A strong team for the new term at KGK. The management board, councils, and working groups have been appointed. Our editor Vatan Oz has joined the new leadership with the goal of expanding growth internationally and across Europe.

As of July 2026, the Council has representatives in 84 countries and 81 provinces across Türkiye. The General Assembly was held online via the Zoom platform by a company accredited by the Ministry of Interior. Delegates elected in April from the National Media Assembly, Local Media Assembly, Foreign Media Assembly, and Digital Media Assembly participated in the meeting. During the assembly, the presidents and executive boards of these four assemblies were also elected. In addition, regional working groups, established for the first time during this term, were selected.

KARAKAŞ CHAIRED THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The online General Assembly was opened by Secretary General Lütfü Karakaş, who then oversaw the election of the Assembly Council. The Assembly Council consisted of Lütfü Karakaş as Chair, together with Hacı Odabaş, Attorney Atilla Diler, and Meryem Kanberoğlu.

Following the opening speech by President Mehmet Ali Dim, the Board of Directors' activity report, financial statements, proposed budget, and the reports of the Supervisory and Ethics Boards were presented, voted on separately, and unanimously approved.

DIM PRESENTED HIS LIST

The assembly then proceeded with elections for the new term. The principal and alternate candidate lists for the Board of Directors, Supervisory Board, Ethics Board, and Honor Board, submitted by outgoing President Mehmet Ali Dim, were unanimously approved by the Assembly Council.

Subsequently, the presidents and executive boards of the four media assemblies, along with the specialized committees and regional working groups, were elected separately, concluding the General Assembly.

The following individuals were elected as Assembly Presidents:

• National Media Assembly: Özgenur Reyhan Güler
• Local Media Assembly: İsrafil Avcı
• Foreign Media Assembly: Elşad Eyvazlı
• Digital Media Assembly: Güven Hasbaş

DIM: "WE HAVE GREAT GOALS"

Re-elected for another three-year term, President Mehmet Ali Dim thanked the delegates and reflected on the Council's seven-year journey:

"Remember... When this Council was founded, there were those who said, 'They will never succeed.' Others claimed, 'You cannot bring together journalists with such different opinions.' Some even argued that an international professional organization was nothing more than a dream. But we chose hope over despair. Looking back today, we see that what proved us right was not our ambition, but our collective effort.

Positions come and go. Titles come and go. But the trust you leave behind remains. I have never regarded your trust as personal support; I have always seen it as a responsibility entrusted to our profession. Just as yesterday, I promise to carry this responsibility with the same dedication tomorrow.

This Council has never belonged to one individual. The Global Journalists Council is home to the local reporter working in Anatolia, the editor employed in the national media, and the journalists representing Türkiye across the world.

We are not rivals. Our real rivals are ignorance, fake news, and those who seek to undermine the credibility of journalism. We are honorable members of the same profession. Let us strengthen our shared ideals rather than our differences. A strong Global Journalists Council is essential not only for its members but also for amplifying Türkiye's voice, enhancing the reputation of Turkish media, and defending truth worldwide.

Our goal is to make the GJC one of the leading organizations promoting media cooperation among the Turkic World, the Balkans, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. We aspire to become a respected professional organization recognized around the world. Thankfully, we have already achieved a truly global presence. Today, we possess the capability to organize activities and events on every continent. This has only been possible thanks to your support and contributions. From now on, we will continue to make a difference as a stronger and more qualified civil society organization, accomplishing what others believed impossible. I sincerely thank everyone who has served our Council since its establishment and wish every success to our colleagues who will serve during the new term."

During the "Wishes and Opinions" session, delegates also shared their views.

ELECTED BODIES FOR THE 2026–2029 TERM

Board of Directors

The General Assembly directly elected Mehmet Ali Dim as President, Lütfü Karakaş as Secretary General, and Muhammed Vefa Özalp as Treasurer.

Other Board members are:

Nevzat Çiçek, Savaş Çokduygulu, Ersel Yıldırım, Nalan Yazgan, Edip Üzen, Hayati Arıgan, Hacı Odabaş, Merih Ak, Ulaş Can, M. İlker Yücel, Meral Ay, and İsmail Yunus Soner.

Alternate members:

Yaşar Önel, Nurcan Demirtaş, Sabri Çağlar, Murat Çiçek, İlker Ülker, Felat Bozarslan, Mustafa Birol Güger, Kübra Çelepi, Eran Hasibi, and Doğancan Kuru.

