Kars Celebrates Triple Anniversary: The Spirit of the Republic, Liberation, and Global Identity

Kars has concluded two days of intense celebrations, marking a high point of collective excitement for its residents. The people of Kars celebrated three significant anniversaries back-to-back: the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic, the 105th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kars, and the 2nd Annual World Kars Day.

The intensive program, organized through the collaboration of the Kars Governorship, Kars Municipality, NGOs, and various associations, fostered a deep sense of unity and togetherness both within the city and in major metropolitan centers.

Global Solidarity

The celebration of World Kars Day spanned from homes to workplaces and extended across global social media platforms, successfully connecting people from Kars across the world.

This two-day historical fervor served as a powerful testament to the residents' strong commitment to their national and cultural values. The events not only honored significant historical milestones but also solidified a remarkable atmosphere of solidarity among the people of Kars, both locally and internationally.

1 The 102nd Anniversary of the Republic

The founding of the Republic was commemorated with immense pride, highlighted by a strong focus on the nation's democratic foundation:

• National Will: The anniversary was celebrated as the realization of the national will (milli irade).

• Participation: The day was honored through both official ceremonies and broad public participation, reinforcing a strong sense of national pride across the community

2. The 105th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kars

The city paid tribute to the monumental victory that secured its freedom:

• Victory Date: The heroic spirit of the October 30, 1920, victory was revitalized.

• Commemoration: Various events were held to renew the memory and acknowledge the bravery of the heroes of the Turkish War of Independence who liberated the City

3. World Kars Day: A New Tradition

A new and culturally significant tradition, proposed by Journalist and Author Mehmet Ali Arslan, officially took place for the second time:

• Inception: The tradition was introduced in the previous year (2024).

• Mission: This initiative aims to globally unite Kars residents, serving as a powerful mission to solidify their cultural identity and strengthen the bonds of hemşehrilik (fellow-citizenship) around the world.

Ardahan newspaper

Stray Horses Cause Traffic Disruption in Ardahan

Stray horses roaming the streets and avenues of Ardahan are negatively impacting traffic flow, forcing drivers to take evasive maneuvers.

Local residents are calling on authorities to intervene and resolve the issue of the free-roaming animals

Ardahan newspaper

Turkish Gendarmerie Counter-Smuggling and Organized Crime Head Brigadier General Selami Akşit Dies of Heart Attack

Brigadier General Selami Akşit, the Head of the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Department (KOM) of the Turkish Gendarmerie General Command, has passed away after suffering a heart attack at his home.

The tragic news was announced by the Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, who expressed his condolences with the message, "May our nation rest in peace" ("Milletimizin başı sağ olsun").

Ardahan newspaper

Ardahan newspaper October 19, 2025

Tufan Erhürman Becomes Northern Cyprus' New President

NICOSIA, TRNC – Tufan Erhürman, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has won the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), according to unofficial results.

The presidential election, held in the TRNC, concluded with Erhürman securing the majority of votes. Unofficial results announced by the Supreme Election Board (YSK) indicate that the social democratic candidate Tufan Erhürman will be the country's new president

Germany Debates Military Overhaul Amid Russia Tensions: Conscription Back on Agenda

BERLIN – Germany is accelerating preparations for a potential conflict, driven by escalating tensions between Europe and Russia. As part of these efforts, a comprehensive legal framework aimed at increasing the personnel strength of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has been brought before the parliament.

Ardahan newspaper

Baek Se-hee, Author of Bestselling Memoir, Passes Away at 35

South Korean author Baek Se-hee, known for her bestselling memoir 'I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,' has passed away at the age of 35. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.  According to a statement from the Korea Organ Donation Agency, Baek Se-hee saved five lives by donating her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys.

Her translator, Anton Hur, paid tribute, stating, "Her readers will know she touched yet millions of lives more with her writing."

Ardahan newspaper

Main Opposition Demands Answers on Journalist Hakan Tosun's Death in Parliament

Ankara - Murat Bakan, the Deputy Chairman of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in charge of Internal Affairs, has brought the death of journalist and environmental activist Hakan Tosun to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

Tosun was fatally assaulted by two individuals while walking in the Esenyurt district of Istanbul on October 10, 2025.

CHP Deputy Chairman Bakan submitted a parliamentary question to be answered by the Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, regarding the incident.

Bakan demanded clarity on the case, stating, "The question of 'What happened to Hakan Tosun?' must be answered; an explanation should be given to his family, lawyers, loved ones, and the public."

