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 and a philanthropic businessman, issued a message on the occasion of ‘Mevlana Week’.

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

“Come, come, whoever you are, come again, Our monastery is not a monastery of despair, Even if you have broken your repentance a hundred times, come again…” With these words, Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, a Sufi thinker from the 13th century, continues to illuminate our path and remains a symbol of tolerance and love today.

Mevlana is a saintly figure whose light of knowledge has shone from centuries ago to the present day, and who is certain to illuminate the world forever. What makes him remembered with mercy in this world and enriches his afterlife is his dedication to the path of truth. Hearts barren with worldly anxieties are reborn through the drops of wisdom that flow from his teachings and advice.

Mevlana was not only a great poet, a founder of a religious order, a profound Sufi, and a comprehensive scholar; he was also a man of deep spirit who built a bridge between the newly emerging cultures in Anatolia, fostering harmony and unity among different communities.

With these feelings and thoughts, I commemorate Mevlana Hazretleri with mercy and gratitude on the 752nd anniversary of his passing, and I offer my respects.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Updated: December 10, 2025