The Grand Kartal Hotel Fire Report of TMMOB Chambers of Electrical, Construction, Mechanical Engineers and Chamber of Architects was Announced

 

The Grand Kartal Hotel Fire Report of TMMOB Chambers of Electrical, Construction, Mechanical Engineers and Chamber of Architects was Announced                  

The Grand Kartal Hotel Fire Report of TMMOB Chambers of Electrical, Civil, Mechanical Engineers and Chamber of Architects was shared with the public on February 21, 2025.

 January 21, 2025, we would like to express our condolences to the relatives of 78 citizens, including 36 children, who we lost in the fire at the Kartalkaya Grand Kartal Hotel, and our urgent wishes for healing to the injured Dec.

We, as the Chambers of Electrical Engineers, Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Architects affiliated to TMMOB, are presenting to the public the detailed report attached to our October statement on fires within the scope of our profession and specialties. The report we have prepared with public responsibility covers both the Grand Kartal Hotel fire and all relevant legislation. 

Preliminary Information

In the fight against fire in our country, it is observed that the inadequacy of inspection and maintenance services mostly plays an important role after the permission to use the building. Early detection of fires, evacuation of people to safe areas, minimizing loss of life and property; fire detection-alarm, emergency guidance, emergency lighting, extinguishing, smoke evacuation and pressurization systems have a very important task.

In the Incident Scene / Fire Report dated 23.01.2025 of the Bolu Municipality Fire Department, it is stated that ”it has been determined that the fire started from the kitchen / restaurant section located on the 4th floor". According to the current fire report on hotel-motel fires by the US Fire Administration, which is part of the American Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), cooking-related fires have the highest rate. On the other hand, statistics show that there are many causes of fires in hotels. For this reason, in terms of fire safety, it is primarily to ensure the safe evacuation of people from the building before the fire grows with passive and active measures.

These measures are specified in the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings published in the Official Gazette dated 19.12.2007, published on 26.07.2002 in accordance with the characteristics of the building and subsequently divided into "new“ and "existing buildings" and revised; it is the presence of escape routes and escape stairs, access routes to the building, the use of appropriate building materials, fire partitions, carrier system insulation, emergency lighting and direction signs, fire notification buttons, fire detection and warning systems, the appropriate type of extinguishing, pressurization and smoke evacuation system and first aid teams. Regular periodic inspections, tests and maintenance in accordance with the standards that will ensure the continuity of these Dec systems are also among the priorities.

Assessment of the Grand Kartal Hotel fire

The determinations we will give below are based on the Fire Department report, eyewitness statements, actual information reflected in the media, the preliminary report of the chief inspectors of the Property and the observations made by the relevant Branches of our Chambers. Unfortunately, almost all of the following findings and observations are examples of violations of legislation.

In terms of building characteristics, the hotel has 8 floors above the +0.00 code code, 4 floors below it, a total of 12 floors; the building height is about 29 m, including basement floors, 43 m. According to the information reflected in the media, the first license date of the hotel is 1997, the renovation license was obtained in 1999. the usage area of the 26-year-old building is over 16,000 m2 and it is not known whether a renovation license was obtained after 1999.

According to the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings, Grand Kartal Hotel is in the “existing structure” and “high-rise building” class in terms of known license dates and is subject to the provisions of the regulation on escape routes, exit capacity and escape distance, number and width of escape routes, fire safety hall, emergency exit requirement, location and arrangement of escape ladder slots, escape ladder characteristics, escape ladder ventilation, basement escape stairs, escape route doors, indicating the necessary issues to be taken in “existing buildings” until 19.12.2008.

According to the criteria of the building floor dimensions and the number of users on the floors, at least two escape (fire) stairs and stairs must be fire-resistant, smoke-sealed for at least 90 minutes, and there must be a fire safety hall. However, contrary to the legislation, it was determined that there is only one escape staircase, there is no fire safety hall, the fire escape doors, which should be fire resistant for 90 minutes, are wooden, smoke-tight, a base station and an electrical shaft were installed to prevent escape in the staircase.

It has been determined that the building siding is wood Decking, the thermal insulation between the siding and the wall is made of flammable XPS material. The ceiling of many places in the building is paneled wood.

It was understood that the environmental arrangement was not suitable for fire trucks to maneuver, that the rear part of the building could be entered up to a certain point, and that the intervention was incomplete because there was no connection to the fire department water supply in that part.

According to the regulation, the elevators should be connected to the building's fire detection system and should be capable of not working during a fire, but the deaths in the elevator cabins showed that the elevators were in operation and not integrated into fire detection.

It was understood that there was no escape ladder ventilation and pressurization system in accordance with the relevant articles of the Regulation, and the ladder bucket was filled with smoke.

In the “high-rise building” class of the hotel, it was determined that there is no fixed piping installation that allows the fire brigade to transmit the water pressed into the system from the outside to the desired floor in accordance with the Regulation, since the total indoor use area is greater than 2000 m2; there are two fire cabinets to be used for first responders, but there is no water in the tank that provides water to the cabinets.

