In partnership with the Erzurum New Media Association and the Atatürk University Faculty of Communication, a symposium entitled "Erzurum Press in the National Struggle" was convened. The Erzurum press's role in the War of Independence and significant issues that illuminate the era were the subjects of the panel's discussion. The multi-purpose hall of the Atatürk University Faculty of Communication was the venue for the event, which was attended by a substantial number of individuals.

The panel was attended by Deputy Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Akarsu, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yüksel Göktaş, Yakutiye Mayor Mahmut Uçar, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Raci Taşçıoğlu, President of the Erzurum New Media Association Gamze İspirli, Directorate of Communication Erzurum Regional Director Recep Küçükece, panellists, academics, and students.

The panel was moderated by Prof. Dr. Raci Taşçıoğlu, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication. In his introductory remark, he underscored the significance of the National Struggle in the Turkish nation's quest for independence and discussed the critical role of the local press in this process. According to Prof. Dr. Taşçıoğlu, the Erzurum Press in the National Struggle forum was a significant event that aimed to increase students' awareness of this significant historical period. Dean Taşçıoğlu stated that the Faculty of Communication will continue to organise this and numerous similar events, and he expressed his optimism that the panel will be beneficial.

The Panel Discussed the Role of the Local Press and Historical Information

The panel continued with presentations from a variety of academics and experts. The presentation "Albayrak Newspaper in the National Struggle" by Prof. Dr. Besim Yıldırım, one of the significant publications of Erzurum, first informed the participants of the effects and function of Albayrak Newspaper in the National Struggle. Yıldırım provided an explanation of the newspaper's role in promoting public awareness and promoting engagement in the National Struggle.

In his speech titled "National Struggle in Erzurum Journals: The Erzurum Example on the Path of History," Prof. Dr. Hakan Temiztürk analysed the role of these publications in informing the public and the involvement of the people of Erzurum in the National Struggle. Temiztürk emphasised that magazines were not only a cultural instrument, but also played a significant role in the development of national consciousness.

Prof. Dr. Murat Küçükuğurlu in his presentation "Erzurum and the Leading Newspapers in the National Struggle" emphasised the strategic role of the leading newspapers in Erzurum in this process and discussed the impact of local newspapers on organising, raising awareness, and mobilising the public.

İsmail Bingöl's presentation, "Erzurum Local Press in the National Struggle and the Early Years of the Republic," detailed the evolution of the local press in Erzurum following the declaration of the Republic and the transformation that occurred during this period.

Kadir Sabuncuoğlu, in his presentation titled "Mustafa Kemal's Islands of Virtue," discussed the role of the local press in Erzurum in disseminating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's ideas and vision to the public. Sabuncuoğlu articulated the manner in which Erzurum influenced the progress of the Republic during its initial years and how this process was communicated to the public through the press.

Subsequent to the panel presentations, students enquired about the content and obtained additional information from the presenters. The panel, which was productive and engaging due to the participants' interest, offered an informative and enlightening experience for both students and participants.

The National Struggle Period Was Highlighted by the Panel

The panel "Erzurum Press in the National Struggle" was of great significance because it presented significant historical information and revealed the strategic role of Erzurum's local press in the National Struggle. It reminded the participants of the importance of the local press in informing the public, organising, and contributing to the National Struggle. Again.

Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Atatürk University, Prof. Dr. Raci Taşçıoğlu expressed his gratitude to Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu and the event contributors during his closing speech at the panel. He also pledged to continue to enhance the historical awareness of his students through similar events and to take significant measures to preserve the local press's historical heritage.

Corporate Communications Directorate – November 6, 2024