Turkey Weekly 25 – 31 August 2025
Turkey Today – 31.08.2025
Futer Party MP Mustafa Bilici, a member of the parliamentary commission, said: “If you are conducting a process, you need to meet with the interlocutor,” in response to calls for the commission to meet with Abdullah Ocalan.
People’s Defense Forces Press Centre announded that Turkey continued its attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq despite the ceasefire decision.
Although the restoration of the millennia-old Birca Belek fortress in Cizîr is officially considered complete, access is still being denied. DEM MP Zeki Irmez demands clarification from the Ministry of Culture.
Turkey Today – 30.08.2025
At their 1066th vigil in Istanbul on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance, the Saturday Mothers demanded clarification of the fate of all missing persons and criminal consequences for perpetrators.
Mustafa Karatepe, who was released from prison in January after 30 years in prison, died of colon cancer in the hospital where he was being treated.
The Presidential Protection Department, to which the presidential bodyguards belong, spent 1 billion 740 million 819 thousand TL in the first seven months of 2025.
Turkey Today – 29.08.2025
The Adana Women’s Platform filed a criminal complaint against the Diyanet’s statements targeting women’s right to inheritance in its latest Friday sermon, saying ‘We will never give up our civil rights’.
The indictment prepared for CHP Istanbul Provincial Presidency elections demanded up to 3 years of imprisonment for 10 CHP executives.
Ekin Yeter Moray, Co-Chairperson of the Association of Lawyers for Freedom, stated that Abdullah Öcalan should be heard by a parliamentary commission for the democratic solution of the Kurdish question and that there has been no change in the isolation conditions in İmralı.
It is stated that the chief warden physically assaulted prisoners in Dumlu High Security Closed Prison No 1.
Turkey Today – 28.08.2025
Speaking at the parliamentary commission, former Speaker of Parliament Bülent Arınç emphasized that Kurds are seeking equal citizenship and stressed that the “Right to Hope” must be implemented without fail.
Speaking at the Commission, former Prime Minister and former Speaker of the Parliament Binali Yıldırım said, “Empowerment of local governments is not a threat to the unitary state, but an opportunity to carry out services more effectively. This structure, which is also defined as decentralisation, is only an administrative structure.”
The DEM Party İmralı Delegation that met with Abdullah Öcalan returned from İmralı. The delegation will make a statement tomorrow about the 4-hour meeting.
The Administrative and Observation Board postponed the release of Halil Ay in Tekirdağ Prison for 3 months claiming that he was “not in good behaviour”.
Turkey Today – 27.08.2025
The National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy Commission established in the parliament convened. The heads of bar associations were heard at the meeting. Demands for constitutionality and mother tongue were on the agenda.
CHP leader Özgür Özel said that Erdoğan received attendance fees from subsidiaries during his term as mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Deniz Yavuzyılmaz shared a document showing that Erdoğan received 8 salaries at the same time.
Syrian refugee Ahmad Aabo whose temporary protection status was revoked following an HIV diagnosis has regained his legal status in Turkey.
Ekrem İmamoğlu and Dilek İmamoğlu’s lawyer Nusret Yılmaz was released with judicial control measures and a ban on leaving the country.
Turkey Today – 26.08.2025
Soldiers informed the family of HPG members Rojhat Azize Önkol that the Ministry of Interior had instructed the prosecutor’s office to demolish the graves and demanded that the photographs of the brothers engraved on the gravestone to be removed.
The hospital transfer of prisoner Yasin Kaya, held in Şırnak T-Type Closed Prison, was cancelled after he refused to comply with the enforced rule of wearing slippers. Additionally, a letter sent to another prisoner was confiscated by prison authorities.
Detained for more than 30 years, Mehmet Mehdi Ataca’s release was prevented for 6 months on the grounds that he was ‘not ready to integrate’.
Detained Beyoğlu Mayor İnan Güney said that they were asked to stand in a single queue when they were taken from the police station to the courthouse and that he objected to this.