It is understood that there is no automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the regulation.

It has been seen that there is no automatic fire extinguishing system with hood on the grill and January cookers in the kitchen section, gas detection, gas cut-off and warning system have not been installed.

It has been seen that the systems in accordance with the relevant article of the Regulation on the detection and warning system were not installed to cover the entire hotel, charred, and did not work during the fire.

It was stated that the emergency lighting system, which should provide uninterrupted lighting for at least 120 minutes on the escape routes, is located only in the escape ladder, has not been installed in other areas, the existing one is also in disrepair and the usage time of the batteries has passed.

It has been stated that the hotel's internal electrical installation does not comply with the legislation, the cables used are not flame retardant, the route and location were not selected correctly.

Responsibility, maintenance, supervision, occupational safety and regulatory issues in the Grand Kartal Hotel fire

The provisions of the Regulation hold the administration authorized to issue building and operating licenses of the hotel outside the municipal borders or military area, investor organizations or building owners, employers or representatives, architects and engineers responsible for design and implementation, as well as implementing contractors and manufacturers, consultants, consultants, project control, building supervision and operating officials involved in building construction and use, officials, officials and defects responsible for the implementation of these provisions and fire damage.

Insurance companies have also been given a clear responsibility by being obliged to check whether the provisions of the Regulation are being complied with in the insured building.

According to the Tourism Promotion Law, the Regulation on the Qualifications of Tourism Facilities and the Regulation on the Supervision of Tourism Investments, Enterprises and Organizations, the area where the hotel is located is a tourism area within the scope of the Tourism Promotion Law. In the Regulation on the Qualifications of Tourism Facilities, it is mandatory to carry out regular maintenance of all kinds of installations, electrical and mechanical equipment in accordance with the standards in tourism facilities. It should also be noted that the facilities were requested to submit the fire compliance letter / report to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism by 30.04.2024, but this period was extended to 31.08.2024 with the approval of the Ministry, and it was stated that if the appropriate document was not sent within the given period, the facility document would be canceled in accordance with the relevant subparagraph of the Tourism Promotion Law. While it is even controversial to grant additional time with the consent of the minister on this issue, it is believed that the ministry's violation of the legislation regarding the cancellation of the document at the end of October by not fulfilling the relevant provision of the regulation and allowing the operation of the enterprise invites disaster.

With the Special Provincial Administration Law, these administrations have also been given the task of licensing and supervising non-sanitary institutions and public recreation and entertainment places outside the municipal borders

According to the Regulation on Workplace Opening and Work Permits, the hotel is also in accordance with the Tourism Promotion Law in question; it is clearly stated that the supervisory authority is given to the Special Provincial Administration and only to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on certain issues, and it is also stated that the workplace opening and work license will be issued by the authorized administrations within fifteen days without any other processing, but for public recreation and entertainment places, these issues will be checked on site before the workplace opening and work license is issued, and they will check whether these issues have been fulfilled in the inspections they will conduct after the issuance of the work license.

It is known that the hotel was inspected 5 times by the Special Provincial Administration in 2011, Jul 2016, jul 2019, JUL 2021, jul 2024; kitchen departments, food preparation, food storage, drinking and drinking water supply analysis report, ventilation system, personnel hygiene and food safety areas were inspected, but it is unknown whether the issues related to the status of the fire safety measures requested at the licensing stage were met in the inspections.

https://www.mmo.org.tr/sites/default/files/gonderi_dosya_ekleri/YANGIN%20RAPORU.pdf

Important advice from an expert for safe driving in snowy weather!

 

Important advice from an expert for safe driving in snowy weather!                                                                  

With the winter season showing its effect, Road and Traffic Safety Consultant Özgür Şener, who made important warnings to drivers for safe driving in cold, snowy, icy and foggy weather, told drivers that the safest behavior to do when the weather and road conditions become difficult is not to drive.

“In cases where the ground is slippery, reduce your speed, do not make sudden steering movements, drive steadily without sudden acceleration and sudden braking. Özgür Şener, who made the suggestion, said, "Are the tread depths of your winter tires sufficient? It should be at least 4mm." said. 

Stating that it is of great importance for electric vehicle users to control the heating system of vehicles, Şener said, “In addition, they should determine the charging stations well so that they do not stay on the road completely without electricity." said.       Özgür Şener, Lecturer at the Occupational Health and Safety Department of Üsküdar University, Road and Traffic Safety Consultant, made important warnings to drivers for safe driving in cold, snowy, icy and foggy weather as the winter season shows its effect.

Do not drive when the weather and road conditions become difficult!

Özgür Şener expressed to the drivers that the safest behavior to do in cases where the weather and road conditions become difficult is not to drive, and said, “If you don't have to go by car due to your job, don't go. Choose to travel using public transport. If this option is not possible, please take into account the recommendations if you need to go driving due to the necessity of the work you are doing or necessarily. You should always follow these recommendations." said.

