Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

We are honored and delighted to celebrate the 106th anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and the 23rd April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, a gift from Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the children.

April 23, 1920, the date on which the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, one of the most fundamental institutions of our state, was opened with the understanding that “Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation,” is the date when our beloved nation, with all its children from young to old, rose again and declared its independence to the whole world through its selfless struggle for its nation, state, flag, call to prayer, and independence.

The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is a crucial turning point that paved the way for the liberation of the Turkish nation, which was in the midst of a fiery ordeal, and for the declaration of its republic. It is a moment when the people asserted their sovereignty, new hopes blossomed, and new horizons opened for our country. Gazi Mustafa Kemal, who entrusted the republic he founded to our youth, the guarantors of the future, also gifted April 23rd as a holiday to the children he loved so much.

Atatürk’s decision to dedicate this day as a holiday to children is the most important indicator of the value and trust he placed in them. It is also one of our most important duties to raise our children, who are the guarantee of a strong and happy future, as knowledgeable, productive, hardworking, and successful individuals who are wholeheartedly devoted to their country, nation, and national and spiritual values.

On this occasion, I commemorate with respect and gratitude the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and his comrades-in-arms, as well as all the heroes of our War of Independence, our martyrs, and our veterans who sacrificed their lives for the survival of our homeland and nation.

“I congratulate all our children on April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, and with the hope that this holiday will bring happiness to the children of our country and the world, I wish them a future as pure and innocent as their hearts, filled with love, kindness, and success.”

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: April 21, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

Lawyers, as strong representatives of the right to defense in the administration of justice, are a fundamental element of the rule of law. As an indispensable part of democracy, they protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and contribute to the healthy and fair functioning of legal processes. They also play an important role in increasing social peace and security.

The legal profession, practiced with adherence to universal principles of law and a high sense of responsibility, is one of the most reliable guarantees of the justice system. Within the framework of the rule of law in the Republic of Turkey, the judiciary and the defense are an inseparable whole that complements each other.

With these feelings and thoughts, and with an understanding of the rule of law, I congratulate all our lawyers, especially those of the Erzurum and Istanbul Bar Associations, who fulfill their duties with great dedication, on April 5th Lawyers’ Day, and wish them success in their professional lives.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: April 5, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

As a nation, we are filled with joy at celebrating another Ramadan, a time when beauty and goodness abound, when those who are estranged reconcile, and when feelings of brotherhood, friendship, mutual assistance, and solidarity reach their peak.

Spiritual and national holidays are the most beautiful opportunities when the values ​​that make us human are intensely experienced, beautiful feelings and thoughts reach their highest level, grudges are forgotten, love and respect are amplified, and everyone looks at each other with tolerance. Holidays, which hold great meaning for all of us, strengthen our unity and solidarity, and create an atmosphere of friendship and peace, should be celebrated in accordance with their meaning and importance. Especially in these critical times, we should remember our responsibilities towards each other and our country even more.

With these feelings and thoughts, I sincerely congratulate all my fellow citizens of Erzurum and Istanbul on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, and I hope that this holiday will be an occasion for peace, love, and brotherhood for all humanity. With love and respect.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: March 18, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

As we approach the end of Ramadan, a month filled with mercy, forgiveness, grace, and blessings, we are experiencing the spiritual peace of reaching Laylat al-Qadr, a blessed night that Allah Almighty has described as “better than a thousand months.”

Undoubtedly, this blessed night offers a great opportunity for the enlightenment of our inner world and the increase of our spiritual peace. I believe that this night, which guides people to profound thought and reflection, will contribute to the unity and solidarity we need always and everywhere, and that respect and love, the most important values ​​that make up a society, will be strengthened and come to life in our hearts tonight.

On this occasion, I wish health, peace, and well-being to all of humanity, especially my esteemed fellow citizens and the Islamic world; and I congratulate our nation and the Islamic world on this blessed night, Laylat al-Qadr, which is announced in the Holy Quran as being better than a thousand months. May our Laylat al-Qadr be blessed.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

“We are experiencing the excitement and joy of reaching the blessed month of Ramadan, the sultan of eleven months, a time of mercy, blessings, and forgiveness that the Islamic world has been eagerly awaiting.”