The Board of Directors will hold its first meeting in the coming days to assign executive responsibilities.

Supervisory Board

Yakup Aslan, Ercan Aslan, Bilal Güley, Aydın Tatar, İzzet Sarı, Kemal Deniz, and Hakan Yaman.

Alternate members:

Abdullah Biçer, Mustafa Doğan, Cabbar Sıktaş, Osman Sav, Sait Alıcı, Fikri Türkel, and İsmail Topal.

Ethics Board

Recep Aydın, Gürsel Eser, Tolga Şardan, Cenap Kürümoğlu, Cahide Hayrunnisa Çiçek, Canan Arslan, and Gökhan Güler.

Alternate members:

Sedat Azizoğlu, Necat Ahmet, Esra Alus, Ferhat Esnek, Kamil Güler, Harun Atalay, and Hayati Ağca.

Honor Board

Yaşar Yıldız, Bekir Doğan, Şerife Türkeş, Erol Kara, İbrahim Necati Günay, Orhan Kaplan, Hayati Nizamoğlu, Ayhan Mergen, Suhabi Okumuş, Muammer Başer, and İrfan Hoşafcıoğlu.

Media Assembly Executive Boards

National Media Assembly

• President: Özgenur Reyhan Güler
• Vice President: Dursun Eker
• Deputy Presidents: Ünsal Karabulut, Adnan Türkkan, Sabri Çağlar, Ferhat Yıldırım
• Secretary: Sevgi Uçar
• Members: Nurcan Demirtaş, M. Veysi İpek, Şehnaz Demiral, Ece İçmez

Local Media Assembly

• President: İsrafil Avcı
• Vice President: İbrahim Arslan
• Deputy Presidents: Mustafa Demir, Mustafa Efe, Salih Suat Deniz, Murat Dönmez
• Members: Melek Barış, Orhan Doğan, Esat Bindesen, Esma Kural

Foreign Media Assembly

• President: Elşad Eyvazlı
• Vice President: Ahmet Coşkunaydın
• Deputy Presidents: Vatan Öz, Eran Hasibi, İsmail Yunus Soner, Esra Öztürk
• Secretary: Nigar İbrahimova
• Members: Aynur Tattersall, Dilek Kaya, Khamza Djumayev, Emir Abdurrahman Bulut

Digital Media Assembly

• President: Güven Hasbaş
• Vice President: Denizhan Erkoç
• Deputy Presidents: Sertaç Virancık, Üstün Tuncer, Kemal Özdilek, Tolga Yenigün
• Secretary: Kübra Çelepi
• Members: Emre Baktiroğlu, Mustafa Salman, Dicle Nehir Bozdan, Ulaş Odabaş

Specialized Committees

The General Assembly also elected the members of the following specialized committees:

• Editorial Committee
• Reconciliation Committee
• Education Committee
• Political Relations Committee
• Social Relations Committee
• Project Development Committee

Regional Working Groups

The Council also established regional working groups covering:

• Professional Association Affairs
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia
• Turkic World
• Middle East, Gulf and Africa
• North America
• Eastern Europe and Eurasia

The members of these working groups were elected by the General Assembly and will serve throughout the 2026–2029term.

Our Editor Vatan Öz conducted an exclusive interview with Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom, during the 4th London Caspian Connectivity Conference organized by the Caspian Policy Center (CPC).

The interview took place following the Ambassadors' Session at Arundel House and will be broadcast next week on the Germany-based Kanal Avrupa TV programme "United Kingdom with Vatan Öz."

Speaking after the conference, Ambassador Usmanov said the event had been highly productive for countries across the Caspian region and highlighted the growing importance of regional connectivity.

"The London Caspian Conference was extremely valuable for all countries in our region. The Middle Corridor is an ambitious project, but more importantly, it is a strategic initiative for our common future. Connectivity has become one of the key priorities for all of us. We are working to strengthen cooperation among the Caucasus, Türkiye and Central Asia by bringing together the needs and contributions of every country," he said.
The Ambassador stressed that Uzbekistan is playing an active role in advancing regional integration, describing his country as an important bridge between East and West through investments in transport, production, trade and research.

During the interview, Editor Vatan Öz shared his impressions from a recent visit to Uzbekistan.
"I was in Uzbekistan last week. I visited Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva and Urgench, travelling between the cities on high-speed trains. I was truly impressed by the country's remarkable development and modern infrastructure," Öz said.

