’

Emphasizing determination in the fight against criminal organizations, Minister Gürlek said, “I would like to express clearly to you from Kayseri and to all of Türkiye that criminals and criminal organizations must be held accountable before the rule of law for all kinds of illegal activities they commit. As closely followed by the public, our Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement forces continue their operations against all kinds of crimes and criminal organizations with determination. I would like to express my gratitude for the support of our citizens to this determined stance of our state. The feedback we have received from our nation is also very pleasing.” “Our Kayseri is one of the centers of production, industry, trade, tradesmen and craftsmen, and gastronomy. It represents one of the best examples of our national development model over the years. As the Ministry of Justice, we are working on the regulations for the legal problems faced by our trade and industry sector, tradesmen and craftsmen, and we aim to find solutions to the deficiencies. At this point, we are in constant consultation with our non-governmental organizations and chamber presidencies.”

‘WE ARE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH OUR VICTIM FAMILIES’

Minister Gürlek said, “Our concern is to touch the hearts of the oppressed, the lonely, the destitute and, if any, our citizens who have given up hope on justice, to ease their consciences and to be the helper of the desolate. As you know, we have recently established an office on unsolved crimes. We continue our activities in this way, especially to go over the unsolved files meticulously and to protect the law of our citizens, their expectations of justice and their conscience to the end. We are in constant contact with the families of the victims on these issues. “I think that we, as the Presidential Government System, have reached a certain maturity in terms of ideas and deeds. We have adopted a management approach that does not look down on the nation and establishes contact with the citizens at eye level. As our President often emphasizes, the Turkish nation’s expectation of a new and civil constitution has now reached its peak. One of the main reasons for the disruptions in the system, illegal interventions and the dissatisfaction of our citizens is the lack of a healthy, encompassing and meeting the requirements of the age.”

‘THE CURRENT CONSTITUTION HAS NOW LOST ITS FUNCTIONALITY’

Minister Gürlek said, “It is the duty of Turkish politics to the Turkish nation to eliminate this democratic shame. The current constitution, which has been imposed on our nation for years, adding something to everything that comes in and subtracting something from everyone who leaves, has no longer functioned. It poses serious risks for the construction and protection of the state and the future of our nation. As our esteemed President stated, I believe that with a new constitution, it will be possible for us to achieve a superior legal logic that will protect both law, democracy, the state and the nation at the same time. We are always on this issue.” “We will continue to keep reform at the top of our agenda, above all political mathematical calculations,” he said.

Breaking news! President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “I hope that the Turkish world will continue to strengthen its political, economic and cultural relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” he said.

President Erdoğan spoke at the Unofficial Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT), held at the Turkestan Congress Center in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development”.

Erdoğan stated that he was fortunate to be in Turkestan, the city of Hodja Ahmet Yesevi, and thanked the President of Kazakhstan Kasım Cömert Tokayev for hosting.

Stating that the ancient city of Turkestan is a living monument of the common memory extending from Orkhon Monuments to Divanu Lugati’t-Türk, from Kutadgu Bilig to Dede Korkut, Erdoğan said, “Turkistan, where Anatolian saints were inspired, is one of the strongest links of the unshakable bridge we have built between the past and the future.” he said.

Stating that another thing that makes the summit meaningful for them is the representation of the Turkish Cypriot people, an integral part of the Turkish world, and that he is pleased to see President Tufan Erhurman at the Turkestan summit, Erdogan said, “I hope that the Turkish world will continue to strengthen its political, economic and cultural relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” he said.

Stating that they have to maximize cooperation, especially in technology, in order to have more say and influence in the world of the future, President Erdoğan continued as follows:

“In this respect, I find it very appropriate that our summit is held with the theme of ‘Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development’. At the point of directing the future, it is of great importance that we adopt the vision of the Turkish world developing by digitalization. After 115 years, it is time for us to add the phrase ‘Unity in digital vision’ to Gaspirali’s motto ‘Unity in language, idea and work’. This vision is built on qualified human resources, strong, digital infrastructures and data-based public administration understanding. “The digital connectivity between us should be strengthened.”