This month is a sacred month in which our holy book, the Quran, began to be revealed, and in which we observe the fast.

During this holy month, tending to the wounds of our poor and needy brothers and sisters, sitting at the same table regardless of wealth or poverty, age or youth, and standing side by side will make our unity and solidarity more meaningful and stronger.

Furthermore, during these precious days, we should pay even more attention to not neglecting our precious Martyr Families, our heroic Veterans, mothers, fathers, and all our elders, who are the legacy of our revered martyrs.

I pray to Almighty God that in this month of mercy and forgiveness, filled with blessings, He will not withhold love from our hearts, abundance from our tables, and peace and happiness from our homes; that He will grant us many more beautiful days where friendship, peace, and brotherhood prevail; and that He will accept our fasting and our acts of worship.

With these feelings and thoughts, I congratulate all my fellow citizens from Erzurum and Istanbul, our beloved nation, and the entire Islamic world on the blessed month of Ramadan.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: February 16, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

‘We are experiencing the joy of once again celebrating the blessed Miraj Night, which is filled with many divine blessings and graces. Miraj, one of the miracles of our Prophet, where religious feelings reach their highest level and God’s mercy is abundantly bestowed upon believers, is the Prophet’s acceptance into the exalted presence of God Almighty and, through him, an unlimited ascent opened before humanity.’

On this blessed night, when our hearts are filled with extraordinary joy, we should strive to understand the meaning of our Prophet’s blessed journey and fulfill our duties as human beings. Taking advantage of the spiritual atmosphere of the Miraj Night, we should eliminate our conflicts, grudges, and resentments, open our hands and hearts to everyone we can reach, and strive to ensure that the atmosphere of love and peace of mind demanded by our noble religion is maintained, that our brotherhood and unity are strengthened, and that human and moral virtues are always kept alive.

“With these feelings, I congratulate our citizens of Erzurum and Istanbul, and the entire Islamic world, on the blessed Miraj Night, and I pray to Almighty God that it will be a means for all humanity to be elevated with high values,” he said.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: January 13, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

On the occasion of January 10th, Working Journalists’ Day, I extend my sincerest congratulations to all journalists who, beyond being the eyes, ears, and voice of our nation, represent the social conscience and fulfill their duty of providing the public with accurate news with great dedication.

In today’s world, where information spreads rapidly, media platforms diversify, and the influence of the digital world increases every day, access to accurate and reliable news has become more important than ever. While access to information has become easier, accessing accurate and truthful information has become more difficult. In this context, the journalism profession has great importance in accurately informing society and enlightening public opinion. Principled journalism makes significant contributions to ensuring peace, tranquility, and security in our country, while misused journalism can destroy this environment. The journalistic profession, carried out with a sense of social responsibility, professional ethics, and impartiality, creates a power of oversight on behalf of the public, making a great contribution to the development and protection of democracy.

Journalism is not just a profession; it is also a challenging task carried out with a great sense of social responsibility. In today’s world, journalists, who perform their duties with great dedication during times of crisis, wars, or global pandemics, are the most valuable representatives of the profession. In their pursuit of truth, journalists represent the conscience of society by adhering to the principle of impartiality and professional ethics, and they fulfill their duty of providing the public with accurate and reliable information in the best possible way.

However, it is crucial that the press, while fulfilling these important duties, remains committed to professional ethics, adheres to the principle of impartiality, and does not forget its responsibility to society. The press must ensure the flow of accurate and objective information while simultaneously safeguarding the public interest and respecting the rights of individuals and institutions. This approach will enhance the credibility of our press in the eyes of the public and enable it to play a more effective role in its development.

Aware of the dedicated work of journalists and the great sacrifices they make in carrying out their profession, we appreciate their efforts, both at the national and local levels, to provide our citizens with accurate, reliable, and timely information.

With these feelings and thoughts, I once again celebrate the Working Journalists’ Day on January 10th for all our journalists; and I wish them a healthy, peaceful, and successful year. I also pray for God’s mercy upon the journalists who lost their lives while on duty.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

“As we leave behind another year with its joys and sorrows, we are experiencing the excitement of entering a new year with new hopes and beginnings, and we welcome 2026 with great hope, wishing it to be a year of goodness for all humanity, especially health and peace.”