Responding to those remarks, Ambassador Usmanov noted that Uzbekistan is undergoing rapid transformation, adding that people-to-people relations are just as important as economic development.
"Our region is developing very quickly. Beyond infrastructure and economic growth, public diplomacy and stronger ties between our peoples are equally important," he said.

Commenting on Uzbekistan's transport projects, Usmanov said that improvements extend beyond passenger travel.

"Transportation has become easier and more comfortable for people, but we are also focusing on the movement of goods. The Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan–China railway project is progressing well and will become one of the most significant connectivity corridors for the future," the Ambassador added.
The interview highlighted regional cooperation, the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor and Uzbekistan's expanding role in strengthening transport and trade links across Central Asia and the Caspian region.

Editor Vatan Öz also expressed his appreciation to Lord Alderdice, the UK's Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, and Efgan Nifti, President of the Caspian Policy Center, for their support and for organizing the successful conference.

During the interview, Avrupa Gazete Editor Vatan Öz showed Ambassador Ravshan Usmanov the news report on the memorandum of cooperation signed between Avrupa Gazete and the Dunyo News Agency, an official news agency operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The memorandum was signed on behalf of Dunyo News Agency by its Director, Shakhzoda Kuchkarova, and Fakhriddin Parpiev.

Avrupa Gazete Editor Vatan Öz presented copies of the London-based Avrupa Newspaper to Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom, and Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom, during the 4th London Caspian Connectivity Conference in London.

TURKISH : Usmanov, Orta Koridor bölgemiz için stratejik öneme sahip

During her diplomatic career, she has held several senior positions, including UK High Commissioner to Botswana and UK Representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Deputy Head of Mission in Jakarta, and political and security-related roles in Brussels and London.

Her appointment is expected to provide continuity in UK–Türkiye relations, building on her previous diplomatic experience and familiarity with the country.

The Federal Statistical Office reported that the average number of children per woman fell to 1.32 in 2025, down from 1.35 the year before. It was the lowest level since 1997.

The decline was broad-based, with births falling in every federal state except Hamburg, where the rate rose slightly to 1.24 children per woman. Eastern states continued to record lower numbers than western Germany, with the steepest decline in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the rate fell 6.3% to 1.21.

The drop affected both German and foreign women. Among German citizens, the average number of children per woman declined to 1.20. Women with foreign citizenship had a higher rate of 1.78 children per woman, though that was also down from 1.84 a year earlier.

Comez Seeks UK Action on Prolonged ECAA Residency Applications

The delays have left many applicants unable to travel abroad, forcing them to miss important family events, including weddings and funerals in Turkey. Some have also reported difficulties in their professional lives due to restrictions on international travel.

Parliamentary Efforts Underway

Comez, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Group of Turkey's opposition IYI Party and a member of parliament for Balikesir, said he has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to bring the issue to the attention of British authorities.

Meeting with Tahir Ali

Speaking to AVA, Comez said he recently met Tahir Ali, Chair of the UK–Turkey All-Party Parliamentary Group, along with members of the group's executive committee, to discuss the difficulties faced by ECAA applicants.

According to Comez, Ali pledged to seek a meeting with the UK Home Secretary in the coming days to explore possible solutions.

"I will meet him again in London soon and receive an update on the latest developments," Comez said.

The Turkish lawmaker added that a follow-up face-to-face meeting is expected to take place in London in the near future.

Earlier Talks with Nesil Caliskan

Comez also met Labour MP Nesil Caliskan in May as part of his efforts to build parliamentary support for affected Turkish nationals.

Describing Caliskan as one of Parliament's youngest and most active members, Comez noted that they have worked together within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. He said their discussions represented another important channel for raising the concerns of ECAA applicants.

"We Will Continue to Follow the Issue"

"We will continue to closely monitor the problems faced by Turkish citizens living in the United Kingdom and seek solutions," Comez said.

The issue has been highlighted both through parliamentary contacts in Britain and through public statements made via Avrupa Agency.

Applicants affected by the delays hope that the diplomatic initiatives will lead to concrete action by the Home Office and accelerate decisions on long-pending settlement applications.

The agreement aims to develop joint media projects, strengthen international news exchange, promote training programs, and expand global media cooperation, particularly across the Turkic world.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the European News Agency (AVA) by its founding editor, Vatan Öz. On behalf of Dunyo News Agency, the agreement was signed by Director Omonulla Fayziyev.

