TGC Turkey Journalism Achievement Awards find their winners

The Journalists Association of Turkey (TGC) has presented its Turkey Journalism Achievement Awards, which it has been organizing for 67 years. The ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 14:00 at the TGC Burhan Felek Conference Hall. The Journalists Association of Turkey Journalism Achievement Awards Ceremony was hosted by Secretary General Sibel Güneş. The ceremony began with a minute of silence in memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who founded the secular Republic of Turkey, his comrades-in-arms and colleagues, and journalists who died or were killed while pursuing news. At the ceremony, awards and commendation plaques were presented to 50 journalists.

VAHAP MUNYAR: IMPRISONED JOURNALISTS MUST BE RELEASED

The opening speech of the ceremony was delivered by the President of the Journalists Association of Turkey.

Pointing out that the TGC is celebrating its 80th anniversary, President Munyar spoke as follows:

“The Journalists Association of Turkey has been operating since 1946 with an understanding of independent and non-aligned journalism. We are working determinedly to ensure that journalists of every political view can practice their profession freely and to remove the obstacles before freedom of the press and freedom of expression. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we continue our struggle for the free flow of news together with our members; we see it as a responsibility within the framework of humanitarian values and universal legal principles to protect our fundamental rights and freedoms, which are an inseparable part of democracy. We defend the right of all our citizens, women and men alike, to an equal, fair, and dignified life. Today, we are happy to meet with you at the 67th Turkey Journalism Achievement Awards Ceremony organized by the Journalists Association of Turkey. Our colleagues, who work with great devotion in mainstream and local media to ensure that news reaches citizens and who do not give up on tracking the truth despite all kinds of pressure, will receive their awards in your presence. These awards symbolize not only professional success but also the value of journalism that serves the public interest, respects human rights, and is conducted with a sense of social responsibility. I thank our Selection Committees and all our award-winning colleagues, and I sincerely congratulate them. Where there is no press freedom, it is not possible for democracy to develop. With this awareness, we will continue to work for a society where journalism remains free, pluralism is strengthened, and the free flow of news is guaranteed. We will continue our struggle for the release of all imprisoned journalists, including our members Merdan Yanardağ, İbrahim Arı, Bilal Özcan, and Alican Uludağ. As you know, an indictment has been prepared for Alican Uludağ. He is requested to be sentenced to between 3 years and 8 months and 23 years and 5 months for the crime of publicly disseminating misleading information to the public. Journalism is not a crime; it is against the Constitution for our colleagues to be arrested and for heavy sentences to be requested simply because they reported the news.

THE SHELL CONSTRUCTION OF OUR NURSING HOME IS COMPLETED

We have good news for you regarding our Nursing Home. As the Journalists Association of Turkey, we laid the foundation for the new 60-room Hikmet Memduh Kızılağaç Nursing Home on April 26, 2025, in the Darıca district of Kocaeli, replacing our old building which was demolished due to earthquake risk, with the help of donors. The shell construction of the nursing home, whose foundation was laid a year ago, has been completed. With our belief in the days when all obstacles before freedom of the press and expression are removed, I celebrate the 80th anniversary of our Journalists Association of Turkey; I greet you all with love and respect.”

SİBEL GÜNEŞ: WE SEND GREETINGS TO IMPRISONED JOURNALISTS FROM OUR CEREMONY

Journalists Association of Turkey Secretary General Sibel Güneş pointed out at the ceremony that applications for the awards increase every year and said:

“Despite all the difficulties, our colleagues received their awards and commendation plaques with the news they worked hard on. For journalists who act as gatekeepers for the public interest, 2026 has again begun with pressures, unfair detentions, and imprisonments. If the Republic of Turkey is a democratic society, it must be known that the reason for the existence of the press is to enlighten the public objectively and in a way that reflects the facts regarding all events that concern public opinion. Criticizing and warning the government and administrators regarding issues that negatively affect the public and harm the public interest is an indispensable part of this reason for existence. Freedom of the press and expression applies not only to news and ideas that are favorable, but also to those that are oppositional, striking, or disturbing. However, in our country, our colleagues are being arrested just for reporting the news. Recently, our members Merdan Yanardağ, Bilal Özcan, İsmail Arı, and Alican Uludağ were arrested. We demand that our colleagues in prison be set free. We send our greetings from our ceremony to our 15 imprisoned colleagues in prison.”