Tosun, who was also a documentary filmmaker and prominent environmental activist, succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalized with severe head trauma. Two suspects have reportedly been arrested in connection with the attack, which has raised concerns over the safety of journalists and activists in Turkey. The activist community is widely questioning the transparency of the investigation

Ardahan newspaper

Headline: President Erdoğan: "We Demonstrated a Strong Will as Leaders" on Gaza Summit

Ankara - President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan assessed the recent summit on Gaza, stating, "We demonstrated a strong will as leaders," during his speech at the "AK Party Economic Affairs Presidency Training Program" in Ankara today.

Speaking to party members and officials, President Erdoğan touched upon the outcomes of the international gathering aimed at addressing the situation in Gaza. His remarks underscored the commitment of the participating leaders to a unified stance on the matter.

The President's address in Ankara also focused on economic policies, with Erdoğan highlighting the role of the AK Party's Economic Affairs Presidency in shaping national economic strategies. He emphasized the government's efforts to address the challenges facing the global and domestic economy, including inflation and supply chain disruptions

Ardahan newspaper

Gaza Ceasefire Declaration Signed at Egypt Summit

More than 20 leaders, led by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, met in Egypt for a summit focused on Gaza.

President Trump signed a statement of intent regarding a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, along with Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt.

Following a bilateral meeting between Trump and El-Sisi, a press conference with the world leaders commenced.

US President Donald Trump also specifically thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating, "He never let us down."

Ardahan newspaper

Ardahan Governor Inspects Border Security Work on Georgian Border

Ardahan Governor Hayrettin Çiçek conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing security efforts along the Georgian border line.

Governor Çiçek, accompanied by the Commander of the 25th Border Brigade, Brigadier General Mehmet Cihanoğlu, Çıldır District Governor Barış Aytürk, and Provincial Special Administration Secretary General Murat Bilal Emin, traveled to the village of Öncül in the Çıldır district.

Çiçek personally reviewed the construction of the border line security project in the Georgian border region and received updates from officials.

The Governor highlighted that the project being carried out on the border will make a significant contribution to preventing smuggling and irregular migrant crossings. He noted that this was why he wanted to see the work firsthand.

Additionally, Governor Çiçek visited the Aktaş Border Post, which is located at the zero point of the Georgian border, to meet with the personnel and soldiers stationed there.

Ardahan newspaper

Ardahan University Students to Gain Work Experience Through İŞKUR Program

Ardahan University and the Provincial Directorate of Ardahan Labour and Employment Agency (İŞKUR) have signed a protocol under the "İŞKUR Youth Program" to allow the university's students to gain work-life experience.

The protocol was signed by the Rector of Ardahan University, Prof. Dr. Öztürk Emiroğlu, and the Provincial Director of İŞKUR, Ahmet Sonkaya.

Under this agreement, 359 students will be able to benefit from the program. Students will have the opportunity to work for a maximum of three days a week in a field that aligns with their interests and skills.

The students who will be accepted into the program will be determined by a lottery draw conducted in the presence of a notary public

Ardahan newspaper

NEWS REPORT: Kars Marks 101st Anniversary of Atatürk's Arrival with Protests Against Gaza Attacks

KARS, TURKEY – The 101st anniversary of the arrival of the Republic of Turkey's founder, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, in Kars was celebrated on Monday with various events that also included a strong display of local sentiment against Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza.

The celebrations began at the Government House, where Kars Governor Ziya Polat, Commander of the 14th Mechanized Infantry Brigade Brigadier General Nail Türe, and Mayor Ötüken Senger laid wreaths at the Atatürk Monument. The ceremony proceeded with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem.

The celebration activities continued at the Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate Conference Hall, where the traditional performance took a political turn

Aşıks Condemn Attacks:

During the ceremony, local Aşıks (traditional Turkish minstrel poets and folk singers) took to the stage. Using their instruments and lyrics, they publicly and eloquently condemned Israel's continuing attacks on Gaza, voicing the local community's strong disapproval of the violence.

Throughout the events, a central theme was the unwavering love and respect felt by the people of Kars for Atatürk, even as the region used the commemorative occasion to highlight a major current international issue.

Ardahan newspaper

NEWS REPORT: Antalya-Alanya Motorway Project Finalizes Financing, Promises 36-Minute Travel

ANKARA, TURKEY – Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, announced today that the financing for the ambitious Antalya-Alanya Motorway project has been finalized in Ankara. The massive infrastructure project is set to significantly reduce travel time between the two major tourist destinations.