Lawyer Mücahit Birinci, who allegedly demanded 2 million dollars in exchange for release in Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operations, was released under judicial control measures.
Turkey Today – 25.08.2025
Prisoners at Kocaeli No. 2 High-Security Prison report severe restrictions on their basic rights, including access to books, social and sports activities, and family visits. Authorities justify the limitations by citing “staff shortages,” while some books are being confiscated for being “inappropriate,” despite not being officially banned.
DEM Party İmralı Delegation will hold a meeting with Kurdish Political Leader Abdullah Öcalan this week.
President Tayyip Erdoğan said in Ahlat district of Bitlis, “Now we have reached the last straight. With a little more patience, diligence and attention, we will pass this straight line.”
IHD Ankara Branch Youth Commission protested the detention of Azerbaijani women’s rights defender Nanaxanim Babazade and her transfer to a deportation centre.
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Turkey Weekly 18 – 24 August
Turkey Today – 24.08.2025
In Diyarbakır, the women’s movement TJA has called for the participation of women in a possible new constitutional process. In a statement, it emphasised that peace and democracy are not possible without the voices of women.
Vahap Seçer, Deputy President of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey and Mayor of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, called for the arrested mayors: ‘Let the indictment be prepared as soon as possible’.
Young CHP members reached Ankara on the 16th day of their ‘Freedom from Adana to Silivri’ march.
In Van, labourers dismissed by the trustee have been in resistance for 25 days. The workers emphasised that they will not back down in the face of the injustice they have suffered.
Turkey Today – 23.08.2025
Hakan Tahmaz from the Foundation for Peace warns of risks and opportunities in the current solution process for the Kurdish question. The dialogue in parliament is a step forward – but reducing it to disarmament is not enough.
Mahsum Batı, President of the Tahir Elçi Foundation, one of the names heard in the commission established in the Parliament, said: ‘Direct talks with Öcalan will accelerate the process that this commission desires.’
Kalyon Construction, Cengiz Construction and TAV Construction were awarded the $4 billion Damascus Airport tender by HTS in Syria. Transport Minister Uraloğlu announced that Turkish companies are trying to win the tender for Aleppo Airport.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1065 and demanded clarification about the fate of Mehmet Ertak who was abducted by the police 33 years ago.
Turkey Today – 22.08.2025
CHP candidate Sefer Karaahmetoğlu was elected as acting mayor in place of Beyoğlu Mayor İnan Güney, who was arrested and dismissed.
Tunceli Governor’s Office opened mosque at the entrance to the Munzur Springs, considered sacred by the Alevi community.
Peace Mothers, who were prevented from speaking Kurdish during a parliamentary commission meeting, emphasized that the Kurdish language must first be recognized.
CHP MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu visited HDP former Co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş and former Diyarbakır Mayor Selçuk Mızraklı. ‘They think that the biggest risk is the time wasted,’ Tanrıkulu said.
The civil servants, who decided to march to the palace after their demands for a meeting with AKP President Erdoğan remained unanswered, were blockaded by the police.
CHP Chair Özgür Özel announced that they will call for an extraordinary meeting of the Parliament regarding the famine in Gaza.
Turkey Today – 21.08.2025
The Ministry of Education has confirmed activities in schools across Şırnak that involved pressuring students to act as informants, defending the seminars as part of “preventive efforts in the fight against terrorism.”
The 30 workers of the AKP-led Şavşat Municipality, who were not reinstated despite a court ruling, set up a protest tent in front of the municipality. The mayor cited ‘financial situation’ as the reason.
Habibe Elhalil Elmüslüm, a prisoner who was subjected to an investigation due to the letter he wanted to send to Abdullah Öcalan, was subjected to violence during her transfer to hospital. Lawyer Mehmet Sönmez stated that they filed a criminal complaint.