ÖZGÜR CEBE WINS THE POLITICAL NEWS AWARD

Özgür Cebe was deemed worthy of the award for his political news titled "An unprecedented scandal" published in Sözcü Newspaper on January 30, 2025. Özgür Cebe's award was presented by TGC Vice President İhsan Yılmaz.

POLITICAL NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO AYTUNÇ ÜRKMEZ

Aytunç Ürkmez was found worthy of commendation for his news titled "They took refuge in secular law" published in Cumhuriyet Newspaper on July 11, 2025. Aytunç Ürkmez received his plaque from Adnan Özyalçıner, President of the Writers Syndicate of Turkey and President of the TGC Honorary Board.

ECONOMY NEWS AWARD GOES TO BETÜL ALAKENT

Betül Alakent was deemed worthy of the award in the Economy category for her news titled "2 Billion death market" published in Sabah Newspaper on November 22, 2025. Betül Alakent's award was presented by TGC President Vahap Munyar.

İLKE ÇITIR WINS THE SOCIETY NEWS AWARD

İlke Çıtır was deemed worthy of the award for her society news titled "Livelihood difficulties drove the citizen to the streets" published in Nefes Newspaper on December 17, 2025. İlke Çıtır received her award from TGC Deputy Secretary General Uğur Güç.

SOCIETY NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO EYLEM NAZLIER

Eylem Nazlıer was found worthy of commendation for her news titled "There was a report that he could not stay in prison, he died in the cell" published in Evrensel Newspaper on August 5, 2025. Eylem Nazlıer received her plaque from Kenan Kocatürk, President of the Turkish Publishers Association.

İSMAİL ŞAHİN WINS THE ENVIRONMENT NEWS AWARD

İsmail Şahin was deemed worthy of the award for his environment news titled "Turkey's water footprint" published in Milliyet Newspaper on August 4-5-6-7-8, 2025. İsmail Şahin received his award from TGC Board Member Atilla Dişbudak.

ENVIRONMENT NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO AHMET FARUK SARIKOÇ AND İSMAİL COŞKUN

Ahmet Faruk Sarıkoç and İsmail Coşkun were found worthy of commendation for their news titled "Bored pile protection for historical tree in billion-dollar project" published in İhlas News Agency on October 23, 2025. Ahmet Faruk Sarıkoç and İsmail Coşkun received their plaque from Mustafa Köz, 2nd President of the Writers Syndicate of Turkey.

CAN UĞUR WINS THE EDUCATION NEWS AWARD

Can Uğur was deemed worthy of the award for his education news titled "Sharing scandal!" published in Cumhuriyet Newspaper on June 25, 2025. Can Uğur received his award from TGC Board Member and Milliyet Newspaper Editorial Manager Pınar Aktaş.

EDUCATION NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO MUSTAFA KÖMÜŞ

Mustafa Kömüş was found worthy of commendation for his news titled "No professors in 1278 departments" published in Birgün Newspaper on August 4, 2025. Mustafa Kömüş received his plaque from Ayşe Özek, member of the TGC Honorary Board and Press Selection Committee.

GÜLŞEN BÜYÜKÇEKİÇ WINS THE HEALTH NEWS AWARD

Gülşen Büyükçekiç was deemed worthy of the award for her health news titled "A father! A struggle! A thousand hopes! From pharmacy to market" published in Kayseri Anadolu Haber Newspaper on December 31, 2025. Gülşen Büyükçekiç received her award from Nevin Akkaya, member of the TGC Honorary Board.

HEALTH NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO UFUK SEPETÇİ

Ufuk Sepetçi was found worthy of commendation for his news titled "Allegation that 'health report without examination' is obtained for driver's license in driving schools, healthy for 750 TL" published in Cumhuriyet Newspaper on August 10, 2025. Ufuk Sepetçi received his plaque from Mesude Demir, President of the TGC Ballot Committee.