 Reduce your speed when the ground is slippery!

Pointing out that in case of staying on any road in winter conditions, the conditions can be very challenging for the driver and passengers, Sener noted::

"Remember that the conditions that are difficult for you will also be difficult for other drivers, and always make your choice in favor of the safer option. In cases where the ground is slippery, reduce your speed, do not make sudden steering movements, drive steadily without sudden acceleration and sudden braking. Keep your tracking distance in such a way as to leave a safe space for yourself. Although it is said that half of your driving speed is meters for the tracking distance, it is very difficult to calculate the distance. A dry and smooth ground, in the open air, at the legal speed limits given for the road, referring to the vehicle in front of you, indicates that you are at a suitable tracking distance to come to a point where the vehicle passes (a pole on the roadside, a tree) when you count one thousand one, two thousand one thousand three (3 to 4 seconds). If the ground is wet, slippery, distorted, the weather is foggy, hazy and the visibility is not sufficient, the tracking distance should be increased (up to 6 to 8 seconds).” 

Do not use a mobile phone while driving!

Şener, who also reminded the distractors while driving, said, “Rear-impact accidents are fatal. The most important reasons are not driving with a safe tracking distance and the use of mobile phones while driving.” he spoke.

Preparation for winter conditions is vital

“Make sure that your vehicle is suitable for a safe trip. Take the time to check your vehicle carefully before setting off." Özgür Şener, who said, continued as follows:

“If these conditions are not met, please know that you will not be able to travel safely. The time and expenses that you will devote to making your vehicle suitable for travel before you set off will be very, very little compared to the time and expenses in case of an accident or staying on the road that you will be involved in because you do not meet these conditions. Negative situations that may happen to you may have irreversible negative consequences. 

Are the tread depths of your winter tires sufficient?

Are there any deformations such as cracks, tears in your tires, are your tire pressures appropriate? (The appropriate tire pressures of the vehicle are found on the tank cover, inside the driver's door, in the vehicle's owner's manual. Tire pressure values are not changed in summer and winter, it is enough to have the appropriate pressure value). Are the tread depths of your winter tires sufficient? It should be at least 4mm. Are all your headlights and lights working? Is there any malfunction or warning information on the vehicle's indicators? Are the ventilation, air conditioning and glass resistors of the vehicle working? To ensure the energy of your vehicle, make sure that the total capacity is at least three times four full. If possible, complete it every time it is half. Although it is not caused by you, you can provide the energy you need in this way in case of staying on any road. Check by operating that the wipers of the vehicle are intact, functional and in working order.”

Make sure to put antifreeze in your glass water!

Özgür Şener, who also drew attention to the importance of having the vehicle's systems that will provide the necessary engine heating in cold weather checked, said, “Check that your windshield wiper water is sufficient. In winter, the water without antifreeze freezes and leaves the driver in a difficult situation. Make sure to put antifreeze in your glass water and clean your front and back windows once after you put antifreeze for the cycle. Clean all the windows of the vehicle that provide your vision and all your mirrors and ensure full visibility. For example; the snow remaining on the upper side of the vehicles descends to the windshield when braking while driving and can completely block the driver's view, causing an accident. Keep the appropriate apparatus in your vehicle for this cleaning.” he testified.

Run your car every 4-5 days when you are not driving 

Sener also said that today's vehicle technology does not need to keep the vehicles running for a while before moving, “However, you may prefer to start your vehicle to find out if there is a problem with the operation of your vehicle, to warm up the interior of the vehicle a little, if there is, to turn on the fog in your windows. Especially vehicles intended for private use are not moved for a long time in bad weather conditions and when there is a lot of snow on the ground. In such cases, we recommend that you run your vehicle where it is every 4-5 days without moving it. In this way, you can ensure the healthy operation of all systems, including your battery." said. 

The chain must be compatible with the tire sizes of the vehicle

Özgür Şener continued his suggestions to drivers for a safe winter driving and continued as follows:

“In snowy weather, an emergency situation may occur and you may have to use your vehicle. For this reason, we recommend that you regularly clean the snow on your vehicle. Do you have a chain that is compatible with the tire sizes of your vehicle? Check if your chain is in use. For this check, you should compare the size information on your tires and the numbers on the chain box. Winter tires will not be able to help you on roads that need chains. Do not forget that there will definitely be floors where you need to wear chains. When you get out of the vehicle on wet floors, the bottoms of your shoes will get wet. When you press the pedals of the vehicle, the wet shoe floor will be able to slide on the pedal. If you have a suitable mat, leave it on the mat for a short time to prevent slipping. Make your clothing choices in accordance with winter conditions, in accordance with situations where you may need to get out of the vehicle for some reason. On snowy roads, there may be stays and waits on the road for various reasons. Keep water and food to handle in your vehicle, thinking about the passengers in the vehicle as well. It is especially important for families with young children. Because the bottom of the vehicles is dry, stray animals such as cats and dogs can sleep under it. It is necessary to check whether there is a living being under the vehicle before each ride.”