Minister Uraloğlu highlighted the speed and modern engineering of the project, which will shorten the journey time between Antalya and Alanya to just 36 minutes.

"We are finalizing the financial closure of the Antalya-Alanya Motorway today in our capital, Ankara," Uraloğlu stated.

The Minister provided key details about the scale and structure of the motorway, the foundation of which was laid on July 25:

• Total Length: The project spans 122 kilometers (approximately 76 miles), consisting of an 84-kilometer (52-mile) main body and 38 kilometers (24 miles) of connecting roads.

• Modern Engineering: Uraloğlu described the motorway as "one of the examples of modern engineering," noting that it will include:

  • 7 Junctions

  • 5 Tunnels, totaling 4,365 meters (approximately 2.7 miles) in length

  • 16 Viaducts, totaling 5,966 meters (approximately 3.7 miles) in length

  • 4 Motorway Service Facilities

Ardahan newspaper

Kurdish-led security forces accuse Damascus-backed forces of multipronged ‘attack’ in Aleppo

Kurdistan Region - Kurdish-led internal security forces (Asayish) on Monday said they repelled an “attack” by forces affiliated with the Syrian government in Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of the northern Aleppo province, amid rising tensions and what some have described as a "siege" of the area.

In a statement, the Asayish said their forces on Monday “repelled a widescale attack launched by forces affiliated with the interim government on several fronts” near the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods in northern Aleppo.

“The attack included the al-Jalaa axis, the al-Jazeera checkpoint, and the Greek Hospital axis, where intense clashes took place. Our forces successfully repelled the assault,” the statement said.

The Kurdish-led forces added that “confrontations also reignited at the al-Lairamoun and al-Shaikhan roundabouts, with clashes still ongoing” at the time of the statement.

Ardahan newspaper

BEŞİKTAŞ JİMNASTİK KULÜBÜ: The Black Eagles

BEŞİKTAŞ JİMNASTİK KULÜBÜ: The Black Eagles

Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü is one of the "Big Three" professional sports clubs in Turkey, based in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. The club has a prestigious and pioneering history in Turkish sports.

Historical Roots and Identity

• Foundation: Beşiktaş was founded in 1903, making it one of the oldest sports clubs in Turkey. It initially began as a gymnastics and wrestling club.

• Official Registration: It became the first officially registered sports club in the Ottoman Empire in 1911. This historical status gives the club the unique right to feature the Turkish flag (Crescent and Star) on its crest.

• Colors: The club colors are Black and White. It is believed these colors were adopted to mourn the soldiers lost during the Balkan Wars.

• Nickname: The club is known as "Kara Kartallar" (The Black Eagles). This nickname was given by a fan during a dominant, undefeated league season in 1941, who shouted, "Look, the Black Eagles are attacking!"

• Home Stadium: The team plays at Beşiktaş Park, a modern stadium built on the site of the former BJK İnönü Stadium, located right on the European side of the Bosphorus strait.

• Fan Group: The passionate and politically active fan group is known as Çarşı.

Unique Records

• Undefeated Champion: Beşiktaş is the only team in the history of the Süper Lig to win the championship title without a single defeat (during the 1991–92 season).

• European Pioneer: They were the first Turkish club to compete in the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) in the 1956–57 season.

• UEFA Group Stage Record: During the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League season, Beşiktaş became the first Turkish team to win its group, and the first to advance to the knockout stages undefeated.

Ardahan newspaper

FENERBAHÇE SK

FENERBAHÇE SK: The Yellow Canaries

Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is one of the "Big Three" football clubs in Turkey, alongside Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. Founded in 1907

Key Identity and Location

• Foundation: The club was founded secretly in 1907 in the Moda district of Kadiköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul, during the strict rule of the Ottoman Empire. This makes them unique as they are based on the Asian side, while their main rivals are on the European side.

• Colors & Nickname: The club colors are Navy Blue and Yellow, which symbolizes nobility and jealousy/envy, respectively. Their popular nickname is "Sarı Kanaryalar" (The Yellow Canaries).

• Home Stadium: Fenerbahçe plays its home matches at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium (Fenerbahçe Park) in Kadıköy.

• Rivalry: The club shares the most intense rivalry in Turkish football with Galatasaray, known as the "Intercontinental Derby" (Kıtalararası Derbi).

