Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran delivered a speech at the opening of the ''Journey of Journalism Photo Exhibition,'' organised by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications on the occasion of 10 January Working Journalists’ Day.
Head of Communications Duran, in his speech, congratulated members of the press on 10 January, Working Journalists’ Day.
Stating that journalism has been the most important dynamic in enabling the public to access accurate information since the period when it began to be practised, Head of Communications Duran said that journalists who devote their efforts to this valuable profession do not merely convey developments on the ground but also produce records by bearing witness to the writing of history itself and keep the collective memory alive.
Drawing attention to the fact that journalism continues to assume an indispensable role despite today’s changing physical, technical, economic, and political conditions, Head of Communications Duran stated that the ''Journey of Journalism Photo Exhibition'' stands out as a notable event that demonstrates the enduring significance of journalism across history.
''A selection highlighting key moments in Turkish political life was curated''
Emphasising that the photos featured in the exhibition were carefully selected from the rich archives of the Directorate of Communications and Anadolu Agency (AA), Head of Communications Duran said:
''Both the press professionals of Anadolu Agency and the photographers of the Directorate General of Press, established in 1935, bore witness to Türkiye of their time and left us highly important records from that period. Thus, they bequeathed to us and to our country an extremely valuable photographic archive, which today comprises more than 236,000 items. From this comprehensive archive, which showcases the journey of journalism in Türkiye while also pointing to key moments in Turkish political life, a selection of 59 photographs has been curated for you today. While reviewing the photographs, we have seen photos by the leading journalists of the time, published in several newspapers from Tasvir-i Efkar to Hakimiyet-i Milliye and İleri. These photographs both tell us about Türkiye of that period and strikingly illustrate the stages through which the journalism profession has passed."
Head of Communications Duran said that, at the exhibition, they witnessed moments in which Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, met with journalists; a political recollection extending from Adnan Menderes to Turgut Özal and from Necmettin Erbakan to Süleyman Demirel; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s engagements with journalists from his tenure as prime minister to the present; and the human-centred perspective of master photojournalist Ara Güler.
At the opening of the exhibition, Head of Communications Duran stated that journalists following President Erdoğan were also in attendance, saying, ''I firmly believe that the efforts of these reporters, as they capture our President’s endeavours through their photographs, will become highly valuable records that will narrate our history in the future.''
Praising press professionals who make sacrifices under challenging conditions to keep the public accurately informed and commemorating with mercy the journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, Head of Communications Duran noted:
''Today, I extend my gratitude to our journalists who, whether on the ground, at the desk, or across digital platforms, seek and deliver accurate information for the benefit of the public. Our journalists and press members, who always act in line with ethical and professional standards and selflessly devote the most significant moments of their lives to this profession, are indispensable. I sincerely hope the exhibition builds a powerful bridge between past and present, nurturing in younger generations a deeper sense of bearing witness and responsibility toward truth. Several of my colleagues have contributed to the preparation of this exhibition. I would like to thank the institutions, especially the Anadolu Agency, and my colleagues who made the exhibition possible."
Head of Communications Duran later held conversations with the presidential correspondents he met.
Journey of Journalism Photo Exhibition
The exhibition held at the Directorate of Communications Exhibition Hall, with a view to presenting the historical journey of journalism through a visual narrative, passing it on to future generations, and making visible the memorable moments of press professionals, takes visitors on a journey through time from past to present with photographs documenting significant moments in the history of the press.
Compiled from the archives of the Directorate of Communications and Anadolu Agency, the exhibition features 59 black-and-white and colour photographs that shed light on journalistic activities from 1923 to 2024 and on Türkiye's political memory.
In addition to photographic frames narrating the history of the Turkish press and Türkiye’s political past, the exhibition also displays newspaper clippings from leading publications of the period, such as Tasvir-i Efkâr, Hâkimiyet-i Milliye, and İleri, revealing how major events in Türkiye’s history were reflected in newspaper headlines.
Images of leaders who had a profound influence on Türkiye's political life with press members
The exhibition features photographs capturing moments when Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, addressed journalists, alongside historic images reflecting meetings between members of the press and many leaders who had a profound influence on Türkiye’s political life, including Adnan Menderes, Necmettin Erbakan, Turgut Özal, and Süleyman Demirel.
This curated collection features photographs that capture moments with journalists from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's tenure as prime minister to the present day.
The exhibition presents a visual account of journalism shaped by sacrifice, responsibility, and ethical values, documenting memorable moments of media professionals while serving as a strong visual testimony to Türkiye’s political and social legacy.
Meanwhile, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, shared a post on his NSosyal account regarding the exhibition.
In his post, Head of Communications Duran said:
"On the occasion of 10 January, Working Journalists' Day, we brought together our Journey of Journalism Photo Exhibition, held at the Directorate of Communications Exhibition Hall, with our press members and visitors. Afterwards, we met with the presidential correspondents.
Our exhibition aims to convey the historical journey of journalism to future generations through visual narration and to make the memorable moments of press professionals visible.
On display are 59 photographs from the archives of the Directorate of Communications and Anadolu Agency, shedding light on journalistic activities from 1923 to 2024 and Türkiye’s political memory.
On this special day, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on the 10 January Working Journalists' Day to all our press members who tirelessly pursue the truth, stand at the forefront in the fight against disinformation, and work day and night for accurate information.
I commemorate with mercy the press professionals who lost their lives and were murdered while on duty.
As the Directorate of Communications, we will resolutely continue our efforts to safeguard the rights of press members, improve their working conditions, and establish a secure media ecosystem."
