A gathering of regional and national media representatives attended the dinner program that was orchestrated by Atatürk University in observance of Working Journalists' Day, January 10.
Working Journalists' Day, observed annually on January 10, is a Turkey-specific occasion honoring working journalists. On this day, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı met with media representatives  at a dinner program orchestrated in conjunction with media meetings at the university. In attendance were numerous members of the local and national media, as well as Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı and his administration, faculty deans, presidents and members of journalists' associations, managers and representatives of press organizations, and others.

"The Press is One of the Most Vital Indicators of Freedom of Thought and Expression." 

President of the Eastern Anatolian Journalists Association Feridun Fazıl Özsoy began his address by extending his sincere wishes to the working journalists on this momentous day. He stated that journalism is a pillar of democracy, adding, "Where it is free, the press, which is one of the most significant indicators of freedom of thought and expression, ensures the sound operation of a democracy." The press safeguards not only our right to unrestricted information but also our freedom of expression and thought. Moreover, the press serves as a vital instrument for public engagement with the government. It shapes policies and provides direction to administrations through the mirroring of the wishes, demands, and desires of the people. The press, an essential component of a democratic society, enhances citizen engagement. Professor Rector Ömer Çomaklı hosted us and commemorated our special day in light of these ideas. "I thank Çomaklı and wish my colleagues a healthy and peaceful working life."

"Efforts were made to enhance reciprocal discourse through the formation of local media consultation groups."

In his address to the press members present at the program, Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı expressed his delight at convening the esteemed press members of Erzurum for the university-press meetings organized in observance of Working Journalists' Day, January 10.

Further elaborating on his point that "a free and independent press is an indispensable prerequisite for democracies," Rector Çomaklı asserted that free communication can be established in democratic environments, where polyphony, freedom of thought, and public oversight of administrations are also vital.

Prof. Dr. Çomaklı: "The press currently serves as the representative of the citizenry. In liberal democracies, the press's primary public responsibility is to oversee and scrutinize all aspects of public life. Ensuring the integrity and reputation of the press is crucial in order for it to carry out its responsibilities effectively. Hence, it is imperative that press organizations and their members prioritize aligning themselves with the correct and veracious standpoint in all aspects.

Çomaklı asserted that the university is cognizant of the influence and capacity of the press and feels obligated to harness this capacity: "Within this framework, we have endeavored to enhance reciprocal discourse since assuming office through the formation of local media consultation groups, a practice we persist in. We have been organizing seminars and workshops in collaboration with professional associations operating in our city, particularly in recent years. The Faculty of Communication provides assistance to local media outlets by employing intern students and alumni from departments such as journalism, radio, television, and public relations. Our support encompasses both content and a skilled workforce. Conversely, esteemed representatives of our press contribute to the growth of our students by attending professional courses at our Faculty of Communication, where they impart their expertise and experience. "I believe that with the cooperation of our university, our city's press will gain even more strength and continue on its way with a dignity befitting its deep-rooted history," said the rector.

"By ascending to the A2 rank among research universities, our institution secured financial and personnel benefits."

Rector Çomaklı briefed members of the press on the latest developments and undertakings of Atatürk University. He stated, "As you are undoubtedly aware, we have been diligently executing the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project to foster the growth and progress of our institution ever since assuming office." This endeavor represents a significant turning point in our university's history. By virtue of exemplifying systematic effort, it entails the implementation of tasks in accordance with a predetermined schedule and road maps. Significant milestones have been surpassed and the predetermined objectives have been substantially met with the utmost satisfaction of all involved in this endeavor, which incorporates dynamic processes. To begin with, the research university designation was obtained, and significant advancements were made across three categories, each comprising 32 indicators. Our institution, previously ranked in the A3 category, was elevated to the A2 category and granted personnel and financial benefits.

"Our publications on an international level have doubled"

"All processes of our Higher Education Quality Authority-accredited university are guaranteed. Furthermore, a monitoring mechanism was established through the regulation of financial resources. The Senate of our university has granted approval to numerous regulations, directives, procedures, and principles, thereby fortifying the institutional framework of our university. Comparatively, the number of our international publications has doubled since the moment we assumed office. In addition to the establishment of six accredited laboratories, one of which was international, the research infrastructure was upgraded across all divisions. There was a substantial rise in patent applications pertaining to intellectual property from seventeen when we assumed office in 2021 to 143 in 2023, for a grand total of 500. Conversely, an estimated 30–40 patents and utility models are officially documented annually. By initiating the commercialization procedures for these patents, our university has been able to secure an additional 80–100 million in external funding for its initiatives. Consequently, Atatürk University is progressing toward its ultimate goal of attaining universal university status.

"I am certain that in carrying out your responsibilities, you will consider the beliefs, values, and sensitivities of our society and make a positive contribution to the prosperity of our nation."On this auspicious occasion, January 10, I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to all our press members who diligently carry out their responsibilities in adherence to professional standards. In doing so, I bless them with good health and prosperity.

Participants attended the exhibition organized under the auspices of the Eastern Anatolian Journalists Association following the program.

Directorate of Corporate Communications – January 10, 2024