Prior to the signing ceremony, media professionals gathered in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, for the KGK Media and Education Panel. Discussions focused on the future of media, digital transformation, next-generation broadcasting trends, and media cooperation within the Turkic world.

A separate cooperation protocol was also signed on behalf of the Global Journalists Council (KGK) by its President, Mehmet Ali Dim.

This significant initiative is expected to contribute to stronger media diplomacy and cooperation among Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Europe.

The first stop of the visit was Amir Timur Square and the monument dedicated to the legendary statesman and military leader. The delegation paid tribute at the site, highlighting the deep historical, cultural and brotherly ties between Türkiye and Uzbekistan.

The Uzbekistan–Türkiye Media Meeting is being held from June 2 to June 7, 2026, bringing together media professionals from both countries to strengthen cooperation and foster closer relations in journalism, communication and cultural exchange.

Official meetings, educational activities and a media panel are scheduled to take place in Tashkent over the next two days. The program aims to encourage dialogue and collaboration between Turkish and Uzbek media organizations.

Following the events in Tashkent, the delegation will continue its visit to some of Uzbekistan’s most historic cities, including Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Urgench. During the tour, participants will engage with local institutions, media representatives and cultural organizations while exploring the rich heritage of the region.

The initiative is expected to contribute to stronger media partnerships and further enhance the longstanding friendship between the two brotherly nations.

Distinguished Guests Attend Reception

A formal reception marking the 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day was hosted at Lancaster House, one of the landmark venues in the British capital. The event was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom and attended by the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, representatives of various state institutions, members of diplomatic missions, and representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

Aysel Mamadova Opens the Evening

The reception opened with a performance by singer Aysel Mamadova, who represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest, singing the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom. Her performance was warmly received by guests, while dance shows and musical performances throughout the evening added color and vibrancy to the program.

The reception opened with a performance by singer Aysel Mamadova

Ambassador Elin Suleymanov Highlights Democratic Legacy

Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov, stated that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established on May 28, 1918, was the first parliamentary democracy in the Muslim East.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov

Suleymanov emphasized that despite its short existence, the republic left an important legacy in Azerbaijan’s history by granting all citizens the right to vote and be elected regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, or gender. He also stressed that modern Azerbaijan remains committed to these values of tolerance and multiculturalism.

UK Praises Strategic Partnership

In his remarks, UK Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker described Azerbaijan as one of the region’s important diplomatic and security partners and expressed satisfaction with the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

Music and Cultural Performances Highlight Evening

The reception continued with a concert program and refreshments for guests. Aysel Teymurzade’s performances of the national anthems and her stage appearances were among the highlights of the evening.

Daulet Abdykadyrov, Military Attaché of the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom, and Eltay Aslanov, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş and Turkish Consul General Dr. Hasan Ulusoy also attended the event, reinforcing the spirit of “one nation, two states.”

Vatan Öz, editor of Avrupa Gazetesi, and Elin Süleymanov, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

In a statement released by Enfield Council, it was said that Mayor Emma Supple and Deputy Mayor Chris Joannides will represent the borough at hundreds of official events over the next year and support local charities.

During her term in office, the new mayor is expected to maintain close engagement with the community, encourage volunteering initiatives, and support the work of local charitable organisations.

TASHKENT – 3 June 2026
The event will begin at 14:30 and will be structured in two sessions.
Digital generations and media consumption trends in focus
The first session will examine the topic “New Media Consumption Demands of Digital Generations (Gen Z, Alpha, Beta)”.
Speakers include:
Sherzodkhon Kudratkhuzha, Rector of Uzbekistan Journalism and Mass Communication University
Prof. Dr. Levent Eraslan, Chairman of the KGK Advisory Board, Anadolu University
Merih Ak, journalist at NTV
Nigar Ibrahimova, Azerbaijani journalist and TV commentator
The session will be moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olimov Farruhbek from Uzbekistan Journalism and Mass Communication University.

Diaspora journalism and media cooperation on the agenda

Following a short tea and coffee break, the second session will focus on media diplomacy and international communication.
Moderated by KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim, the session will feature London-based journalist Vatan Öz, who will speak on diaspora journalism, highlighting its role in global information flows.

