AVRUPA TIMES/ALANYA — The Global Journalism Council (GJC) brought its fifth Global Achievement Awards and the inaugural Ismail Gaspriali Honorary Awards to a close with a distinguished ceremony in Alanya, celebrating excellence in journalism, diplomacy and culture.
Journalism as a Universal Language of Peace and Truth
The gathering themed “Journalism: The Universal Language of Peace and Truth”, united leading figures in international media diplomacy. The event opened with the Council’s promotional film and was attended by prominent guests including Afrim Gashi, Speaker of the Parliament of North Macedonia; Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and AK Party MP for Antalya Hüseyin Yayman, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Hatay MP; and Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of TURKSOY. Diplomats, media executives, and journalists from around the world were also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim highlighted the media’s critical role in fostering peace, solidarity, and mutual understanding:
“Journalism is not merely the act of conveying information — it represents the shared conscience of humanity. At the Global Journalism Council, we aim to unite professionals from diverse cultures, languages, and faiths in pursuit of one universal truth.”
Dim also noted that the introduction of the Ismail Gaspriali Honorary Awards this year reinforced the Council’s cultural and intellectual ties across the Turkic world.
“Gaspriali’s principle of ‘Unity in language, thought, and action’ continues to inspire our media diplomacy today,” he said.
Media Diplomacy and Türkiye’s Global Vision
Addressing the gathering, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu marked Azerbaijan’s Victory Day on 8 November and praised the GJC’s contribution to Türkiye’s international communication strategy:
“The Council exemplifies how diplomacy can be effectively conducted through media. Under President Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye continues to be a strong voice for peace, stability, and justice in its region and beyond.”
Çavuşoğlu also underlined that media diplomacy plays a vital role in projecting Türkiye’s global influence and commitment to peace.
Celebrating Excellence in Journalism, Diplomacy, and Art
Among the recipients, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Afrim Gashi were honoured with the Global Diplomacy Award.
Serdar Karagöz, Chairman and Director-General of Anadolu Agency, received the Ismail Gaspriali Journalism Award for his outstanding service to the Turkic world.
The award was presented by Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of TURKSOY.
The evening also paid tribute to resilience and courage in journalism. Sami Muhammed Shehade, a Palestinian journalist and TRT Arabi cameraman who lost his leg during Israeli attacks in Gaza, was presented with the Global Journalism Award by Hüseyin Yayman to a standing ovation.
“In an age when human values are fading, journalists like Sami who speak truth to power remain humanity’s conscience,” Yayman said.
A Cultural Note from the Turkic World
The ceremony featured a moving performance by Azerbaijani artist Gülyanaq Mammadova, recipient of the Global Art Award, who performed “Çırpınırdın Karadeniz” to an emotional response from the audience.
Global Representation and Shared Values
The event welcomed Alanya District Governor Şakir Öner Öztürk, Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kenan Türkdoğan, Rector of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, alongside representatives from institutions, organisations, and media outlets from 41 countries.
Concluding the ceremony, GJC President Mehmet Ali Dim emphasised the Council’s mission to strengthen international understanding through ethical journalism:
“These awards honour those who advance peace, solidarity, and moral integrity in the media. This gathering in Alanya stands as a testament to the global reach of Turkish journalism.”
AWARD RECIPIENTS
5th Global Achievement Awards
Diplomacy: Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu
Diplomacy: Afrim Gashi
Science: Prof. Dr. Ahmet Alanay
Journalism: Sami Shehade (Palestinian journalist and war veteran)
Media: Mikhail Gusman
Turkic World: Ömer Kocaman
Art: Gülyanaq Mammadova
Ismail Gaspriali Honorary Awards
Service: Abdulkadir Uraloğlu (Minister of Transport and Infrastructure)
Journalism: Serdar Karagöz (Director-General, Anadolu Agency)
Literature: Sultan Raev (Secretary-General, TURKSOY)
Education: Prof. Dr. Zakir Avşar (Communication Studies)
Art: Z. Zhangali Alimkhanuly (Kazakh Dombra Artist)
Other Awards
Turkic World Media Award: Reşat Macit (Azerbaijan Press Council)
Journalism Commendation Awards: Ertan Birinci (Genç TV, TRNC); Fesih Zeki Mert (Elips TV); Eran Hasip (North Macedonia TV); Nigar Ibrahimova (TV Journalist)
Media Friendship Awards: Roberto Trobajo Hernandez (Colombia), Thierno Ahmadou (Senegal), Alpar Kato (Hungary), Gülnaz Kutueva (Bashkortostan)