Ardahan newspaper

Galatasaray SK

Galatasaray SK, often simply called Galatasaray, is one of the most successful and prestigious football clubs in Turkey. Based in Istanbul, the club was founded in 1905 by students of Galatasaray High School, with the primary goal to "play in a collective way like English, to signify a certain color and a name and to beat non-Turkish teams."

Core Facts and Identity

• Founded: October 1, 1905, in Istanbul.

• Colors: Red and Yellow, symbolizing passion and glory, often inspired by the combination of fire and sunset hues.

• Nickname: "Cim Bom" and "The Lions" (Aslan), representing bravery and leadership.

• Stadium: Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi RAMS Park.

• Rivalry: They have a fierce rivalry with Fenerbahçe, known as the "Intercontinental Derby," as the two clubs are located on opposite sides of the Bosphorus Strait.

Historic European Success

Galatasaray made history in 2000, achieving a feat unmatched by any other Turkish club:

• UEFA Cup Triumph (2000): Galatasaray became the first and only Turkish football club to win a major UEFA competition. They defeated Arsenal in the final, which was held in Copenhagen on May 17, 2000, winning 4-1 on penalties after the match ended 0-0.

• UEFA Super Cup (2000): Following their UEFA Cup victory, they went on to defeat European giants Real Madrid to win the UEFA Super Cup in the same year. This period established Galatasaray's reputation as a major force on the European stage.

Domestic Dominance

Galatasaray holds the record for the most titles in Turkish football:

• Süper Lig: They are the record champions of Turkey, having won the Turkish top-tier league (Süper Lig) the most times.

• Turkish Cup: They also hold the record for the most Turkish Cup titles.

"In 2000, Galatasaray went down in history as the world's biggest sports club."

Ardahan newspaper

NEWS REPORT: Ardahan Women March to Support Palestine, Protest Israel

Ardahan Women March to Support Palestine, Protest Israel

Women in Ardahan Hold Solidarity Walk for Gaza Families

In the eastern Turkish province of Ardahan, a large group of women organized a demonstration to express their solidarity with Palestine and protest the actions of Israel.

The women gathered at the PTT Junction in the city center. The group organized the walk to support the Global Sumud Flotilla and raise their voices against the ongoing situation in Gaza. They chanted slogans against Israel as they marched to the front of the AK Party Provincial Headquarters.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Burcu Kaya, a member of the AK Party Provincial Women's Branch Executive Board, delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the participants for their support for families in Gaza.

Kaya emphasized the nationwide scope of the protest, stating that the chain formed in 81 provinces across Turkey today is a chain of the mothers and fathers who have lost their children in Gaza.

The event highlighted a strong show of support from women in Ardahan for humanitarian efforts in Palestine and served as a strong protest against Israeli policies in the region.

Ardahan newspaper

World Ardahan Day: A Global Platform for Unity and Culture

For citizens of Ardahan, a city in Eastern Turkey, the date February 23rd carries unique significance, extending far beyond Turkey's geographical borders. This date marks not only the start of the city center's liberation celebrations but has also been officially proclaimed "World Ardahan Day" (Dünya Ardahanlılar Günü), making it a pivotal day for celebrating Ardahan's identity and culture globally.

Ardahan's Liberation: A Series of Celebrations

Ardahan's Liberation Days are not confined to a single date but comprise an extensive, regional celebration chain. Festivities begin on February 23rd with the observance of the liberation of the Ardahan city center and surrounding villages (including parts of the Göle district), and continue into the first week of March.

The official Liberation Day schedule is as follows:

• February 23rd: Ardahan City Center and surrounding Villages

• February 25th: Çıldır District and its Villages

• March 1st: Hanak District and its Villages

• March 2nd: Posof District and its Villages

• March 3rd: Damal District and its Villages

• September 30th: Göle District's Liberation

Excluding Göle's unique date in September, the main Liberation Days span approximately 10 to 15 days, commemorating the historical victories across Ardahan and its districts. However, the designation of February 23rd as World Ardahan Day has cemented this specific date as a global symbol for all Ardahan natives.

The Proclamation of World Ardahan Day

The movement to establish a World Ardahan Day was driven by the goal of promoting Ardahan's cultural and historical values and fostering a sense of solidarity among its people worldwide.

• Year Established: The first celebrations for the day were held on February 23, 2014.

• Initiator: Ardahan native and Journalist/Author Mehmet Ali Arslan spearheaded the proposal for the official declaration of the special day.

• Official Acceptance: Arslan's proposal for February 23rd was accepted by the Ardahan Governorship, Ardahan Municipality, Ardahan Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the People of Ardahan.