Elshad Eyvazli, Chairman of KGK Foreign Media Council from Azerbaijan, will discuss media cooperation in the Turkic world, while Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yüce, Communications Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tashkent, will present on the role of media in public diplomacy.

Cypriot journalist Alihan Pehlivan will deliver a presentation titled “Educational Approaches of Cypriot Universities and Their Interaction with Media.”

A shared media vision for the Turkic world
Organized by GJC and KGK, the panel aims to strengthen academic and professional cooperation in the field of media across the Turkic world and contribute to the development of a shared communication vision

In a high-intensity contest that lived up to its billing, Olympiacos showed resilience and maturity to overcome one of the continent’s most successful clubs. The victory marks their fourth EuroLeague title in club history and their first since 2013, bringing an emotional end to years of near misses on the biggest stage.

The Reds had previously suffered heartbreak in three separate finals appearances (2015, 2017, and 2023), making this triumph even more significant for the Greek giants and their supporters. Playing on home soil in Athens added further weight to the occasion, with a passionate crowd driving the team forward during crucial moments of the game.

Real Madrid pushed hard throughout the contest, maintaining pressure with their trademark experience and offensive depth. However, Olympiacos managed to control key stretches of the game, particularly in the decisive moments of the fourth quarter, where defensive stops and clutch scoring made the difference.

The 92-85 scoreline reflected a tightly contested battle, with momentum swinging multiple times before Olympiacos ultimately pulled away in the closing minutes. Their ability to execute under pressure proved decisive against a Real Madrid side accustomed to deep playoff runs and championship success.

When the final buzzer sounded, celebrations erupted across the arena as Olympiacos players, staff, and fans embraced a long-awaited return to the summit of European basketball. The victory not only secures a historic title but also reaffirms the club’s status among Europe’s elite.

For Olympiacos, this triumph represents more than just a trophy—it is the culmination of years of persistence, rebuilding, and belief, finally rewarded on the grandest stage of all.

Semi-final

Hull City reached the final after defeating Millwall 2-0 on aggregate.

Chaos before the final

Southampton were expelled from the play-offs due to the “Spygate” scandal, and Middlesbrough were brought into the final instead. During the process, Acun Ilıcalı stated, “Under normal circumstances, we should be promoted directly to the Premier League,” and even consulted lawyers.

Final day

The match kicked off at 3:30 PM at Wembley, where Hull City secured their first Premier League ticket since 2017.

Huge reaction in England and Turkey

Acun Ilıcalı had previously promised, “If we get promoted to the Premier League, I’ll take the team to Las Vegas.” Following the match, Turkish media and social media exploded with reactions:

• Ertem Şener: “Hull City are in the Premier League play-off final! All fans meet at Wembley on May 23.”
• Fanatik announced the victory with the headline: “ONE LAST STEP TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!”
• Demirören Haber Ajansı quoted Acun Ilıcalı after the match: “We haven’t won a trophy yet, but our performance showed that we deserve to be in the top division.”
• Vatan Öz said: “On behalf of the Turkish community in England, we thank you. Our support is endless. Congratulations.”

Acun Ilıcalı had also said before: “If we get promoted to the Premier League, I’ll go crazy. The destiny of the city changes — Premier League cities become economic centers.” Now, that day has arrived.

Back after 9 years

Hull City last played in the Premier League during the 2016/17 season. This marks the club’s third promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Welcome back to the Premier League, Hull City A.F.C.! 🧡🖤

The Turkish flag officially waved at Wembley tonight.

“We learned with deep sorrow and outrage about the armed attack carried out against Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca. Our greatest consolation is that Mr. Alim Karaca, whose achievements in serving our homeland we proudly follow and appreciate from Europe, is reported to be in good health.

As European Turks, we clearly state that we strongly condemn this heinous armed attack targeting democracy, the rule of law, and social peace, as well as the gunman and all dark forces behind it.

We expect the relevant authorities to fully investigate the incident, and to swiftly apprehend both the perpetrator and those who orchestrated the attack, ensuring that all legal penalties are applied without exception.

In these difficult days, we stand by Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca. We extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery and send him our heartfelt get-well wishes.”

Avrupa Newspaper – Europe Agency AVA – Avrupa Times

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ceferin praised Türkiye’s successful organization of several UEFA events and described Istanbul as one of Europe’s leading football cities. He said football culture in Türkiye is deeply rooted in everyday life.