Breaking News: Important statements from President Erdoğan in Turkestan | Video

“The development of joint technology projects between our countries will undoubtedly support this vision. We are aware that falling behind in the digital transformation process will be an element that threatens our independence. We must address this theme from the perspective of opportunity with the right approach so that artificial intelligence does not turn into a tool of domination. I believe that we would like to thank Harezmi, the father of algebra and algorithm, Farabi, the master of philosophy and logic, Ibn Sina, who shed light on medical science with his work, and the science of astronomy. “We will also bring out new scientists from this fertile land that raised the leaders Biruni, Ulubey and Ali Kuşçu.”

“WE AIM TO CARRY COORDINATION AND COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF CYBER SECURITY FURTHER”

President Erdoğan emphasized that it is important to ensure international justice in digital development, as in all areas, and said, “Closing the digital gap between developed countries and least developed countries should form the basis of this view.” he said.

Stating that they attach importance to the cooperation of the United Nations Technology Bank in Gebze and the members and observers of the Organization, Erdoğan pointed out that we need to be vigilant against the new risk areas brought by artificial intelligence technologies.

Erdoğan said that new generation threats to data banks and critical national infrastructures are dimensions of digital transformation that need to be carefully managed, adding: “Cyber ​​security is vital and essential in today’s world, just like land, air and sea security. We aim to further the coordination and cooperation in the field of cyber security within the Organization of Turkish States during our next term Presidency.” he said.

Stating that the developments they have made so far in the cultural field have become one of the most important pillars of Turkish integration, President Erdoğan said that declaring December 15 as “World Turkish Language Family Day” at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO held in Samarkand in 2025 is a common success for everyone.

Stating that it is important to use the Common Turkish alphabet in a wide range of areas, from education to culture, from academic cooperation to digital transformation, Erdoğan said, “We believe that the Turkish language model and similar artificial intelligence-based initiatives that will make the richness of our common language visible in the digital world should be supported.” he said.

Stating that digital cooperation in this field can be strengthened with models such as the Turkish World Civil Society Support System, Erdoğan said:

“The crises experienced in our immediate surroundings have once again demonstrated the strategic value of the Turkish world acting in solidarity. We must strengthen our consultation mechanisms and coordination in the face of geopolitical challenges. We see benefit in the implementation of the TDT Plus format as soon as possible. The increasing contacts of us and our ministers confirm that the Turkish states have now gained high-level reflexes on common issues. As shown today in the crisis centered on the Strait of Hormuz, transportation projects connecting the Turkic world, especially the Common Corridor, are longer. It will continue to be our priority for years to come.

Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Ukraine and many other crises point to the need to strengthen our defense and increase our cooperation in the field of industry. As Türkiye, we are ready to share the experience we have gained in the defense industry, which we have shaped with high technology, with the members of our Organization. “We attach importance to the important meetings of defense industry institutions within our organization.”

“WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO MEHDI EKER, WHO I BELIEVE YOU WILL SEE AS ​​THE COMMON CANDIDATE OF THE TURKISH STATES”

President Erdoğan stated that they designed the COP31 Climate Summit to be held in Türkiye in November with an approach that highlights the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and digital technologies, and said, “We are also in a transformation that aims to benefit from the opportunities of technology to the maximum extent to support agricultural production. We have announced our candidacy for the Director General election of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to be held in July 2027. Dr. Mehdi, whom I believe you will see as the common candidate of all Turkish states for this important post.” We are waiting for your valuable support to Eker.” he said.

Stating that he would be happy to host the participants in Ankara at the next summit of the Organization of Turkic States before the end of this year, Erdoğan said, “On this occasion, I would like to thank the current Term President of our Organization, Can Azerbaijan, for his contributions to the integration of our Family Council. I would also like to thank my dear brother, Mr. Tokayev, for his excellent hosting. I congratulate you in advance on Eid al-Adha and wish you a peaceful holiday. “I hope that our Turkestan Summit will be beneficial to all friendly and brotherly countries, especially the Turkish world.” he said.

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi shared a video using sign language in the video he shared on the occasion of Disabled People’s Week.

Minister Çiftçi stated that they are with disabled individuals in his post on his social media account and said, “Together, we are members of the same nation. This unity is complete with you. With this message we gave in sign language on the occasion of the Disabled People’s Week, we wanted to express that we understand our disabled brothers and sisters and that we are always with them. We work for a Turkey where every citizen has equal opportunities, takes a strong part in social life, and love, understanding and solidarity grow. Because we know that we are a great nation devoted to the same values under the same flag. Disabled people come together.” “We will overcome this and grow solidarity together,” he said.

