― 12 мая 2026 г.
TURKSOY was awarded the Kızılelma Turkish Language Award of Karaman
Commemorative events dedicated to the 749th anniversary of Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey’s decree declaring Turkish as the official language of the state on May 13th, 1277, as well as to Yunus Emre were held in Ankara.
The event, held in the Conference Hall of the Atatürk Higher Council of Culture, Language, and History was attended by senior government officials, scholars and numerous guests. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the “Karaman Kızılelma Turkish Language Awards” were presented to institutions that have contributed to the development of the Turkish language.
Minister Ersoy: Our Language must be protected against the corrosive effects of popular culture
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized that Turkish is not merely a language of borders but a language of civilization that extends from the boundless geography of Turkistan to the realms of the heart.
Drawing attention to young people’s use of foreign words and meaningless abbreviations under the influence of social media and popular culture, Minister Ersoy stated, “The language that fully represents a nation’s national and spiritual consciousness and identity must be protected against the corrosive effects of popular culture. We must foster our children’s reading habits and strengthen their sense of belonging. As the Ministry, we are conducting vital work to promote the Turkish language worldwide through institutions such as the Turkish Language Institution, the Yunus Emre Institute, and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).”
Kürşad Zorlu: Conceptualization in the defense Industry Is the strength of Turkish language
AK Party Deputy Chairman and Head of Relations with Turkic States Prof. Dr. Kürşad Zorlu began his speech by conveying President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s greetings and noted that the Turkish language is the common bond uniting 86 million people. Zorlu emphasized the importance of preserving the Turkish language, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence and digitalization, stating, “We conceptualize the steps we take in the defense industry using the Turkish language. Aksungur, Kızılelma, Akıncı, Kaan... All of these are innovations that carry a historical truth into the present," he said.
Filiz Kılıç: We will not allow a silent invasion of Turkish by other languages
MHP Deputy Chairman Prof. Dr. Filiz Kılıç, in her speech, quoted MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli’s words: “Our voice is our flag, our reason for existence.” Reacting strongly to foreign signs, plaza languages derived out of imitation, and the degradation on social media, Kılıç stated, “All of these are open assaults on our Turkish language. We will not yield to this silent occupation. The vast geography stretching from the Adriatic to the Great Wall of China is now ready to move forward with a single language. With the 34-letter common Turkish alphabet, unity in language and thought is taking shape," he said.
Osman Mert and Hayrettin Çiçek highlight Karaman
The President of the Turkish Language Association Prof. Dr. Osman Mert noted that Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey’s decree was not merely a language choice but a declaration of identity and a will to resist. President Mert also announced that they will organize a symposium on the Turkish language in the digital age will be held in cooperation with the Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University in Karaman.
The Governor of Karaman, Mr. Hayrettin Çiçek, noted that the people of Karaman have upheld this legacy for over 60 years and called upon the highest levels of government, stating that: “Next year will mark the 750th anniversary of the Karaman edict. Celebrating this significant anniversary under the patronage of His Excellency the President is the greatest wish of all Karaman residents.”
Karaman Kızılelma Turkish Language Awards handed over to their winners
Following the speeches, the “Karaman Kızılelma Turkish Language Awards”—established to raise awareness of the Turkish language, promote its proper use, and spread a love for Turkish—were presented as part of the festival, which has been celebrated since 1961.
This year, TRT AVAZ, the Yunus Emre Institute, and TURKSOY were honored with the awards for their unique contributions to the proper use of Turkish, Turkish language research, and Turkish language education. TURKSOY’s award was presented by the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy to TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev.
Secretary General Raev: Turkish Is the Language of Unity for the Turkic World
Secretary General Sultan Raev, who accepted the Karaman Kızıl Elma Turkish Language Award on behalf of TURKSOY, expressed his great honor and joy in a statement following the award ceremony.
Emphasizing the historical and cultural depth of the Turkish language, Raev noted: "The edict issued by Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey 749 years ago has sealed Turkish in history not merely as a language, but as the bearer of national will, cultural memory, and shared identity. Today, on the occasion of Turkish Language Day, we have accepted the Karaman Red Apple Turkish Language Award, bestowed upon us on behalf of TURKSOY, with great honor. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Turkish Language Institution, and Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, which strengthened this process with its academic contributions, for this meaningful recognition."
The ceremony ended with a commemorative photo session attended by representatives of the award-winning institutions and official guests. It was announced that the events will continue with various artistic and cultural events to be held in Karaman in the coming days.
