YTB Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary in Ankara

The program was attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Serdar Çam, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus, former Minister and Artvin MP Faruk Çelik, President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency Abdullah Eren, AK Party Deputy Chairman Kürşad Zorlu, former YTB presidents, staff, and numerous guests.

During the event, the “15 Years in Photos” exhibition was presented to visitors. The music group Hayal Meyal performed the song “I Am Palestine”, written in tribute to the people of Gaza, along with folk songs selected from related communities. The program also included various activities and video presentations.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy highlighted Turkey’s influential role in international affairs during his opening remarks. He described YTB as a key institution in public diplomacy, stating: “When we look at international political movements, diplomatic processes, and global public perception, we proudly see Turkey as a game-changer, setting direction and strategy. For 23 years, under the leadership of our President, tireless efforts have been made across all levels of our state. Public diplomacy is one of the main fronts where we continuously strive to achieve results, protect our gains, and accomplish more—and YTB is among the leading actors on this front.”

He also said: “A person’s greatest work is the people they nurture. If we see this as a craft, YTB is undoubtedly one of the leading institutional craftsmen in our country. In guiding people toward goodness, truth, and national values; teaching, practicing, and preserving our heritage; and promoting equality and justice, you have always stood at the forefront. You have built new bridges of goodwill with our kin and related communities, extending a hand of mercy and friendship to those in need.”

Highlighting YTB’s numerous accomplishments over the past 15 years, Ersoy said: “The foundation, strength, and confidence behind this blessed journey, shaped by the ‘Century of Turkey’ vision, are the culture, values, and historical heritage of this great nation, as well as the impressions left and seeds sown in hearts across history. YTB harvests the fruits of these seeds today, planting new ones to secure the future and striving for humanity in a divided and marginalized world. With your will and determination, and that of those who will carry this flag after you, I wholeheartedly believe we will celebrate many more 15-year periods filled with new and greater achievements. Know that you are leaving highly valuable and unforgettable marks in history. Our generations will remember you with gratitude and pride.”

YTB President Abdulhadi Turus reflected on the institution’s purpose and achievements, recalling the steps taken under the vision of the President: “Established in 2010 under the vision and will of our President, YTB was organized to meet the needs of over seven million Turks living abroad and to provide equitable educational opportunities in line with our civilizational responsibility. Although new, our institution has built a strong corporate identity within the Turkish public administration and carried out its duties with a people-centered approach, fulfilling the tasks entrusted by the state with the strength derived from it.”

Turus noted that YTB’s accomplishments over 15 years have been shaped by the President’s vision and strengthened by support from numerous state officials: “All our achievements began with the forward-looking vision and will of our President and were implemented through the organizational guidance of former officials, including former Minister Faruk Çelik. Our continued success is also due to the support of current Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who oversees the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. We also thank our former presidents, whose joint efforts contributed significantly to all these works.”

Former Minister and Artvin MP Faruk Çelik emphasized the historical responsibility of Turkey toward its diaspora: “This nation, with one of the few remaining imperial legacies, naturally has many relatives, kin, and community members worldwide. Therefore, the unity Turkey establishes with these relatives, kin, and community members is of great importance. I congratulate YTB on its 15th anniversary and wish continued success in its work.”

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Serdar Çam also spoke about YTB’s vision and future goals. Former YTB Presidents Abdullah Eren, Mehmet Köse, Kudret Bülbül, and Kemal Yurtnaç also addressed the audience during the program.

YTB President Abdulhadi Turus presented a commemorative gift to Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy: An oil painting of Hagia Sophia by Palestinian art student Halid Istaitia, who completed his doctorate at Istanbul University’s Art History Department and has since returned to his country.

The program concluded with a group photo