“Together, we are members of the same nation. This unity is complete with you.”

On the occasion of Disabled People’s Week; With this message we gave in sign language, we wanted to express that we understand our disabled brothers and sisters and that we are always with them.

We; Every citizen has equal opportunities… pic.twitter.com/YcX02N00J3

— Mustafa ÇİFTÇİ (@mustafaciftcitr) May 15, 2026

In the investigation carried out by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the cyber police, who were tracking a criminal organization, determined that millions of liras were being transferred through electronic money institutions and virtual POS networks. It was determined that the organization laundered approximately 100 billion TL and 2 billion dollars of money obtained from fraud through illegal betting services and phishing methods, using crypto money through jewelers and foreign exchange offices. 30 suspects, including organization leader Selahattin Akın Uzun and journalist Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, as well as bank managers, police officers, lawyers and company owners, were detained at 228 different addresses in 21 provinces, centered in Adana. According to the MASAK investigation, it was determined that Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, who was detained at his home in Istanbul, had 16 million 141 thousand TL inflow and 1 million 472 thousand TL outflow to his accounts between 2022 and 2024. In addition, in the examinations carried out through electronic money institutions; In the same period, it was evaluated that a total of 35 million 201 thousand TL was entered into Kütahyalı’s accounts from six different payment institutions: Sipay, Fzpay, Paladyum, Elekse, Birleşim Payment and Faturamatik.

ASSETS WERE SEIZED
Within the scope of the INVESTIGATION, 3 electronic money and payment institutions, 3 jewelers and a foreign exchange office in Adana were seized and trustees were appointed. In addition, 221 immovable properties, 120 vehicles and 3 boats belonging to the suspects were seized, while 8,500 illegal betting sites were closed. Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek made a statement: “We will continue our fight against all kinds of criminal structures that target the sweat and future of our citizens with the same unshakable will.”

An operation centered in Diyarbakır was carried out under the instructions of the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security’s Anti-Narcotic Crimes Directorate. Street vendors, referred to as “torbaci”, were identified at 302 addresses in a total of 23 provinces, including Konya, Antalya, Istanbul, Hatay, Isparta, Burdur, Kastamonu, Kahramanmaraş, Zonguldak, Samsun, Ankara, Malatya, Bursa, Mardin, Mersin, Muğla, Şanlıurfa, Edirne, Bilecik, İzmir, Van and Giresun, based in Diyarbakır. An operation was carried out against 402 suspects. 288 suspects were detained during the operation. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Çelik said at the press conference held at the Provincial Police Department in Diyarbakır, “2 thousand 670 of our heroic colleagues, law enforcement officers and police department personnel took part in the operation.

Helicopters, drones and narcotic dogs accompanied the operation. During the operations carried out throughout the night, a serious blow was dealt to the drug supply chain, especially in Diyarbakır. “When the criminal records of the individuals who were prosecuted within the scope of the operation are examined, it appears that they are involved in crimes in approximately 3,075 different crime categories, such as deliberate defamation, threats, insults, property damage, theft, as well as drug trafficking,” he said.

Noting that drugs are not only an individual crime but also lead to many crimes, Çelik stated that protecting young people and children is their main priority within the scope of the fight against drugs. On the other hand, a total of 2 tons, 103 kilograms of narcotic substances and 2 million 685 thousand narcotic pills were seized in operations carried out in 77 provinces in recent days. While 1,187 of the detained suspects were arrested, judicial control provisions were applied to 337 of them.

SPECIAL METHODS WERE USED IN THE INVESTIGATION
Minister of JUSTICE Akın Gürlek, in his statement on his social media account, said, “The Turkish Police Department dealt a significant blow to drug traffickers simultaneously by using months of meticulous technical monitoring and special investigation methods. I would like to thank our Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, General Directorate of Security, Anti-Narcotic Crimes Directorate and Diyarbakır Provincial Police Department, who contributed to this successful and patient operation. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs “The strong coordination and co-ordination between our Ministry is our strongest support against those who want to poison our children,” he said.