At least 15 students who participated in the 19 March protests at METU were called by the Ministry of Interior to testify
The Zeytinli Rock Festival, one of Turkey’s longest-running rock events, has been canceled due to wildfire concerns cited by local authorities.
Turkey Today – 20.08.2025
The conditional release of Mervan Demirtas, who has been imprisoned for 31 years, was blocked based on a disciplinary penalty tied to a protest that never occurred.
Şeyhmus Çiçek accused of fatally beating his wife after she entered a pool wearing a swimsuit was released from jail just seven months after his arrest, despite a pending charge of aggravated life imprisonment.
The Commission for National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy held its 5th meeting. Saturday Mothers, who were heard in the parliamentary commission, demanded the establishment of a Truth Commission to investigate the disappearances in custody.
The person who set fire to a ‘Toros’ car in front of the parliament was arrested on charges of ‘deliberately endangering public security’.
Turkey Today – 19.08.2025
Parliament’s Commission has convened for the fourth time. Numan Kurtulmuş made a statement before the first session of the meeting noting that increasing social consent is “the most important duty”.
A person set his white “Toros” car on fire in front of the Parliament garden in Ankara, near Çankaya Gate. The person shouted “I want God’s justice” several times.
Making a statement on the issue, CHP MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu said, “This incident should not be covered up. Deep connections must be investigated. Because a message was clearly given against peace.”
Aydın Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu has filed a criminal complaint against CHP Chair Özgür Özel for alleged defamation, following her resignation from the party and decision to join the AKP.
The social media account X, where Etkin News Agency (ETHA) publishes its news, has been blocked from Turkey for the 5th time.
Turkey Today – 18.08.2025
A man who opened fire on the İzmir office of the daily Evrensel has been formally arrested, while the driver who brought him to the scene was released after one day in custody.
24 of 45 people who were detained within the scope of the investigation into alleged corruption in Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) were released with a ban on leaving the country and judicial control.
The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey presented its views and suggestions on the solution of the Kurdish question to the commission established in the Parliament.
Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced that new regulations will be made in some laws on children dragged into crime.
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Turkey Weekly 11 – 17 August 2025
Turkey Today – 17.08.2025
Answering journalists’ questions about the process in a programme he attended in Mardin, DEVA Party Chair Ali Babacan said, ‘It will be important that Öcalan’s views can be taken into consideration and evaluated by the commission in some way.’
Lezgin Dayangaç, the father of Mehmet Dayangaç, who is being held in Sincan L-Type Prison No 2, stated that his son is constantly subjected to pressure and violence and called on the authorities to investigate the prison.
AKP member and lawyer Mücahit Birinci, who was referred to discipline with a request for definitive expulsion from the party after CHP Chairman Özgür Özel’s statements, resigned from the party.
Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Isranbul Metropolitan Municipality, objected through his lawyers to the rejection of his request for a stay of execution regarding the cancellation of his bachelor’s degree.
Turkey Today – 16.08.2025
The Instagram accounts of Yeni Yaşam Newspaper, Kurdish news agency Ajansa Welat and Kurdish newspaper Xwebûn were blocked.
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Press Unit responded to the allegations that CHP Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş will resign from the party. In the statement, it was emphasised that the news circulated on social media are baseless.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1064 and demanded the fate of Mehmet Salim Acar, who disappeared 31 years ago after being detained.
The Prison Administration and Observation Board (İGK) prevented the conditional release of prisoner Nujen Raperin Amaç on the grounds that he was staying in an organised ward and deemed him ‘not in good behaviour’.
Turkey Today – 15.08.2025
Today’s Friday sermon, delivered in mosques nationwide as part of Muslims’ weekly congregational prayers, opposed equal inheritance rights for daughters.
Within the scope of the new wave operation against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), detention warrant was issued for 44 people, including Beyoglu Mayor Inan Guney.
Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit from DEM Party stated that the commission established for the solution of the Kurdish problem does not yet have a road map and a work schedule and added: ‘Abdullah Öcalan wants to develop a solution mind in the state despite the isolation.’