Electric vehicle users beware!

Özgür Şener, especially electric vehicle users, expressed that it is of great importance to control the heating system of vehicles and said, “In addition, they should determine the charging stations well so that they do not stay on the road completely without electricity.” he concluded his words.

The Big Congress of the AK Party will be held on Sunday

 

The Big Congress of the AK Party will be held on Sunday

                                                                   

The AK Party, which came to power with the first general election it entered on November 3, 2002, 15 months after it was founded, and has ruled the country for 23 years, is the 8th AK Party. The Ordinary Grand Congress will be held on February 23 with the main slogan "AK in Name, Future in Light".                                                

 August November3, 2002 The AK Party, founded on August 14, 2001 under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, took power alone by taking 34.28 percent of valid votes in the elections, 2002 Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Due to Erdogan's political ban, the first AK Party government formed under the prime ministership of Abdullah Gul is the 58th AK Party government in Turkey. He had a government.

Erdogan, who could not enter the November 3 elections due to a political ban, was elected as a deputy in the renewal elections held in Siirt on March 8, 2003. 58, headed by Rose. After the resignation of the government on March 11, 2003, Erdogan became the 59th President on March 14, 2003. He established the Republican Government of Turkey.

The AK Party, the ruling party, held its first local election exam on March 28, 2004. According to the results of the Provincial General Assembly election, he came first with 41.7 percent of the vote.

The first congress was held in October 2003

AK Party, 1. The 59th Ordinary Grand Congress. He did it on October 12, 2003, about 7 months after the formation of the government, and Erdogan, who received all the valid votes, was elected chairman. 2 In the ruling AK Party. The Ordinary Grand Congress was held on November 11, 2006. At this congress, Erdogan became the chairman again by receiving all the valid votes.

The 23rd of the Parliament. In the elections held on July 22, 2007 to determine the term deputies, the AK Party again came to power alone and became the third of the party headed by Erdogan, the 60th in Turkey. The government was established.

AK Party, 3. It held its Regular Grand Congress on October 3, 2009. Erdogan was once again elected chairman at this congress.

In the June 12, 2011 general elections, the AK Party won 49.83 percent of the vote and came to power alone for the fourth time, while Turkey's 61st. His government was established under the prime ministership of Erdogan.

The first extraordinary congress of the AK Party

AK Party, on September 30, 2012, 4. He held the usual Big Congress. Erdogan, who entered all four congresses as prime minister, was re-elected as chairman.

In August 10, 2014, Erdogan became the first President elected directly by the will of the people in the presidential election, and then the 1st President held on August 27, 2014. Ahmet Davutoğlu was elected chairman at the Extraordinary Grand Congress and then 62. He formed the government.

The AK Party failed to govern alone despite receiving 40.87 percent of the votes in the general elections on June 7, 2015. The 5th General Assembly held on September 12, 2015, in which Davutoglu was re-elected chairman. After the Ordinary Grand Congress, the AK Party won power alone in the early elections on November 1, 2015, and after the election, the 64th AK Party won power. The government was established.

AK Party's 2. An Extraordinary Great Congress

At the party, the 2nd held on May 22, 2016. There was another flag change with the Extraordinary Congress. Binali Yildirim, who is one of the founders of the party and has been a companion to Erdogan since his mayoral term, was elected AK Party Chairman and 65. He became the Prime Minister by forming the government.

The historic vote on April 16th

Turkey has entered a new era with the popular vote held on April 16, which was described as "historic". With the "yes" vote by 51.41 percent and "no" vote by 48.59 percent on April 16, 2017, the provision "The President-elect shall be dismissed from his party" in the Constitution was abolished and the way for party membership was opened for President Erdogan. In addition, the people decided to switch to the Presidential Government System.

Dec May 2, 2017, President Erdogan came to the AK Party Headquarters after a break of 979 days, signed the membership declaration and became a member of the AK Party.

Erdogan is president again

After President Erdoğan returned to the party, the decision was made to hold an extraordinary congress on May 21, 2017. AK Party's 3. Erdogan, who received all the valid 1414 votes at the Extraordinary Grand Congress, was re-elected Chairman of the party he founded.

6 In the AK Party. The regular Grand Congress was held on August 18, 2018. Erdogan, 6. He received all 1380 valid votes at the Regular Grand Congress.

COVID-19 pandemic, 7. Caused the usual Large Congress process to be prolonged

7 In the AK Party. The usual Big Congress process started in December 2019 with the slogan "Walk on the path you believe in". January March 2020, the plans of the AK Party, which aims to complete the provincial and district congresses and start the big congress process, were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which began to have an impact all over the world and in Turkey in March 2020.

