Critical warning from CHP's Yankı Bağcıoğlu: 'It will go down in Turkish history as a black mark'

CHP Deputy Chairman Yankı Bağcıoğlu stated that the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) has been consciously rendered ineffective for a long time, noting that the institution is being systematically pressured and pushed toward dysfunction. Bağcıoğlu said, "This institution is not just an aviation heritage, but also a symbol of our Republic's ideals of independence and modernity reflected in the skies. Our expectation from those responsible is to immediately make the necessary arrangements to get the THK back on its feet. Otherwise, the collapse of this institution will go down in Turkish history as a black mark."

In a written statement, Bağcıoğlu noted that the THK has been under severe siege, especially in recent years. Emphasizing that the institution has been subjected to a deliberate process of attrition, Bağcıoğlu stated that this process dates back to 2013.

Stating that the revocation of the authority to collect sacrificial hides was the first step in financially crippling the THK, Bağcıoğlu noted that there is an attempt to take away Atatürk's legacy. Stating that the institution's revenue sources have been largely cut off and that it has been shaken by allegations of corruption and negligence, Bağcıoğlu said that the THK was pushed into a debt spiral following the appointment of a trustee in 2019.

"PLANES WAITED IN HANGARS, OUR FORESTS TURNED TO ASH"

Emphasizing that the firefighting aircraft owned by the institution were left idle, Bağcıoğlu said, "This situation was clearly felt by the public during the great fire disaster in 2021. Even in those days, while the THK's usable aircraft were kept on the runways, our forests burned and turned to ash." He also recalled that, despite this, aircraft were rented from abroad for millions of dollars.

ASSETS ON THE SALES LIST

Bağcıoğlu stated that vehicles belonging to the THK have recently been put up for sale. Conveying that a decision made in June plans to dispose of a total of 29 vehicles used by the foundation, university, and subsidiaries affiliated with the institution, Bağcıoğlu said that the list includes a large number of vehicles ranging from fuel tankers to buses, and from excavators to caravans and trucks. He stated that this entire sales process was carried out away from the public eye.

"IS THE CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY BEING TAKEN AWAY?"

According to Bağcıoğlu, there are two main goals behind these developments:

The first is the desire to transfer the THK's authority—as the only institution capable of issuing international certificates in the field of aviation—to the Turkish Air Sports Federation (THSF). The second is to take control of the THK's real estate and other assets.

On the other hand, stating that some experienced names working at the THK Headquarters have been sent to other units and replaced by people distant from the institutional history and culture, Bağcıoğlu noted that these appointments strengthen the belief that the THK is being sacrificed for political calculations.

"THE INSTITUTION IS PAYING THE PRICE FOR PERSONAL AMBITIONS"

Bağcıoğlu reacted to the process by saying, "In the current situation, the THK is being shaped by trustees and appointments that have nothing to do with aviation; it is being hollowed out. Administrations can make mistakes and fail. However, practices that go beyond the law must be punished, and processes must be carried out within the legal framework."

Emphasizing that this attitude toward the institution means the destruction of not just a structure, but also the values of the Republic, Bağcıoğlu said, "This deep-rooted institution of our Republic, the THK, which is Atatürk's legacy, is being sacrificed to personal ambitions and political calculations. The destruction of this institution means the destruction of not just an institution, but a Republican value. If everyone in Turkey who is passionate about military or civil aviation remains silent in the face of this imposed transformation, it will go down in history as a bitter experience in the future."

Bağcıoğlu concluded his statement by recalling Atatürk's words, "The future is in the skies":

"Getting the Turkish Aeronautical Association back on its feet and restoring it to its rightful, respected position will certainly be ensured under a CHP government. This institution is not just an aviation heritage, but also a symbol of our Republic's ideals of independence and modernity reflected in the skies. Our expectation from those responsible is to immediately make the necessary arrangements to get the THK back on its feet. Otherwise, the collapse of this institution will go down in Turkish history as a black mark."

News Source: 12punto