TFMD’s “Press Photos of the Year” Awards Find Their Winners

The ceremony, one of the most prestigious events in the field of photography, was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, members of the press, and numerous guests.

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As part of the organization, special awards were presented to eight photographs in three categories dedicated to the 15th anniversary of YTB. The awards for the categories of "Related Communities," "Turkish Diaspora," and "International Students" were presented to the winners by YTB President Abdulhadi Turus.

​Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized that photojournalism plays a vital role in the formation of public memory. He stated that every frame captured in the field is not just a momentary image, but a powerful witness that records the conditions, impacts, and traces of events for history. Yılmaz noted that thanks to these efforts recorded at the right time and place, societies can confront their past and build a healthy future, adding that photojournalists bear a heavy responsibility in making the truth visible.

​Yılmaz highlighted that photojournalists witness both the good and difficult times of human history. He specifically emphasized that during the genocide in Gaza, journalists documented the truth under severe security risks and commemorated all press members who lost their lives in the process. He also noted that these testimonies constitute important evidence in terms of international law.

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​In his evaluation, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus emphasized that every frame reflected in the lenses is a permanent document of brotherhood transcending borders, shared memory, and a common civilization. Turus stated: ​"Every frame captured is a lasting testament to our brotherhood that transcends borders, our shared memory, and the geography of our civilization. I wholeheartedly congratulate all our media professionals who immortalized the story of our 'heartland' through their lenses, all participants, and the News Photographers Association of Türkiye."

​In the awards given for the 15th anniversary of YTB: Related Communities Category: Caner Özbaydoğan won first place with his work depicting the traces of massacres in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on an Albanian woman's last two remaining memories of her past.​Turkish Diaspora Category: Associated Press photojournalist Emrah Gürel took first place. Gürel documented the evacuation of Turkish citizens from Lebanon via the military ship TCG Sancaktar following Israel’s attacks on Beirut.

​International Students Category: Alsu Sagirova was awarded first place for capturing the colorful atmosphere of the "Aga Bazar Ethno-Cultural Festival," held annually in July in the city of Bolgar, Tatarstan. ​Honorable Mention: Necati Savaş received an honorable mention for his photograph of hot air balloons in Cappadocia taking flight in support of Palestine.

​The competition, supported by YTB, contributed to the discovery of young photography talents while showcasing the cultural richness and diversity of the Turkish diaspora through visual storytelling. It also reflected the lives of international students studying in Türkiye and further strengthened the emotional bonds within the Kinship Communities category.