The congresses were postponed for a while taking into account the decisions of the Scientific Committee and the progress in the number of cases. After the decrease in the number of cases, the congresses were resumed in August by following the mask and distance rules.

President and AK Party Chairman Erdogan attended 12 provincial congresses face-to-face and other provincial congresses via live connection. After the completion of the provincial congresses in the AK Party, on March 24, 2021, the 7th. The usual Big Congress was held.

President Erdogan, taking all of the valid 1428 votes, re-entered the 7. he was elected Chairman of the AK Party for the first time.

4 Following the 2023 General Election. An Extraordinary Big Congress was held

The Presidential Election held on May 14, 2023 and the 28th. The AK Party, which emerged as the first party from the ballot box in the General Elections of the term, will be the 4th on October 7, 2023. He held an Extraordinary Great Congress.

At the congress, President Erdogan was re-elected chairman. At the Extraordinary Grand Congress, 49 of the current members of the Central Decision and Board of Directors (MKYK) did not take part in the new MKYK, while 26 names retained their place. 18 women and 57 men entered the MKYK lists.

The main slogan of the Great Congress is "AK in the Name, the Future in the Light"

Sunday February 23rd, the AK Party will hold 8. In the ordinary Large Congress process, district congresses started on October 12 and provincial congresses started on November 30.

Istanbul 8, which was held on February 7. The AK Party, which has completed the congress process in 81 provinces with the ordinary Provincial Congress, will hold the 8th AK Party Congress on February 23 at Ankara Sports Hall. Preparations for the regular Grand Congress are underway.

The main slogan of the congress, which was decided as "AK in name, Future in Light", is expected to be voted by 1607 delegates. It is also planned to introduce the new song of the AK Party and to screen a short film at the congress.

400 thousand delegates were asked questions with artificial intelligence support

Within the scope of the ongoing congress activities under the leadership of the Organization Presidency, "Common Mind Meetings" were organized in the provinces where district congresses were completed. With 400 thousand delegates in the districts, questions were directed to the delegates of the Big Congress about party politics. The answers given by the delegates were interpreted with the support of artificial intelligence.

It is aimed that the keywords that will be revealed with the responses received will contribute to the shaping of the AK Party's roadmap for the new period.

Decision Time: Union or Separation? Vojvodina's Future Is Being Discussed in Novi Sad

 

Decision Time: Union or Separation? Vojvodina's Future Is Being Discussed in Novi Sad

In the shadow of the Petrovaradin Fortress, reflected in the calm waters of the Danube River, the autonomous region of Vojvodina in northern Serbia is on the verge of a historical impasse. In the colorful streets of the capital Novi Sad, “Unity or separation?” his question is resonating more and more among both political leaders and citizens on the street. Dec. While Vojvodina, with its multinational structure, unique culture and strategic economy, is pushing the boundaries of its autonomous status, the future of relations with Belgrade remains uncertain.

The Search for an Identity in the Shadow of History

Vojvodina has been a region that has attracted attention with its diversity and dynamic structure throughout history. These lands, where communities of different ethnic origins lived together, were home to many civilizations in the Decadence from the Habsburg Empire to Yugoslavia. having gained formal autonomy in 1945, the region lost most of its powers during the Slobodan Milošević era in the 1990s. Although the new status, adopted in 2009, includes the transfer of authority in education, culture and language policies, many Vojvodina politicians argue that this is “symbolic”. Today, the demand for the expansion of the region's autonomy as defined in the Serbian Constitution is turning into calls for “independence” in some quarters.

Political Arena: Federalism or Centralism?

The Alliance of Hungarians of Vojvodina (VMSZ), one of the most powerful parties in Vojvodina, is demanding an increase in the regional government's tax collection and international cooperation powers. “In order to preserve the multilingual, multicultural structure of Vojvodina, it is necessary to strengthen autonomy with concrete steps,” says party leader Istvan Pasztor.

In response, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) government emphasizes that the “integrity of the country” is a priority. As Prime Minister Ana Brnabić said in a speech in Novi Sad last month, “Vojvodina is an integral part of Serbia. Central planning is necessary for economic development,”the statements drew attention.

However, separatist discourses find limited support in mainstream politics. Political scientist from the University of Novi Sad, Dr. Jelena Petrović said, "Demands for independence are limited to marginalized groups. The main debate is between deepening autonomy and preserving Belgrade's Decrees,” he adds.

Economics: Wealth or Risk?

Vojvodina meets 90% of Serbia's agricultural production and is integrated into European Sundays with its industrial infrastructure. Behind the economic self-management demands of the region lies the desire for a fairer sharing of these resources. Goran Kovačević, President of the Novi Sad Chamber of Commerce, said, “70% of tax revenues go to Belgrade. Controlling investments by the local government can accelerate growth,”he claims.

But opponents point out the economic risks of segregation. Economist Milica Jovanović said, "Vojvodina is dependent on Serbia's energy and transport networks. Independence could even jeopardize access to EU funds,” he warns.

