ISTANBUL — Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler conducted a comprehensive series of visits in Istanbul’s Maltepe district on Saturday as part of the "Türkiye Century Meetings," a strategic initiative designed to engage with local communities and outline the nation’s vision for the future. During his visit, the Minister addressed a wide array of topics, ranging from the historical significance of the Turkish Navy to the current geopolitical challenges facing the region, and the burgeoning success of the domestic defense industry.
Minister Güler’s program commenced at the AK Party Maltepe District Presidency, where he was greeted by a large delegation of party members and local representatives. The atmosphere was one of solemnity and national pride, beginning with a traditional moment of silence followed by the singing of the Independence March. This set the stage for a speech that bridged the gap between Türkiye’s glorious naval history and its modern-day aspirations as a global security actor.
A Legacy of Maritime Excellence and Regional Significance
In his opening remarks, Minister Güler took the opportunity to commemorate two significant milestones for the Turkish military: the 488th anniversary of the Preveze Naval Victory and Naval Forces Day. The Battle of Preveze, fought in 1538, remains a cornerstone of Turkish maritime history, representing the era when the Ottoman Navy established undisputed dominance in the Mediterranean. By invoking this legacy, Güler underscored the continuity of Turkish naval power and its vital role in protecting the nation’s interests across the "Blue Homeland."
Turning his attention to the local context, the Minister praised Maltepe for its deep-rooted history and strategic importance on Istanbul’s Anatolian side. He noted that the district has long served as a critical junction for the nation. "During the Ottoman era, this region was an important logistics range center for our army," Güler explained. "Furthermore, during the years of the National Struggle, Maltepe played a critical role in the transitions from Istanbul to Anatolia. Our Maltepe, which has continued its development with the municipal process in the Republican Period, has earned a unique place in Istanbul’s social life through its beautiful coastline and the opportunities provided by its integration with the sea."
Navigating a Volatile Global Security Landscape
The Minister’s speech transitioned into a sober analysis of the contemporary international order. He remarked that the world is currently navigating an exceptionally critical period where security balances are being fundamentally reshaped and where risks and threats are becoming increasingly diverse. He argued that the political and economic uncertainties, conflicts, and outright wars occurring in nearby geographies serve as a stark reminder of the necessity for a robust state structure, national unity, and stable leadership.
Under the strategic leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Güler asserted that Türkiye has not only maintained its own peace and security but has also emerged as an effective and indispensable actor in the global security architecture. He highlighted the nation’s constructive attitude in resolving disputed issues and its intense diplomatic efforts on the international stage.
"We clearly see the exceptional position our country has reached today through our constructive stance in the solution of controversial issues and the intense diplomacy we conduct in the international arena," Güler stated. He further emphasized that Türkiye’s multi-faceted approach within platforms such as the United Nations and NATO reflects a commitment to contributing to peace, justice, and stability. He described Türkiye as a country that does not remain indifferent to surrounding crises but instead utilizes the full extent of diplomacy and takes initiative to open new paths for resolution when international mechanisms fall short.
“Our Turkish Armed Forces Are One of Our Country’s Most Important Sources of Strength and Pride”
A significant portion of Minister Güler’s address focused on the capabilities and achievements of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). He described the military as a "victorious and veteran" institution that successfully fulfills every mission assigned to it, from ensuring border security to combating terrorism, and from protecting rights in the "Blue Homeland" and "Sky Homeland" to participating in international missions.
"Our Turkish Armed Forces, the representative of sacrifice and heroism, is one of our country’s most important sources of strength and pride," the Minister declared. He attributed this strength to the military’s experienced and qualified personnel, its high level of readiness against all threats, and its superior operational capabilities. He emphasized that these capabilities have been significantly enhanced by the massive leaps taken in the domestic and national defense industry.
Güler pointed out that under President Erdoğan’s encouragement, the transformation of the defense sector has reduced foreign dependency while strengthening Türkiye’s strategic freedom of movement and technological independence. He cited the development of indigenous ships, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missile and air defense systems, and various land and sea platforms as evidence of the TSK’s increasing deterrence.
"Türkiye is no longer a country that acts according to the decisions of others regarding its security," Güler said. "Instead, it is a nation that determines its own needs, develops critical technologies in the most modern way, and realizes its strategic moves. These superior capabilities carry Türkiye’s power and position in the world even further."
The Vision of a Terror-Free Türkiye
Addressing the long-standing challenge of terrorism, Minister Güler reflected on the forty-year struggle that has cost the nation dearly. He paid tribute to the "heroic Mehmetçik" (Turkish soldiers), security forces, martyrs, and veterans whose sacrifices have led to significant security gains. He framed the current "Terror-Free Türkiye" process as a visionary effort to make these gains permanent and to remove the shadow of violence from the national agenda entirely.
The Minister argued that a Türkiye completely purged of terrorism would be able to redirect its vast resources toward production, technology, education, investment, and the overall welfare of its citizens. "A Türkiye that reinforces its unity and solidarity internally and makes its security gains permanent will undoubtedly carry its effectiveness in the international arena even further," he added.
“We Will Continue to Work for the Future of Our Country and Our Maltepe”
Closing his speech at the district presidency, Güler linked the overarching national vision to the local level. He noted that the "Türkiye Century" vision is realized through the daily lives of citizens in their districts and neighborhoods. He praised the "service and works" policy of the government, stating that Maltepe has benefited greatly from this approach over the last two decades, adopting a modern identity through transformation in almost every field.
Güler reminded the party members and local officials present of their heavy responsibilities. As the primary point of contact for citizens, they play a vital role in communicating services accurately, conveying public demands to the relevant authorities, and protecting the climate of brotherhood against misinformation and polarization.
"In line with this direction, we will continue to serve our state without giving opportunity to sedition, seeds of discord, or polarization," Güler vowed. "By keeping the unity and solidarity of our nation above all else, we will continue to work for the future of our country and our Maltepe."
Following the formal program at the AK Party office, Minister Güler took to the streets of Maltepe Square to engage directly with the public. He visited local tradesmen, listening to the concerns of business owners and discussing the economic vitality of the district. During the walkabout, the Minister was greeted warmly by residents, stopping frequently to pose for photographs with citizens of all ages.
The day concluded with a poignant visit to the family of Martyr Alaettin Buluç. Private Buluç made the ultimate sacrifice in 1995 during a clash with terrorists in the Lice district of Diyarbakır. Minister Güler spent time with the martyr’s family at their home in Maltepe, offering the state’s continued gratitude and support. During the visit, the Minister presented a plaque to the family, reaffirming that the sacrifices made by the nation’s heroes would never be forgotten.
The visit to Maltepe served as a multifaceted demonstration of the government’s current priorities: honoring military history, showcasing technological advancement in defense, maintaining a firm stance on regional security, and fostering a direct connection with the local citizenry to ensure social and economic stability in the "Türkiye Century."