During the meetings of the parliamentary process commission on 19 and 20 August, a number of organisations, including associations of martyrs and veterans, Saturday Mothers, Peace Mothers and İHD, will be heard.
The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) announced that the personal data of 107 thousand people may have been compromised in the cyber attack against its systems on 8 August 2025.
Turkey Today – 14.08.2025
The Forensic Medicine Institution (ATK) reported that Beylikdüzü Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık’s health condition does not prevent him from staying in prison.
Dr. Osman İşçi, a member of the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) Central Council, who was invited to the Commission, emphasized that the process of resolving the Kurdish issue cannot succeed without hearing from Abdullah Öcalan.
The Human Rights Association Batman Branch reported that ongoing water shortages and unsafe drinking water in three prisons have seriously violated the right to life and health of prisoners.
In Hakkari, a criminal complaint was filed against specialised sergeant İbrahim Sarı for violence against a child.
President Erdoğan held a telephone conversation with Rutte upon the request of the secretary general. During the call, the latest developments regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia, regional and global issues were discussed.
President Erdoğan announced that nine mayors, including Aydın Metropolitan Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, have joined his Party. The announcement came during a ceremony marking the party’s 24th anniversary.
Turkey Today – 13.08.2025
Izmir office of Evrensel newspaper was subjected to an armed attack around 1.30 last night. One person was detained in connection with the attack.
The Istanbul Bar Association Women’s Rights Centre stated that the implementation of mandatory ‘family mediation’ in divorce cases will legitimise violence against women and weaken women’s right to equality and fair trial.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who met with Foreign Minister Sheibani of the Transitional Government of Damascus in Ankara, claimed that the Syrian Democratic Forces are not integrated into the system.
Villagers started a vigil against the mining project of a private company in Sket Plateau in Şirnak’s Uludere district. It was stated that the company belongs to Sabri Babat, a former mayor of AKP.
The diplomas of 28 people whose diplomas were cancelled together with Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu were deleted from the system.
Turkey Today – 12.08.2025
A new wave of arrests has been made in the ongoing corruption investigation targeting the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued detention orders for 14 people.
A recent broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer from the loudspeakers of a cemevi in Çorum’s Tarhan village has prompted a strong reaction from Alevi organizations. The village’s mukhtar reportedly ordered the broadcast.
Making a statement before the commission meeting, DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit said that a road map would be determined at today’s commission meeting and that they would discuss this road map.
CHP submitted a 29-article ‘democratisation package’ proposal to the parliamentary commission.
Stating that the law on execution is not applied equally to everyone, MHP member Feti Yıldız said, ‘If we do not do this from scratch, we cannot get out of this.’
Turkey Today – 11.08.2025
An eight-member family was assaulted reportedly for speaking Kurdish in Mersin. Among the family members was a three-month-old baby. Adnan Nazlı, one of the injured, was admitted to intensive care.
EMEP central executive member Halil İmrek was summoned to testify to the police on charges of ‘inciting the public to hatred and hostility’ for his post criticising trustee appointments and the arrest of trade unionist Mehmet Türkmen.
Cahit Özkan from AKP, Umut Akdoğan from CHP and Celal Fırat from DEM Party became the three new members of the process commission.
President Erdoğan supported the National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy Commission and said that a window of opportunity has opened in the fight against terrorism.
The police attacked the crowd during the funeral of Ferhat Tünç, an HPG member who lost his life, and today the police blockaded the condolence houses in the neighbourhood and closed mosques for worship.
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Turkey Weekly 4 – 10 August 2025
Turkey Today – 10.08.2025
Emrecan Demir, a prisoner held in Samsun Kavak S-Type High-Security Prison, was beaten by prison guards on August 4 for refusing mouth search during a hospital transfer.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş will contact the IYI Party for the last time before the third meeting of the “National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission” on 12 August.