What Are the People Saying?

In street interviews conducted in Novi Sad's main square, Trg Slobode, public opinions are also divided. Retired teacher Ljubica Marković (68) said, “I have also seen Yugoslavia and the war. Peace is only possible together,“ said young entrepreneur Marko Tadić (29), "Autonomy creates opportunities for young people. We will be closer to Europe,” he says.

Ethnic minorities, on the other hand, are cautious. Eva Szabo, an NGO representative of Hungarian origin, said, “If autonomy is expanded, education and cultural rights in the mother tongue are guaranteed. But separation can create new tensions,"he says.

The EU Process and Geopolitical Balances

Serbia's EU membership negotiations also affect these discussions. Brussels counts minority rights and local government reforms among the membership criteria. Dec. Although a diplomat from the European Parliament says that “the Vojvodina model can contribute to Serbia's progress towards the EU,” Belgrade's position on autonomy is not clear.

The Last Word: A Call for Dialogue

Experts in both Novi Sad and Belgrade stress that the solution lies in dialogue. Jurist Prof. Dragan Đukić, “194 of the Constitution. the article regulates Vojvodina's rights. The revision of these articles may be possible with a compromise in the parliament,”he says.

While Vojvodina has attracted attention with its diversity and dynamic structure throughout history, today it is at an important turning point that will determine its future. While the rising debates in Novi Sad, the heart of the region, have led to a sharp division between “unity” and “Decoupling”, the exchange of ideas continues in the local and national political arena.

While the fate of Vojvodina is being shaped by peaceful discussions, the question rising on both sides of the Danube is clear: will the future be built together, or will it be left to the waves of history?

Muhittin ÇİFTÇİ

Ankara, Türkiye ,20.02.2025

This article has been prepared with unbiased observation and interviews based on open sources. Opinions are based on the statements of the parties.

AK Party Ankara Keçiören Güçlükaya Neighborhood Branch Holds Weekly Regular Meeting

 The AK Party Ankara Keçiören Güçlükaya Neighborhood Branch successfully conducted its weekly regular meeting. During the gathering, Neighborhood President Nuran Şeyhan delivered a speech evaluating current domestic and foreign political developments.

In her remarks, Şeyhan stated: "As the AK Party Keçiören Güçlükaya Neighborhood Branch, we held our routine weekly meeting. Our session was attended by AK Party Municipal Council Member Birol Kara, Board Member Mehmet Ali Turan, and Yılmaz Kaplan, who serves in the Tradesmen Commission at the AK Party Provincial Directorate. Their presence contributed significantly to the meeting, making it highly productive and fruitful."

The meeting focused on strengthening local organizational efforts and addressing community concerns. Attendees emphasized unity and collaboration to advance the party’s goals in the region. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to grassroots engagement and public service initiatives.

Ak Parti Ankara Keçiören Güçlükaya Mahalle Teşkilatı Hatalık Olağan Toplantısı Gerçekleştirildi

“We Are Training Our Religious Officials in Line with the Requirements of the Age and the Profession”

 

President of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, attended the “15th Training Instructors Seminar” organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs Academy in Ankara. Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Rıfat Börekçi Religious Specialization Center Conference Hall, President Erbaş emphasized that the foundation of Islamic civilization is based on knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment, stating that without these, civilization would collapse.

“All Our Centers of Knowledge and Wisdom Are a Continuation of the Suffa”

President Erbaş pointed out that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established Islamic civilization by transforming Yathrib into Medina, the enlightened city. He said, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) achieved this by establishing the Prophet’s Mosque and turning it into a center of knowledge and wisdom, creating the Suffa. Our Religious Affairs Academy, training centers, and all our institutions of knowledge and wisdom are essentially the heirs and continuation of the Suffa.”

“We Strive to Reach Every Member of Our Nation Through Printed and Visual Publications”

President Erbaş highlighted the efforts of religious officials to ensure that society understands and learns Islam correctly. He stated, “We strive to reach every member of our nation through our printed and visual publications. We have 11 journals, and I urge you to keep our trainees informed about these resources.”

“Our Presidency Organizes In-Service Training Guided by the Quran and Sunnah”

Noting that the quality and scope of the services provided by the Presidency of Religious Affairs are continuously improving and expanding, President Erbaş said, “The way to carry out all these services in the most ideal manner is to have qualified, competent, and merit-based human resources, and this is our goal. To achieve this, our Presidency organizes in-service training in various fields, guided by the Quran, the Sunnah, and the rich scholarly heritage of Muslims. We are conducting training activities with great dedication to prepare our officials, at every level and position, in accordance with the requirements of the age and the profession.”

The program was also attended by the President of the Religious Affairs Academy, Assoc. Dr. Enver Osman Kaan.

