Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, the rector of Atatürk University, engaged in the voting process for candidate photographs in the Anadolu Agency-sponsored "Photos of the Year" competition. The photographs submitted to the referendum by Anadolu Agency depict the events that will define 2023. As determined by popular vote, 148 images across five categories will be chosen as the "Photo of the Year" from among the AA photojournalists' images that have an impact on Turkey and the global agenda.

Annually, the contest comprised three categories—News, Environment-Life, and Sports—and "Earthquake" featured photographs captured during the October 7 attacks launched by Israel against Palestine, with the former encompassing images captured during the quake that centered in Kahramanmaraş, where we this year witnessed the catastrophe of the century. The headings "Gaza" can be found in the Special Categories list.

"Photographs Provide the Opportunity to Recollect the Previous Year," said Rector Çomaklı.

After selecting from the photographs organized into five branches, Rector Çomaklı conducted a thorough examination of each photograph. Prof. Dr. Çomaklı asserted that the 148 photographs chosen for the competition each possess a unique quality and significance. He continued, "The agency-sponsored photos of the year voting is a time-honored tradition that we eagerly observe. It affords us the chance to recollect the year in which we were physically present. We closely investigate the art of photography. During this occasion, we reflected on the days that had passed. The Earthquake and Gaza categories, which were inaugurated this year in particular, are crucial for awareness-raising. The anguish felt by us regarding the citizens who perished in the catastrophe of the twenty-first century is still vibrant. Furthermore, the photographs expose the atrocities that were endured in Gaza so that the genocide could continue to be discussed and so that individuals could express their opinions. Additionally, the Environment-Life, News, and Sports categories contain notable works. Although it was exceedingly difficult, I chose what to do. "Once again, I wish God's mercy to our citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake and our brothers who were martyred in Israeli oppression, and I would like to thank Anadolu Agency for providing us with news from all over the world."

Directorate of Corporate Communications – January 16, 2024