MHP leader Devlet Bahceli has said he expects the ongoing work related to the peace process to be completed by the end of the year.
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office detained lawyer Rezan Epözdemir on charges of ‘bribery, political-military espionage and aiding FETÖ’.
Turkey Today – 09.08.2025
It was claimed that lawyer Mehmet Yıldırım demanded testimony and 4.5 million dollars from the families against İmamoğlu, and that CHP would present the evidence to the HSK and the Union of Bar Associations.
Commenting on the commission established in the Parliament and the process, CHP Deputy Chairperson Zeliha Aksaz Şahpaz underlined that there are historical opportunities and that the Parliament should be transparent and the society should actively support the process.
The postponement of the release of prisoners Mehmet Çellik and Sezar Durak was cancelled by the Execution Judge. The Administration and Observation Board responded to the decision by adding 3 months to Çellik’s current postponement period and 4 months to Durak’s.
It is claimed that a woman committed suicide and two people attempted suicide in Çatalca İnceğiz Removal Centre. The Directorate of Migration Management has not yet made a statement on the issue.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1063 and asked for the fate of journalist Ferhat Tepe, who disappeared 32 years ago.
Turkey Today – 08.08.2025
Peoples Defence Forces Press Centre announced that Turkey continued its attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq despite the ceasefire decision.
The ‘National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy Commission’ established in the parliament convened for the second time. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler and Head of National Intelligence Service İbrahim Kalın made presentations at the meeting.
Şimel Çam, daughter of ill prisoner Mehmet Emin Çam (76) who suffered two heart attacks in prison, stated that her father’s health is worsening and called on the parliamentary commission to prioritize the release of ill prisoners.
The first hearing of the lawsuit filed against 53 people who were detained during the Istanbul Pride March, 2 of whom were arrested, was held; 2 people were released and judicial control decisions of 51 people were lifted.
Stating that the bill of half a century due to the lack of a solution to the Kurdish problem is 2 million dollars, Tayyip Erdoğan said, ‘We want to open the doors of a new era in our country and in our region.’
Turkey Today – 07.08.2025
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus stated that the work to be carried out within the Parliament will be based solely on “recommendations and findings”.
Serdar Akay, whose 65-year-old father Latif Akay is imprisoned in Beşiri T Type Prison and unable to walk, stated that his father has been left to die and called for his urgent release to receive treatment.
Mehmet Çelik, a seriously ill prisoner who was taken to hospital from Konya Prison, was attacked in front of the gendarmerie by a judicial prisoner who was held in the same prison and taken to hospital on the same day.
Residents of Kırşehir are strongly opposing plans to open gold mines by Koç Holding and Fernas Construction, fearing the project will dry up natural resources, devastate agriculture and livestock, and cause ecological disasters.
The Council of Higher Education denied the allegation that there were ‘400 academics with fake diplomas’ and announced that they would file a criminal complaint against those who made the allegations.
Journalist Rahime Karvar, who was released with a judicial control measure abroad, was ordered to wear electronic handcuffs for not attending the hearing.
Turkey Today – 06.08.2025
12 women prisoners, including DTK Co-Chair Leyla Güven, have been given disciplinary penalties.
Murat Türk from Antalya S Type Closed Prison made a call for sensitivity stating that prisoners are not taken to the infirmary and their right to treatment is prevented.
The release of Delal Tekdemir, a 68-year-old woman with prostheses on both knees, was postponed because she ‘did not participate in sports activities’ and ‘did not attend a literacy course’ which had never been opened despite being a university graduate.
DEM Party has proposed a solution for the election of new members to the three vacant seats in the parliamentary commission. With the accepted proposal, three new members will be elected from DEM Party, CHP and AKP.
The “National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy Commission”, which was established in Parliament yesterday, has decided to hold its meeting on August 8 in closed session.
Yunus Emre Yeşilmen, an employee of Yeni Yaşam newspaper, who was threatened and forced to be a spy by two people who introduced themselves as police officers in Diyarbakır’s Kayapınar neighbourhood, applied to the Human Rights Association.