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır: Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso Visits Turkey

 

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that comprehensive discussions were held with Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and his delegation. During the visit, the delegation toured BAYKAR’s advanced technology R&D and production facilities and met with Turkish and Italian business leaders to explore joint investment and collaboration opportunities.

🌍 As two strong production hubs in the Mediterranean, Turkey and Italy share a deep-rooted partnership in industry, technology, investment, and innovation. To enhance our global market presence and strengthen our competitiveness in line with mutual interests, we are taking new steps.

🤝 Minister Kacır and Minister Urso discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in critical sectors such as defense, aviation, and space, and outlined a roadmap for the upcoming period.

🎯 We aim to leverage the significant potential of Turkey and Italy to the fullest. By increasing high-tech joint investments, we seek to strengthen our industrial and innovation ecosystems and further advance the economic and industrial ties between the two countries.

✈️ We view BAYKAR’s investment in Italy’s historic aviation company, Piaggio Aerospace, as a historic milestone in our industrial and technological collaboration. This strategic move, which signals the potential for larger partnerships, will be a powerful step shaping the future of cooperation between the two nations.

Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Announces Penalties for Environmental Violations in Ankara

 

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has reported that its inspection teams have identified significant environmental violations in Ankara’s Şereflikoçhisar district. The municipal solid waste generated in the area was found to be stored at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s solid waste landfill site, which lacks the required Environmental Permit and License Certificate.

Additionally, it was discovered that the Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant, constructed by ASKİ (Ankara Water and Sewerage Administration) to treat wastewater, has not been operational due to issues with its electrical energy supply. As a result, wastewater that has not undergone advanced biological treatment is being discharged irregularly into Lake Tuz, a Special Environmental Protection Area.

In response to these violations, the Ministry has imposed an administrative fine of 5,130,806 Turkish Liras on ASKİ, in accordance with the relevant Environmental Law.

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and protecting natural resources, particularly in sensitive areas like Lake Tuz. Further measures will be taken to ensure compliance and prevent similar violations in the future.

Respectfully announced to the public.

President Erdogan: TUSIAD has crossed the line with its statement

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at the Parliamentary group meeting. Erdogan, TUSIAD's statements,"They were adjusting to the power in the old Turkey, we called a halt to it. TUSIAD has crossed the line with its explanations,"he reacted with the words.                                                   President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made important statements at the AK Party's group meeting.

"We have never blocked our ears to consistent and constructive criticism"

We are witnessing that very different accounts are being made inside. Before moving on to TUSIAD's statements, which are very excessive and reek of provocation, I would like to underline the explanations of the following fact. In democracies, no one is free from criticism. If it is consistent, constructive, well-intentioned, we have never and will not block our ears to criticism. 

 "We ensured that all kinds of ideas were discussed comfortably"

If we are talking about a phenomenon of Turkey speaking today, it is undoubtedly the AK Party and our governments that have made it possible. It is our powers that raise the standard of our democracy, put an end to repressions and lift bans. We have ensured that all kinds of ideas are discussed comfortably, as long as they do not praise terrorism and violence, do not contain insults, and do not invite guardianship initiatives. We did all this despite the obstacles of the CHP and the guardianship centers. Our nation is the closest witness of our hard struggle for the construction of a Turkey dominated not by prohibitions, but by freedoms. Therefore, those who run to the court to prevent the bans from being lifted cannot have anything to say to us about democracy and freedoms. 

"We have no business with puppets, our interlocutors are puppeteers"

After the statements of the TUSIAD administration, we do not take into account the evil eye of the opposition figures who are lined up like servants on order. Those who behave more royally than the king are worth as much as their owners value them. We have no business with puppets. Our interlocutors are puppeteers. After drawing this basic framework, I believe that we can now talk about some truths more comfortably. The mentality of TUSIAD is a symbol of the periods when politics were weak and the state was under their control. This structure is a partnership with businessmen who have grown up and grown up in the shadow of the unfair profits obtained from the public purse and the backs of the nation, concessions obtained through distributorship instead of domestic, national production.          

"The mentality of TUSIAD used to design politics as well"

We all remember what the mentality of TUSIAD corresponded to before 2002. They ruled only money in ancient Turkey. At the same time, they were designing politics as they wanted. They were controlling and directing decision-making bodies according to their interests. They were adjusting to the authorities through newspaper headlines. That's what we called a halt to.We have not recognized any power over the great will of the nation.           "Turkey's development move has always disturbed the mentality of TUSIAD"

We have transformed the economy from an annuity economy to a production and export economy. By putting an end to the discriminatory structure in which the capital is divided into colors, we have enabled new actors to emerge from the bosom of Anatolia. We have used the resources of the nation not for the enrichment of a handful of self-sufficient bourgeoisie, but for the peace, prosperity, development and well-being of the nation with all its segments. During the period of our powers, the income per capita increased from $ 3600 to over $ 15 thousand this year. O TUSIAD, there is a process that has increased from 3600 to more than 15 thousand dollars. This happened during the period of AK Party power. Either you don't know the account or your account is broken. Our exports reached $262 billion in 2024 from $36 billion. We have spread many prosperity to the base that we cannot count here yet. Of course, we have encountered very serious resistance in this process. We have been subjected to below-the-waist strokes and operations of those whose interests we have touched, we have cut off the rant taps. TUSIAD was coming at the beginning of these. Turkey's development move in a real sense has always disturbed the mentality of TUSIAD. As a matter of fact, the base, fascistic and noble attitudes exhibited by this organization against our country and our nation on the side of the coup plotters, juntas, imperialists and their agents of influence are preserved in our memory records. 