“Türkiye can successfully host major events”

Ceferin pointed to the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, the 2023 UEFA Champions League final and the upcoming 2026 UEFA Europa League final at Besiktas Park as proof of Türkiye’s organizational strength.

While noting that areas such as transportation, security and fan flow management could still improve, he said UEFA’s overall assessment of Türkiye’s hosting performances has been highly positive.

Special praise for Istanbul

The UEFA president emphasized that Istanbul continues to stand out as one of Europe’s most important football destinations. He added that UEFA’s repeated decision to bring major finals back to the city reflects strong confidence in both Istanbul and the Turkish Football Federation.

Strong infrastructure ahead of EURO 2032

Ceferin also praised Türkiye’s modern stadium infrastructure ahead of UEFA EURO 2032, which the country will co-host with Italy.

He noted that while many European nations have discussed building new stadiums for years, Türkiye has already completed major projects and gained a significant advantage with its modern facilities.

Optimistic about the national team

Ceferin said he expects Türkiye to be highly competitive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and stressed that the national team should aim not only to qualify but also to become a side that opponents fear facing.

He also praised Türkiye’s talented generation of players, highlighting Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız as two of the brightest young stars in European football. Hakan Çalhanoğlu was commended for his leadership and experience.

“Turkish clubs need consistency”

Ceferin said Turkish clubs should focus on building long-term success in European competitions rather than celebrating isolated achievements.

He praised Galatasaray as well as the recent European performances of Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir and Sivasspor.

According to Ceferin, sustainable progress in Turkish football will require investment in youth academies, coaching systems, refereeing standards, financial discipline and women’s football.

Bringing together representatives from the media, public institutions, academia, and civil society, the event further solidified its role as an important platform for journalism across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The ceremony stood out for its international participation and was organized under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Italian Prime Minister’s Office Department for Information and Publishing, and the Ministry of Culture’s CUG.

During the event, numerous journalists from national and international media organizations were honored for their professional achievements, independence, and commitment to high-quality journalism.

The most emotional moment of the evening was the presentation of the “Memorial Award” dedicated to the late veteran journalist Alessandro Tiberti. The award was received by his children, Lavinia and Gabriela.

Founded by journalist Dündar Kesaplı, the award aims to promote accurate and responsible journalism while strengthening international dialogue.

2026 Award Winners and Roles

• Alberto Barachini – State Secretary for Information and Publishing, Italian Prime Minister’s Office
• Emilio Carelli – Director, L’Espresso
• Alessia Lautone – Director, LaPresse
• Angela Mariella – Editorial Director, RAI
• Soledad Alvarez – Rome Director, EFE Agency (Spain)
• Tiziano Carmellini – Il Tempo
• Stefano Chioffi – Corriere dello Sport
• Gianluca Perino – Il Messaggero
• Eva Murati – Albania
• Marina Perna – ANSA / ANSAmed (Foreign News)
• Emanuele Rizzi – Adnkronos
• Barış Seçkin – Anadolu Agency (Türkiye)
• Andrea Bonini – Sky TG24
• Stefania Cavallaro – Deputy Editor-in-Chief, TG4 News
• Romano Bolković – Zagreb, Croatia
• Alberto Rimedio – Rai Sport
• Francesca Benvenuti – SportMediaset
• Gianfranco Coppola – President, USSI / AIPS Europe
• Herman Grech – Malta
• Trevisa Tufa – Albania
• Mahdi El Nemr – Egypt
• Zouhir Louassini – Morocco
• Emine Kavasoğlu – Türkiye
• Marco Lollobrigida – Special Award for “Sports Commentary” (USSI), Director, Rai Sport
• Alessandro Tiberti – RAI (Memorial Award)
• Luigi Crippa – Head of Sports Communications, Inter
• Roberto Coramusi – Press Office Head, Italian Football Federation

Anniversary Medal of the Azerbaijani National Press” and its official certificate to KGK Chairman Mehmet Ali Dim in Ankara. The award was handed over by Elshad Eyvazlı, Vice Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council.

Eyvazlı: “GJC Stood Firmly with Azerbaijan”

Speaking during the ceremony, Elshad Eyvazlı emphasized that the media support provided by the Global Journalists Council to Azerbaijan should never be underestimated.

“During the Karabakh War, (GJC) stood firmly behind Azerbaijan, helping shape international public opinion in our favor. The council repeatedly brought international journalist delegations to Azerbaijan and made our rightful position on Karabakh heard across the world,” he said.