As we review the past year, we feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that we have done our utmost to use our time, energy, and the resources of our state in the most efficient way for the benefit of our province and our country.

With these feelings and thoughts, I sincerely hope that the year 2026 will bring peace, health, happiness, and prosperity to our country, our nation, and all of humanity.

“I extend my warmest New Year’s greetings to all my valued colleagues at every level, to all my esteemed fellow citizens, and to every single member of our beloved nation, whom I have the honor of serving; and I offer my love and respect.”

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: December 29, 2025

Asfa Holding Chairman of the Board of Directors, Asaf Atasoy, included the following statements in his message;

I wholeheartedly greet all our citizens with disabilities on the occasion of December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was declared by the United Nations to draw attention to the problems faced by people with disabilities, to raise social awareness and to create a more inclusive living environment.

Understanding the struggles faced by our brothers and sisters with disabilities, seeking solutions to the challenges they face, and celebrating their achievements are of such profound importance that they cannot be limited to a single day. Furthermore, December 3rd has served as a reminder for all of us for years, providing a significant opportunity to assess our progress, recognize our shortcomings, and redefine our goals for a more inclusive future.

The approach that prioritizes the full and equal participation of individuals with disabilities, who are a part of society, in all aspects of life is a reflection of the value our deep-rooted civilization places on people. Our ancestors prioritized improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities by supporting them, without isolating them from society; examples of this approach can be clearly seen in historical documents. We are the heirs of a culture that understands that true disability lies not in physical disabilities, but in hearts and minds.

It’s important to remember that every person can be a potential candidate for disability. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world today, we see individuals with disabilities being marginalized, ignored, and overlooked. Despite this, our country has reached an exemplary level in ensuring that our citizens with disabilities achieve their social, economic, and educational rights and can look to the future with confidence.

We view the services provided to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of social life not as a favor, but as the restoration of long-overdue rights. All institutions and organizations in our province, especially our Governor’s Office, are working diligently to facilitate access to rights, services, and opportunities for our citizens with disabilities. Together, we are working to build a social environment where barriers are removed and where they can live an equal and peaceful life.

We are the heirs of a civilization that considers humans the most precious of creation and sees all beings as entrusted to us by God. We are the children of a culture that has grown up with the principle of “loving creation for the sake of the Creator,” and that considers serving humanity the greatest responsibility. Guided by the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) good news: “The best of people are those who benefit others,” striving to always support our brothers and sisters with disabilities is the most fundamental of our duties.

I hope this meaningful day will strengthen public awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. I extend my warmest regards to all citizens with disabilities and their families, wishing them a life filled with health, peace, and well-being.

Abdullah Yiğit-Istanbul

Last Updated: December 3, 2025

Asfa Holding Chairman of the Board of Directors, Asaf Atasoy, included the following statements in his message;

We are proud to celebrate Veterans Day, the anniversary of the day on September 19, 1921, when Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was given the title of Gazi and Marshal by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.

If we are able to live peacefully and securely on the lands we live in today, our cherished martyrs and heroic veterans have a great share in this.

Our heroic veterans, who risked their martyrdom for the independence and indivisible integrity of our beloved homeland, are the source of pride and living monuments of patriotism for our country.

Our heavenly homeland is entrusted to us by our martyrs and veterans. On the occasion of Veterans Day, we are obligated to resolutely protect this sacred trust, to be worthy of our heroic veterans and cherished martyrs, and to work together with all our strength to carry our country into the future in the strongest possible way. This is our duty.

We are aware that it is our greatest responsibility as a state and nation to provide living conditions befitting the esteemed personalities of our veterans, whose patriotism and courage we take as role models.

On this occasion, I commemorate Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, our cherished martyrs who made these lands our homeland with their blood and lives, and our heroic veterans who have passed away, with respect, gratitude, and mercy. I offer my gratitude, love, and respect to our surviving veterans and to their and the esteemed families of our martyrs.

Abdullah Yiğit-Istanbul

Last Updated: September 19, 2025