"The old mentality of TUSIAD is being tried to be put into circulation again"

We are aware that at a time when Turkey is working day and night for the Turkish Century, where it is expanding its political, military and social power in the region, leading the calls for the reconstruction of the global system in the world, which it arbitrates, implementing a stable program against inflation, taking important steps towards the goal of a terror-free Turkey, where it does not compromise on investment, production, employment and export targets, we are trying to put the old mentality of TUSIAD back into circulation. As I have always said, you will not succeed as we have done, if you want Turkey to surrender to the reverend who is affiliated with terrorist organizations and taunts right and left to cover up his shame, know that such a thing will never happen.

The Possibility of Regional Unification with Turkey: Is a New Alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary at the Door?

 

**The Possibility of Regional Unification with Turkey: Is a New Alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary at the Door?**

Recently, rumors circulating in international diplomatic circles claim that Turkey is seeking some kind of political, economic and cultural unification or alliance with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. These claims are interpreted as a move that could radically change the regional balance of power. So how realistic is this merger idea? Here are the details...

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### **The Origin of the Idea of Unification: Historical and Strategic Ties**

Turkey has historically had deep cultural, historical and political ties with the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Black Sea region. During the Ottoman Empire, a large part of these regions had been under Turkish rule. Today, Turkey is focusing on increasing cooperation with these regions in the fields of economic, energy and security.

The global developments in recent years, especially the Russia-Ukraine war and the blockage in the enlargement policies of the European Union, have led the countries of the region to seek alternative alliances. Turkey's claim to be a regional power and NATO membership are seen as an attractive partnership opportunity for these countries.

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### **Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia: A New Equation in the Caucasus**

Georgia has maintained close relations with Turkey for many years. Important steps have been taken between the two countries in areas such as energy corridors, trade and defense cooperation Dec. However, the complex political situation Georgia is in, especially the de facto independent structures of North and South Ossetia and Abkhazia, complicates the idea of a merger.

Turkey's role in this region is more in the direction of mediation and stability. However, Georgia's pro-Western policies and Turkey's balanced relations with Russia and deeper integration with these countries seem difficult for now.

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### **Moldova and Gagauzia: A New Alliance in the West of the Black Sea**

Moldova is going through a difficult political process, especially due to the Transnistrian issue and Russia's influence in the region. Gagauzia, on the other hand, has historical and cultural ties with Turkey as an autonomous region within Moldova. Turkey is focusing on educational and cultural projects to strengthen its ties with the Turkish-origin population in Gagauzia.

As Moldova's accession process to the European Union continues, the search for a closer alliance with Turkey may be attractive for Moldova both economically and politically. But such a merger also brings with it the risk of attracting a reaction from Russia.

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### **Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary: A New Cooperation in the Balkans**

Romania and Bulgaria already have close relations with Turkey due to being members of both NATO and the European Union. Energy corridors, defense industry business associations and trade are the elements that bring these countries closer to Turkey. Hungary, on the other hand, has taken steps to strengthen its strategic partnership with Turkey in recent years.

However, the membership of these countries in the European Union and the strict rules of the EU make the idea of a deeper unification with Turkey difficult for now. Instead, stronger cooperation in the economic and security fields may come to the fore.

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### **Merger Scenario: Realistic or Utopian?**

It seems quite difficult for Turkey to implement a unification or alliance project covering such a wide geography at the moment. Each country's own internal dynamics, international commitments and the reactions of regional powers complicate such a project.

However, Turkey can assume a regional leadership role by strengthening its bilateral relations with these countries. Energy corridors, trade agreements, defense cooperation and cultural projects can lead these countries to closer cooperation around Turkey.

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### **Conclusion: Regional Cooperation or Political Unification?**

Although the idea of a political unification of Turkey with Georgia, North and South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Moldova, Gagauzia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary may seem utopian at the moment, regional cooperation and integration projects are quite realistic. Turkey's historical and cultural ties with these countries can further strengthen economic and security cooperation.

However, the realization of such a project requires a great diplomatic effort both in terms of domestic political dynamics and international balances. By following a balanced policy in this process, Turkey can assume a regional leadership role. However, for now, this merger idea is considered more as a "vision of the future".

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This article is an original analysis prepared in line with regional dynamics and Turkey's strategic goals. Developments will continue to be closely monitored.