Eyvazlı also noted that (GJC) had developed strong ties with Azerbaijani media organizations and gained significant recognition among Azerbaijani journalists and officials.
“It is a great honor for me to present this prestigious state medal to (GJC) Chairman Mehmet Ali Dim on behalf of the Azerbaijani authorities, who deeply appreciate (GJC)’s contributions,” he added.

Dim: “We Are Deeply Honored”

Receiving the medal, KGK Chairman Mehmet Ali Dim described the award as a source of great pride and honor.

“Since the establishment of our council, we have always regarded brotherly Azerbaijan as special. We have always said: one nation, one media, two states,” Dim stated.
He highlighted KGK’s efforts during Azerbaijan’s justified struggle in Karabakh, noting that the council organized visits for international journalists to Azerbaijan in order to ensure accurate reporting and raise global awareness.

“We attended press conferences held by President Ilham Aliyev and met several times with Presidential Assistant Hikmet Hajiyev. We also established various forms of cooperation with Azerbaijani media organizations. Most recently, we signed a cooperation protocol with the Press Council in Alanya,” he said.
Dim stressed that the collaboration between KGK and Azerbaijani media institutions would continue to grow in the future.

“I accept this medal on behalf of all KGK members and will proudly display it in the most distinguished corner of our council. I would like to sincerely thank President Ilham Aliyev, Media Agency Chairman Ahmad Ismayilov, and Elshad Eyvazlı for personally presenting this meaningful award in Ankara,” he concluded.

The legal action targets Avara Foods and Welsh Water. Claimants argue that the companies have played a role in the long-term degradation of waterways along the England–Wales border.

At the centre of the case is the River Wye, once known for its natural beauty. Residents and environmental groups say the river has deteriorated in recent years, often turning green during the summer months and developing foul smells and a slimy texture.

They attribute much of this damage to intensive poultry farming in the surrounding region, where roughly 24 million chickens are raised at any given time—around a quarter of the UK’s total production. According to the claim, large quantities of chicken waste are spread on nearby farmland and later washed into rivers by rainfall. This runoff increases levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which in turn fuel excessive algae growth, especially in warmer weather.

Sewage discharges are also cited as a contributing factor to the pollution.

Environmental assessments have reinforced these concerns. In 2023, Natural England classified the River Wye as being in “unfavourable – declining” condition. A subsequent action plan highlighted agricultural pollution, wastewater releases, climate pressures, and reduced summer river flows as key issues affecting the ecosystem.

The lawsuit, led by the law firm Leigh Day under a “no win, no fee” arrangement, includes allegations of negligence as well as claims of environmental harm such as nuisance and trespass. The claimants are seeking financial compensation alongside measures to restore the health of the rivers.

Both companies have denied the accusations. Avara Foods described the claims as “misconceived,” while Welsh Water said the case is “misguided” and pointed to its ongoing investments aimed at reducing pollution.

The year began with two compelling talks: Professor Süleyman Kızıltoprak’s exploration of Kütahya ceramics, offering insights into one of Türkiye’s most distinctive artistic traditions, and Dr Yakoob Ahmed’s thought-provoking lecture Why History Matters, which reflected on the relevance of historical thinking in today’s world. These opening events set the tone for a season that brings together diverse perspectives across disciplines.

Since its inception in 2017, the series has grown from modest gatherings into a vital cultural landmark in London. The "Thursday Tradition" remains at the heart of the Institute’s programming, with events consistently reaching full capacity. The 2026 season promises to uphold this legacy, offering a curated platform for historians, literary figures, artists and musicians to share their expertise with a diverse, international audience.

The "Arts & Culture Lecture" series is distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach. While the Institute continues its specialized book signing sessions, this flagship series provides a broader lens on the Turkish-British connection.

This year’s schedule features a mix of pre-planned academic sessions and appearances by visiting masters of cinema and art. Our 2026 roster includes confirmed and invited speakers such as:

• 9 April 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Mustafa Kureyşi – Topic: Ottoman Luminaries of Cyprus
• 16 April 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Jason Goodwin – Topic: Istanbul: Myth and Imagination
• 30 April 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Peter Sanders – Topic: Heaven, Earth and the Ten Thousand Things: The Lives of the Muslims of China
• 7 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Amanda Burrell – Topic: Restoring the Balance
• 14 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Tiffany Watt – Topic: The History of Emotions
• 22 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Özlem Warren – Topic: Istanbul Recipes
• 28 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Hüsamettin Şimşir – Topic: From Steppe Warriors to Women Ghazis: Participation of Women in Military Operations in Nomadic Societies

The Institute remains dedicated to hosting experts who can engage fluently with our English-speaking audience, ensuring that the dialogue between our two communities is both accessible and profound.