İHSAN YILMAZ WINS THE CULTURE-ARTS AWARD

İhsan Yılmaz was deemed worthy of the award for his culture-arts news titled "Don't touch Sait Faik" published in Hürriyet Newspaper on January 1, 2025. İhsan Yılmaz's award was presented by TGC Honorary Member Prof. Dr. İlter Turan.

COLUMN COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO MERT ALİ BAŞARIR

Mert Ali Başarır was found worthy of commendation for his column titled "S400s to the Museum 1-2-3 Constitutionalism" published in Ege Saati Newspaper on October 4-6-7, 2025. Mert Ali Başarır received his plaque from Ayşegül Aydoğan Atakan, member of the TGC Ballot Committee.

MİNE ŞENOCAKLI WINS THE RESEARCH AWARD

Mine Şenocaklı was deemed worthy of the award for her research titled "Retirees' homes are now cheap hotel rooms!" published in Oksijen Newspaper on December 12, 2025. Mine Şenocaklı's award was presented by TGC Board Member Zeynel Lüle.

RESEARCH COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO ÇİĞDEM YILMAZ

Çiğdem Yılmaz was found worthy of commendation for her research "Hitman in 4 installments!" in Milliyet Newspaper on September 6, 2025. Çiğdem Yılmaz received her plaque from Ali Yüksel, member of the TGC Audit Committee.

İBRAHİM ERSOY WINS THE FRONT PAGE LAYOUT AWARD

İbrahim Ersoy was deemed worthy of the award for the "front page" design of Diyar Milliyet Newspaper published on March 19, 2025. Ersoy Diyar received his award from Azize Şenbülbül, member of the TGC Ballot Committee.

FRONT PAGE LAYOUT COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO KARDELEN TATAR SİNECAN

Kardelen Tatar Sinecan was found worthy of commendation for the "front page" design of Birgün Newspaper published on March 8, 2025. Since Kardelen Tatar Sinecan could not attend the ceremony, her plaque was received on her behalf by Elif Ilgaz, one of the Publication Coordinators of Birgün Newspaper, from Eyüp Coşkun, member of the Board of Directors of the Journalists Social Solidarity Foundation.

TÜLAY DOĞAN WINS THE INSIDE PAGE LAYOUT AWARD

Tülay Doğan was deemed worthy of the award for the "8-9th pages" of Milliyet Newspaper published on January 22, 2025. Tülay Doğan's award was presented by İhsan Kani Atmaca, Secretary General of the Journalists Social Solidarity Foundation.

INSIDE PAGE LAYOUT COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO NURCAN KELPETİN ER

Nurcan Kelpetin Er was found worthy of commendation for the "10th page" of Sabah Newspaper published on September 11, 2025. Nurcan Kelpetin Er received her plaque from Haşmet Levent Yavuz, member of the TGC Ballot Committee.

HALİS DOKGÖZ WINS THE CARTOON AWARD

Halis Dokgöz was deemed worthy of the award for his cartoon "Trump is everywhere" published in the Metafor column of Birgün Newspaper on March 2, 2025. Halis Dokgöz received his award from İsmail Özmeral, member of the Press Selection Committee.

UĞUR CAN WINS THE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD

Uğur Can was deemed worthy of the award for his photograph published in Abaca Press on March 23, 2025. Uğur Can's award was presented by Serkan Ocak, member of the TGC Ballot Committee.

WOMEN'S NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO CENGİZ ANIL BÖLÜKBAŞ

Cengiz Anıl Bölükbaş was found worthy of commendation for his news titled "The Court of Cassation left the serial abuse of a girl with 70 percent mental retardation unpunished with this justification: Since she got married 5 years later, she has sexual freedom and consent" published on T24 on December 24, 2025. Cengiz Anıl Bölükbaş received his plaque from Ayşegül Aydoğan Atakan, President of the TGC Women Journalists Commission, and Çiğdem Yılmaz, Secretary of the Commission.