Turkey Today – 05.08.2025
The name of the commission established in the Parliament within the scope of the process towards the resolution of the Kurdish question through democratic and peaceful methods was determined as ‘National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy Commission’.
Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere, who was arrested within the scope of the corruption investigation against CHP municipalities, was released on judicial control conditions and then the judicial control order against him was lifted, was reinstated.
Baran Şahin, who attacked Suruç Municipality of Urfan with stones at night, was released with judicial control condition after his statement.
The Constitutional Court ruled that Hüda Kaya’s arrest on the grounds of the 6-8 October Kobanê events and the restriction of her access to the investigation file violated her constitutional rights.
The Supreme Military Council meeting chaired by President Erdoğan ended. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu became the new Chief of General Staff.
LGBTI rights defender Enes Hocaoğulları, who is Turkey’s youth delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, was detained today at Ankara Esenboğa Airport. It is learned that the detention is based on investigations initiated after his speech at the Council of Europe.
Turkey Today – 04.08.2025
Before the first meeting of the new commission to resolve the Kurdish question, Parliament President Kurtulmuş met with representatives of all parliamentary groups. The constituent meeting will take place tomorrow.
CHP suggested that the name of the commission established in the Parliament in the context of the Process should be ‘Democracy, Justice and Social Reconciliation Commission’.
Iraqi Minister of Water Resources stated that Turkey violated the water agreement and said that the agricultural sector will completely stop as of September.
CHP MP Dr Müzeyyen Şevkin stated that more than 30 people end their lives every month due to financial difficulties and called on the government for social support and transparent data sharing.
Şırnak Governorate made verbal statements that the tree cutting was stopped throughout the city, but footage was obtained that it continued in Gabar.
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Turkey Weekly 1 – 3 August 2025
Turkey Today – 03.08.2025
In Şirnak’s Beytüşşebap district, 5 regions were declared as ‘temporary security zones’ for the second time. The region was closed to entrances and exits for 9 days.
The court rejected the request of Aydın Aydoğan, whose arm was broken during the Saturday Mothers’ protest, for an investigation against Süleyman Soylu, the Minister of Interior at the time.
Making a statement about the commission in the Parliament, arrested Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu said, ‘We will make a great effort to work towards the solution of the Kurdish issue and social peace.’
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdulati. It was stated that humanitarian aid to Gaza and ceasefire negotiations were discussed during the call.
Turkey Today – 02.08.2025
DEM Party Women’s Assembly reacted against the Friday sermon of the Presidency of Religious Affairs targeting women and criticized the targeting of women through their clothing under the name of “morality and decency” in the sermon and telling how they should dress in a sexist language.
Seyfettin Demhat, an ill prisoner whose medications brought from abroad have not been provided, has been transferred from Van High Security Prison to Kırşehir Type-S Prison against his will.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1062 and demanded justice for Murat Aslan, whose bones were found after he was abducted 31 years ago by people who identified themselves as police officers.
210 NGOs issued a joint statement on the commission established for the process, demanding the immediate creation of mechanisms to ensure the participation of organized segments of society in the commission.
Turkey Today – 01.08.2025
Izmir’s Konak Municipality police officers sealed the door of the Avesta Association, where Kurdish lessons are given.
The indictment prepared against 65 people demanding up to 45 years in prison within the scope of the investigation against Izmir Metropolitan Municipality was accepted.
Making a call for sick prisoners, MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız said, “If there is a definite danger to the life of the prisoner, his execution should be postponed until he recovers.”
The CHP has decided that the spokespersons of the commission, which will hold its first meeting in Parliament on August 5, will be Group Deputy Chair Murat Emir and Deputy Chair Gökçe Gökçen.
“Believe me, we are very close to the winds of peace blowing in our geography, which is plagued by oppression, crisis and conflict,” President Erdoğan said.