The 'International Press Center', which was established with the cooperation of the Izmir Journalists' Association and the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, was opened to the service of journalists with a ceremony. At the ceremony held with the participation of foreign and local journalists, the importance of freedom of the press and solidarity was emphasized.
Established with the cooperation of Izmir Journalists Association and Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey's largest International Press Center opened its doors at the Historical Coal Gas Factory. The Press Center, which includes a conference hall, television studio, workspaces for freelance journalists, the International Media Communication Office, training laboratories, a library and work offices, will connect the world press with the media network. The center will be one of the common areas of struggle for freedom of opinion and press freedom of journalists from all over the world.
“IT WAS OUR BIGGEST DREAM”
Dilek Gappi, President of the Izmir Journalists Association, at the opening of the International Press Center, which will integrate the Izmir press with the world, said, “Today, we are living a historic day for the journalism profession and our colleagues. The Center, which was brought to life with great effort and devotion, is the most important and most comprehensive project in our Association's history. This project, which will connect İzmir to the world, was our biggest dream.” Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Tunç SoyerNoting that Turkey was acting with the determination and vision of making İzmir one of the cities that shine like the star of the world, Gappi explained that this dream has thus become a reality.
“THIS TORCH WILL NOT GO”
Stating that there are and will continue to be those who want to put pressure on the media in every period, Gappi emphasized the importance of protecting the value of the profession and international solidarity by standing strong against what has been done. Referring to the Press Law that was discussed in the Parliament, Gappi said, “It's called the Press Law, but a law that excludes professional organizations and journalists and includes repression and censorship comes into force. We continue our struggle against this in solidarity. In the struggle for independence, the fire of independence was lit in İzmir with Martyr Journalist Hasan Tahsin and the İzmir press will not let this torch go out. The International Press Center, which we opened today, is an important legacy that we will leave to our young colleagues as a symbol of this belief and hope.”
“POWER TOGETHER”
Adding that the Press Center will provide ample opportunities for journalists, Gappi continued: “This center includes a conference hall, television studio, workspaces for freelance journalists, the International Media Communications Office, training laboratories, a library and work offices. The world press will be connected to each other through the media network from Izmir. Our profession has many problems, high expectations, but the power to overcome all these problems is available in our 'together'. As our leader Atatürk said, 'Printing cannot be subjected to domination and influence for any reason'. Looking at the sky, I respectfully greet all my colleagues who paid the price for freedom of expression and democracy.”
“FREE EXPRESSION IS THE EU'S FUNDAMENTAL VALUE”
Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Turkey Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer Landrut said that he was very pleased to be in İzmir and to witness the opening of such a center. Landrut said, “Freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of thought are among the fundamental values of the European Union. These are important values that are also at the foundation of democracy. The opening of this center in Izmir; We know that it is extremely important in terms of supporting local media and local organizations. I wish success to all associations and journalists in their work during this difficult period. As the European Union, we are very pleased to contribute to these studies.”
“WE WILL STRENGTHEN THE PRESS”
Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Tunç Soyer On the other hand, he stated that he was proud of both being at the opening of the International Press Center and hosting the General Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) in İzmir. Stating that they consider it their duty to prepare the environment in which these ideas will come to life in order to support freedom of the press, Soyer said, “In such a period when the pressure and censorship on the media is increasing and the profession of journalism is under threat, this center we established with the Izmir Journalists Association, I have no doubt that it will help the press workers and the media. It will strengthen the industry,” he said.
“THESE TERRIBLE DAYS WILL END”
Reminding that İzmir was chosen as the city that best represents European values in 2022 due to its commitment to the basic principles of democracy, Soyer said: “The International Media Center is the result of our belief in these values. We understand the value of a free press better in this period when the public's right to receive accurate information is being hindered, and the media is on the side of the strong rather than the right and truth. We need a free press like bread and water to crown the Republic with democracy. Expressing the truth is considered a crime, those who speak the truth are lynched by a handful of people fed by the government; We will certainly come out of these terrible days when law, common sense, reason and reconciliation were shelved. We will achieve this thanks to our press workers who continue to report impartially at the expense of wearing shirts of fire. This center is Izmir's humble contribution to the struggle to regain freedom of expression and press. Good luck and good luck to our International Press Center, our country thirsting for press freedom, and all journalists thirsting for freedom.”
After the opening reception of the International Press Center, the Aegean Band Orchestra sang popular songs.
SCHOOL FOR YOUTH JOURNALISTS
In the International Press Center, which will operate on an area of approximately 600 square meters, trainings will be offered to all professionals, especially young journalists, to learn and use the technologies of the day. Within the framework of the determined training programs, 'New Technologies in Visual and Audio Media', 'New Media and Digital Applications', 'Digital Marketing' and 'Foreign Language' classes will be given to all professionals during the week. All professionals will benefit from these trainings free of charge.
STUDIO AND CONFERENCE HALL
The center will also provide a working environment where foreign press members who come to İzmir can prepare their news and pass their visuals. The same opportunities will be provided to freelance journalists working in the field. The established television studio will contribute to meeting all the production needs of the Izmir press. The studio will also provide services for live broadcasts, programs and productions of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and local governments. Wide participation organizations such as panels, conferences and open sessions can be held in the conference hall for 60 people in the center. These events will be broadcast live in various channels.
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