To commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Erzurum Congress, Erzurum Technical University (ETU), Erzurum City Archive, and the Eastern Anatolian Journalists Association organized a panel and local press exhibition. The program, which addressed the historical importance of the Erzurum Congress, one of the turning points of the National Struggle, evaluated the congress's place in the struggle for independence and the role of the local press of the time from various perspectives.

The program, organized as part of the 107th anniversary of the Erzurum Congress, began with a panel titled "Erzurum and the Erzurum Congress in the National Struggle." The program was attended by Erzurum Governor Aydin Barus, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Sekmen, representatives of public institutions and organizations, academics, members of the press, and numerous guests.

The panel discussions and evaluations addressed the place of the Erzurum Congress in the Turkish nation's struggle for independence, the impact of the decisions made at the congress on the founding process of the Republic of Turkey, and Erzurum's historical mission in the National Struggle from various perspectives.

Speaking at the panel, Prof. Dr. Murat Kucukugurlu, a faculty member of the History Department at ETU's Faculty of Letters, stated that Erzurum's local press tradition dates back to 1867, and that the newspapers published during the years of the National Struggle played an important role in strengthening the spirit of national unity and solidarity. Kucukugurlu emphasized that local newspapers were not merely news outlets, but also important historical documents reflecting the nation's collective conscience and will for independence.

Erzurum Governor Aydin Barus, also speaking at the program, stated that the Erzurum Congress was one of the most important historical turning points where the will of the nation was demonstrated, and that the decisions made at the congress changed the course of the National Struggle. Emphasizing that the local press played a crucial role in accurately informing the public and keeping national consciousness alive during the National Struggle, Barus stated that historical newspapers are important resources for understanding the past and passing it on to future generations.

Local Press Exhibition Opens

Following the panel, the Local Press Exhibition, prepared in partnership with ETU, Erzurum City Archive, and the Eastern Anatolian Journalists Association, was opened.

The exhibition showcased local newspapers and various archival documents from the period when the Erzurum Congress was held and the early years of the Republic. Highlighting newspapers published during the National Struggle years, the exhibition featured numerous publications reflecting the social, political, and cultural atmosphere of the time.

After the opening, protocol members toured the exhibition and examined the works. The exhibition, which sheds light on the history of the Erzurum press, provided participants with information about the role of the local press in the National Struggle and its contributions to the formation of public opinion.

Corporate Communication and Promotion Directorate, July 23, 2026