ALİ LEYLAK WINS THE TV NEWS AWARD

Ali Leylak was deemed worthy of the award for his news titled "Allegation of torture with air compressor in Şanlıurfa: 15-year-old apprentice seriously injured" published on www.dha.com.tr on November 16, 2025. Ali Leylak's award was presented by TGC Board Member Göksel Göksu.

TV NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO AYŞE RABİA SARIOĞLU

Ayşe Rabia Sarıoğlu was found worthy of commendation for her news titled "Muhammed Vezir Nourtani" published on Ekol TV on May 5, 2025. Ayşe Rabia Sarıoğlu received her plaque from Prof. Dr. Şükran Kuyucak Esen, President of the Radio TV Selection Committee.

UMUT TAŞTAN WINS THE TV NEWS RESEARCH AWARD

Umut Taştan was deemed worthy of the award for his research titled "Why was Hakan Tosun killed?" on Halk TV on October 14, 2025. Umut Taştan's award was presented by TGC Vice President Doğan Şentürk.

TV NEWS RESEARCH COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO YILMAZ EMRE İZKÜBARLAS AND MUSTAFA SOYBAŞ

Yılmaz Emre İzkübarlas and Mustafa Soybaş were found worthy of commendation for their research titled "Cross-border market tour" on NOW TV on December 8-9-10-11-21, 2025. Yılmaz Emre İzkübarlas and Mustafa Soybaş received their plaque from TGC President Vahap Munyar.

ZÜLFİKAR ALİ AYDIN WINS THE TV NEWS PROGRAM AWARD

Zülfikar Ali Aydın was deemed worthy of the award for his news program "Negligence murders" published on Habertürk TV on April 22, 2025. Zülfikar Ali Aydın received his award from Mustafa Aşcıoğlu, member of the Radio-TV Selection Committee.

TV NEWS PROGRAM COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO İPEK ÖZBEY

İpek Özbey was found worthy of commendation for her program "File of the Day: Dilek Kaya İmamoğlu" published on Sözcü TV on December 11, 2025. İpek Özbey's plaque was presented by TGC Secretary General Sibel Güneş.

VAKKAS AKSU WINS THE TV DOCUMENTARY AWARD

Vakkas Aksu was deemed worthy of the award for his documentary titled "The breath on the microphone Yüksel Saymaz" published on TAY TV on September 10, 2025. Vakkas Aksu's award was presented by Mustafa Bakacak, President of the TGC Audit Committee.

TV DOCUMENTARY COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO DİLEK İLHAN

Dilek İlhan was found worthy of commendation for her documentary titled "Invisible enemies of history" on Line TV on December 30, 2025. Dilek İlhan could not attend the ceremony.

TV CULTURE ARTS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO MURAT ÖZER

Murat Özer was found worthy of commendation for his program "From Turkestan to Rumelia" published on TRT on June 15, 2025. Murat Özer received his plaque from Öznur Oğraş Çolak, Secretary of the TGC Press Selection Committee and Culture-Arts Editor of Cumhuriyet Newspaper.

NEJAT KIRBULUT AND ÖMER MUSA WIN THE TV CAMERA WORK AWARD

Nejat Kırbulut and Ömer Musa were deemed worthy of the award for their work titled "Habertürk in Bursa, engulfed in flames" published on Habertürk TV on August 28, 2025. Nejat Kırbulut and Ömer Musa's award was presented by TGC Audit Committee Member Hilmi Hacaloğlu.

THE TEAM OF "YIRTICI KUŞLAR ZAMANI" BROADCAST ON NTV WINS THE RADIO PROGRAM AWARD

Ahmet Ümit, Buket Kubilay, Aziz Acar, Nuri Gökaşan, and Cengiz Saral were deemed worthy of the award for the program titled "Yırtıcı Kuşlar Zamanı" (Time of Birds of Prey) broadcast on NTV Radio between March and October 2025. The award was presented to Ahmet Ümit, Buket Kubilay, Aziz Acar, Nuri Gökaşan, and Cengiz Saral by Şükran Kuyucak Esen, President of the Radio-TV Selection Committee.