The event brought together families, community members, and distinguished guests for an afternoon filled with unity, culture, and celebration.

Guests of honour included Her Excellency Aysan Mullahasan, Catherine West MP, and Cllr Peray Ahmet leader of Haringey Council. The event was also attended by Cllr Sarah Williams, alongside many respected figures from the Turkish Cypriot community.

The celebration was marked by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with guests enjoying traditional food, music, and entertainment. Live music from DJ Hasan Volkan and interactive party games kept the room filled with laughter throughout the afternoon.

Special touches included Bayram gifts for guests and roses presented to all women in honour of Mother’s Day, reflecting the organisers’ attention to detail and appreciation for the community.

Poems dedicated to mothers were also recited during the event by Zehra Gayiran and Sonay Yacup Yacupsoy, adding a touching and emotional element to the celebration.

A highlight of the afternoon was a surprise birthday celebration for Her Excellency Aysan Mullahasan, who was presented with a handmade shawl created by a TWPA member, symbolising the creativity and unity of the community.

In her speech, Aysan Mullahasan spoke about the vital role of women and the importance of community organisations such as TWPA in supporting and empowering families.

Both Catherine West MP and Cllr Peray Ahmet also addressed the audience, praising the work of TWPA and highlighting the importance of community engagement and support networks. Peray Ahmet, who previously served on the TWPA committee, spoke warmly about the organisation’s long-standing impact.

TWPA has been supporting the Turkish Cypriot community for over 55 years, providing services for families, young people, and vulnerable members of the community, and continues to play a vital role in bringing people together.

Seyyare Beyzade, Chair of TWPA, delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech, reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, the role of mothers, and the resilience of the Turkish Cypriot community. She emphasised the
importance of unity, identity, and supporting future generations to feel proud of their heritage.

She said:
“Our community has faced many challenges over the years, but we continue to stand strong, support one another, and ensure that future generations feel proud of who they are.”

Among those in attendance were prominent community figures including Tozun Zeynel, son of one of TWPA’s founders, alongside his wife, Cetin Ramadan, Dr Tahsin Bilginer, Ozkul Beyzade, Serin Kelami, Fusun
Dedazede, Nural Ezel, Sevtap Kemal, Arife Revan, and Dugu Tagman, among many others.

The event highlighted the strength, unity, and cultural pride of the Turkish Cypriot community, while reinforcing the vital role organisations like TWPA continue to play in supporting and connecting people across generations.

Under the proposal, expected to come into effect next year, migrants who wish to settle permanently in the UK will need to prove they can speak, listen, read and write English at an advanced level comparable to A-Level English.

The government has defended the policy, arguing that strong language skills are essential for people who want to build a life in Britain, work, contribute to society and fully integrate into the community.

However, the proposal has triggered significant public discussion.

Many observers point out that a large number of migrants have lived in the UK for years but still have limited English skills. This has led many people to ask a key question:

“What will happen to them?”

People who have spent years living and working in the UK, whose children attend school here, but whose English is still limited, could face uncertainty about whether they will be able to obtain permanent residency.

Some are even questioning whether the policy could create risks of losing their right to stay in the country.

The new rule is also being widely debated on social media, where many users have raised concerns about how realistic the requirement is.

Among the comments attracting attention are:

• “A-Level English? What percentage of the UK population could actually pass an A-Level English exam?”
• “Who will run this test? Will it just be another online exam?”
• “Many British people themselves wouldn’t be able to speak English at A-Level standard.”
• “In some parts of London, like Southall, you can hardly hear English being spoken.”
• “Sometimes foreigners speak better English than people born in the UK.”
• “Even half of British citizens might struggle to pass that level.”

Because of these concerns, many people are now questioning whether the proposed requirement is realistic.

It also remains unclear whether the new language rule will apply to migrants already living in the UK and how exactly it will be implemented.

What is clear, however, is that the announcement has reignited the debate over immigration and integration in Britain.