President Erdogan meets journalists in Istanbul to mark Working Journalists' Day

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked Working Journalists' Day on Saturday by meeting with reporters in Istanbul's historic Beyoglu district. During the encounter, the president exchanged greetings and congratulations with journalists on the occasion, which commemorates the enactment of the landmark 1961 law that established fundamental labor rights for the press in Türkiye. "On the anniversary of Working Journalists' Day, we are happy to be together with you here," Erdogan stated.

Accompanied by Senior Officials

The president was joined by a delegation of senior government officials, including Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran. Their presence underscored the official recognition of the day, which honors the profession's role in society and the historical struggle for journalists' rights, such as job security and fair wages.

Message of Continuity and Fellowship

Erdogan extended well-wishes for the future, telling the assembled press, "I hope we will have the opportunity to mark many more anniversaries together. I wish you a blessed anniversary." The gesture and message emphasized a theme of ongoing dialogue and shared milestones between the government and the media corps.

Context of the Day

Working Journalists' Day, observed every January 10, serves as both a celebration of the press's vital function in democracy and a reminder of the profession's challenges. The day's origins lie in Law No. 212, which was passed on January 10, 1961, and represented a significant advance in labor protections for journalists in Türkiye. The president's personal engagement with reporters on this day is a traditional gesture that acknowledges the symbolic importance of the date.