ASUMAN ARANCA WINS THE INTERNET NEWS AWARD

Asuman Aranca was deemed worthy of the award for her news titled "Leveled up in fraud: Fraudsters who took advantage of the February 6 earthquakes have made the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization their home!" published on [http://www.t24.com.tr'de]www.t24.com.tr on July 30, 2025. Asuman Aranca received her award from Hüseyin Irmak, President of the TGC Social Affairs Commission.

INTERNET NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO CAN ÖZTÜRK

Can Öztürk was found worthy of commendation for his news titled "Allegation of harassment and abuse in conversion session; children accused, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akın denied: These children have gone off the rails!" published on [http://www.t24.com.tr'de]www.t24.com.tr on March 4, 5, 7, 10 and December 26, 2025. Can Öztürk received his plaque from TGC Board Member Olay Tan.

EMRE ŞİMŞEK WINS THE INTERNET INTERVIEW AWARD

Emre Şimşek was deemed worthy of the award for his news titled "How was Hakan Tosun killed in the middle of Istanbul?" published on https://www.youtube.com/@T24 on October 29, 2025. Emre Şimşek received his award from TGC Vice President Doğan Şentürk.

INTERNET INTERVIEW COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO SEMRA GÜZEL KORVER

Semra Güzel Korver was found worthy of commendation for her news titled "Wow effect" published on www.cinedergi.com on April 1, 2025. Semra Güzel Korver received her plaque from TGC Board Member Atilla Dişbudak.

CENGİZ ERDİNÇ WINS THE INTERNET ORIGINAL COLUMN AWARD

Cengiz Erdinç was deemed worthy of the award for his column titled "Look at my picture then" published on www.kısadalga.net on December 21, 2025. Cengiz Erdinç received his award from TGC Deputy Secretary General Uğur Güç.

INTERNET ORIGINAL COLUMN COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO REHA ERUS

Reha Erus was found worthy of commendation for his column titled "I lost my 55-year colleague and in-law Garbis Özatay" published on www.cnnturk.com on August 20, 2025. Reha Erus received his plaque from Pınar Aktaş, TGC Board Member and Editorial Manager of Milliyet Newspaper.

YETER ADA ŞEKO WINS THE DIGITAL PLATFORM NEWS AWARD

Yeter Ada Şeko was deemed worthy of the award for her work "Climate grief of farmers affected by agricultural frost" published on www.aa.com.tr on July 23, 2025. Yeter Ada Şeko received her award from TGC Vice President İhsan Yılmaz.

DIGITAL PLATFORM NEWS COMMENDATION PLAQUE GOES TO ÖZDEN DEMİR

Özden Demir was found worthy of commendation for his news titled "From Gezi to Saraçhane protests: What are the differences between the protests?" published on https://www.youtube.com/@plus90 on April 4, 2025. Özden Demir received his plaque from TGC Board Member Göksel Göksu.

OĞUZ DEMİR WINS THE NEZİH DEMİRKENT SPECIAL AWARD

The Board of Directors of the Journalists Association of Turkey, at its meeting on March 10, 2026, decided to present the Nezih Demirkent Special Award to Oğuz Demir, Editor-in-Chief of Para Magazine, due to his care for objective and principled publishing, his contribution to the training of journalists specializing in the field of economy, and his work towards the development of economic literacy in society. Oğuz Demir received his award from TGC President Vahap Munyar.

CANSU ÇAMLIBEL WINS THE NİYAZİ DALYANCİ PEACE JOURNALISM AWARD

The Board of Directors of the Journalists Association of Turkey, at its meeting on March 10, 2026, decided to present the Niyazi Dalyancı Peace Journalism Award to T24 writer Cansu Çamlıbel for conducting interviews that encourage social dialogue regarding the "Terror-free Turkey" process, contribute to the accurate and healthy informing of the public, and contain balanced and peaceful language. Cansu Çamlıbel received her award from TGC Secretary General Sibel Güneş.

The ceremony was sponsored by Kahve Dünyası. The media monitoring sponsorship of the ceremony was undertaken by Dijital Basın. The ceremony ended with a group photo.

News Source: 12punto