ISTANBUL — In a comprehensive series of engagements under the banner of the "Turkey Century Meetings," Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır visited the AK Party Gaziosmanpaşa District Presidency on September 27, 2026. The visit served as a platform for the Minister to evaluate Turkey’s current trajectory, its standing on the global stage, and the ambitious technological and political goals set for the coming years. Addressing party members and local residents, Kacır emphasized the central role of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership in navigating global challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a "fully independent Turkey" through production, innovation, and social justice.
The Minister’s visit to Gaziosmanpaşa is part of a broader nationwide initiative designed to bridge the gap between the central administration and local communities. By engaging directly with citizens, tradespeople, and youth, the "Turkey Century Meetings" aim to listen to the public’s concerns while articulating the government’s vision for the Republic’s second century. Minister Kacır’s itinerary in the district included briefings on local projects, discussions with district officials, and a series of field visits intended to gauge the pulse of the community.
During his address at the district headquarters, Minister Kacır reflected on the significance of these meetings, noting that they are being conducted across the length and breadth of the country. "As part of the ‘Turkey Century Meetings,’ we continue to meet with our nation in every city, district, and neighborhood, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west," Kacır stated. He highlighted his recent visit to Kırklareli, describing it as a "frontier city," and noted that the same enthusiasm he witnessed there is palpable in Gaziosmanpaşa, one of Istanbul’s most established and vibrant districts. "We are here to listen to the voices of our people, to share our efforts and struggles with them, and to consult on our common future," he added.
Efforts to Leave the Mark of the Turkish Nation on Human History
A significant portion of Minister Kacır’s speech was dedicated to the conceptual framework of the "Turkey Century." He argued that this vision is far more than a political slogan; it is a comprehensive roadmap for the nation’s development in its second century. According to the Minister, the goal is to ensure that the Turkish nation—which he described as "the most honorable nation in history"—leaves an indelible mark on the global stage through its achievements in industry, technology, and humanitarian leadership.
"Under the leadership of our esteemed President, Turkey is advancing toward its goals with immense effort and firm steps," Kacır remarked. "We are building the ‘Turkey Century’ together. We do not view these concepts as mere slogans or mottos. In the second century of our Republic, we are sincerely striving to stamp the seal of the Turkish nation onto human history."
The Minister emphasized that achieving this vision requires tireless work and a strong bond between the government and the people. He noted that Turkey has undergone a massive transformation during the AK Party’s tenure, evolving into a significant global production power. This progress, he suggested, is the result of years of investment in infrastructure, education, and industrial capacity. "We have brought Turkey together with works, services, and gains that span a century," he said, highlighting that the journey toward a "bright tomorrow" continues day and night.
In addition to national goals, Kacır touched upon the importance of local governance in realizing this vision. He praised the efforts of AK Party and People’s Alliance municipalities, stating that they are working with great dedication to prepare cities for the future. "Our nation knows, sees, and appreciates this effort very closely," Kacır said, while also noting that the public is observant of the performance of other political actors. He expressed confidence that as long as the party remains dedicated to serving the people without making excuses, the electorate will continue to offer its support in upcoming elections.
A Leader Proclaiming Justice, Equity, and Mercy to the Entire World
Shifting his focus to international affairs, Minister Kacır shared insights from his recent trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he accompanied President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Minister spoke with pride about the President’s performance on the global stage, framing it as a defense of universal values and the rights of the oppressed.
"In that General Assembly hall, there was a leader shouting justice, equity, and mercy to the whole world," Kacır said. "There was a leader at that rostrum who said, ‘If we are silent, history will not be silent; if we are silent, truth will not be silent.’ He represented the honor and dignity of the Turkish nation in the strongest possible way."
Kacır elaborated on the President’s role as a global mediator and an advocate for those who are often marginalized in international discourse. He described the President as someone who identifies the world’s most pressing problems and reminds the global community of the most accurate solutions. "He is a leader who stands up for all the oppressed, the sorrowful, and the innocent of the world," the Minister continued. "He possesses a will that leaves no tyrant with the courage to harm the Turkish nation or the oppressed."
For the Minister, the AK Party is inextricably linked to the leadership and vision of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He reiterated that the party’s identity is defined by its commitment to a "fully independent Turkey" and its role in the "Turkey Century." This awareness, he argued, must be at the forefront of every party member’s mind as they prepare for future political challenges.
"We feel a great sense of honor to stand behind and beside such a leader," Kacır stated. "The AK Party is the party of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It is the party of our President, the leader of the ‘Turkey Century’ and a fully independent Turkey. We will all carry this consciousness. With the permission of God, we will re-elect Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as President with a record-breaking result, far exceeding previous ones. Have no doubt about this. As the AK Party and the People’s Alliance, we will achieve a great victory."
Targeting a Major Victory in the 2029 Local Elections for Istanbul
Looking ahead to the domestic political calendar, Minister Kacır turned his attention to the local elections scheduled for 2029. He expressed a strong desire and a clear plan to bring Istanbul and other major municipalities back under the "AK Party municipalism" model. The Minister specifically highlighted the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) as a primary objective for the People’s Alliance.
"Following the presidential elections, local elections will come," Kacır noted. "God willing, our municipalities will once again meet with AK Party municipalism. We will reunite with the People’s Alliance. One of the most important of these is Istanbul. In the 2029 local elections, we will achieve a massive victory in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality as the People’s Alliance and the AK Party."
The Minister framed this political ambition not just as a quest for power, but as a necessity for the well-being of the next generation. He emphasized that the government’s efforts are ultimately for the children and the youth of Turkey. This sentiment was particularly resonant in Gaziosmanpaşa, where the Minister pointed to local successes in science and technology education as evidence of the nation’s potential.
Kacır specifically mentioned the "Bilim Gaziosmanpaşa" (Science Gaziosmanpaşa) center, an institution where thousands of young people are introduced to the worlds of science and technology. He shared stories of local youth who are already achieving remarkable feats in high-tech fields. "In Gaziosmanpaşa, there are young people developing rockets. There are young people producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). There are young people building underwater robots," the Minister remarked with pride.
He predicted that from these programs, a new generation of entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists would emerge to lead Turkey’s economic and technological future. "Turkey will continue to reach an economic power far beyond what it has today, step by step, through technology, science, research and development, and innovation," Kacır concluded.
The program in Gaziosmanpaşa concluded with a gift presentation and a group photograph, marking the end of a day focused on both grassroots political mobilization and the high-level strategic vision for Turkey’s future. As the "Turkey Century Meetings" continue across the country, the message from the Ministry of Industry and Technology remains clear: a focus on national independence through technological self-sufficiency and a steadfast commitment to the leadership of President Erdoğan.