Journalist Mehmet Ali Arslan emphasized the day's importance, stating: "World Ardahan Day is the most important symbol of the unity and solidarity of the people of Ardahan. World Ardahan Day is an important opportunity to strengthen this unity and solidarity and to promote the cultural and historical values of Ardahan."

The day serves as a crucial global festival where thousands of Ardahan natives living outside the province gather to promote the city's culture and traditions and reinforce their bonds of solidarity.

Ardahan newspaper

World Kars Day" Honors City's Liberation and Heritage

"World Kars Day" Honors City's Liberation and Heritage

October 30th holds immense significance for the people of Kars, a historic city in Eastern Turkey. This date marks a dual celebration: the Liberation of Kars (Kars'ın Kurtuluşu) and the global observance of "World Kars Day" (Dünya Karslılar Günü).

The Significance of October 30th: The Liberation of Kars

The city of Kars has a past filled with heroic struggles. It endured a 40-year Russian occupation from November 18, 1877, until April 25, 1918.

During the Turkish War of Independence, the people of Kars were at the forefront of the resistance, initially establishing the Milli Şura (National Council) and later the Cenub-ı Garb-i Kafkas Hükümeti (South-Western Caucasian Government). The city’s liberation came on October 30, 1920, when the Commander of the 15th Army Corps, Kâzım Karabekir Pasha, led forces that recaptured the city, raising the Turkish flag over Kars Castle. The city’s return to Turkish sovereignty was officially confirmed by the Treaty of Moscow on March 16, 1921.

A Global Celebration: World Kars Day

More recently, this historic date has been adopted as a day to celebrate the Kars diaspora around the globe. In 2024, under the initiative of journalist and writer Mehmet Ali Arslan, the people of Kars came together to officially proclaim October 30th as "World Kars Day."

This special day serves to:

• Commemorate the heroic history and liberation of the city.

• Promote the rich historical and cultural heritage of Kars to a worldwide audience.

• Connect Kars natives and their descendants, reinforcing their identity and community globally.

Every year on October 30th, the people of Kars celebrate their city's valiant past and their shared global heritage.

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In short: World Kars Day is celebrated annually on October 30th to commemorate both the city's liberation from occupation in 1920 and to promote its unique culture internationally.

Ardahan newspaper

Madonna

Madonna (full name: Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone) is a globally renowned American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, she is widely referred to as the "Queen of Pop" due to her immense impact on popular culture.

Key Highlights:

• A Master of Reinvention: Madonna is famous for her ability to constantly reinvent her image and music, successfully adapting to new trends while setting her own. Her career spans decades, keeping her relevant across generations.

• Musical Success: She achieved solo stardom with her 1983 self-titled debut album, but it was albums like Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), and Like a Prayer (1989) that established her as a global icon. Her hit singles include "Papa Don't Preach," "Vogue," "Frozen," and "Hung Up."

• Cultural Influence: Her provocative public persona, groundbreaking music videos, and distinct fashion sense have often courted controversy and profoundly influenced female artists and pop music worldwide. She is also recognized for pushing boundaries regarding sexuality, religion, and social issues in her work.

• Beyond Music: Madonna has also had a significant career in film, earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her starring role in the musical Evita (1996). As an entrepreneur, she co-founded the entertainment company Maverick (including Maverick Records).

She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

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Ardahan newspaper

Turkey's Education Minister Proposes Shorter Compulsory Schooling (Direct and formal)

Proposed News Article

Turkey's Education Minister Proposes Shorter Compulsory Schooling

ANKARA - Turkey's Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, announced that a report proposing to shorten the 12-year mandatory education period has been finalized. 

Speaking on Kanal 7 television, Minister Tekin stated that the report will be presented for approval to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. "If a decision is made on this matter, there are different alternatives," Tekin said.

The Minister explained that the decision to potentially shorten the mandatory period is driven by social expectations and the increased ease of accessing information in the modern age

Minister Tekin also brought up the recent preparations by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to reduce the length of undergraduate degree programs to three years, suggesting a broader trend in educational reform across the country.

Ardahan newspaper

Rain and Cooler Temperatures to Sweep Across Turkey Next Week

ANKARA/ISTANBUL/IZMIR - Turkey is set to enter a period of rainy and cooler weather starting next week.

According to the latest weather forecast report released by the Meteorology (Turkish State Meteorological Service), heavy showers are expected to affect large parts of the country in the coming week.

Among the provinces where rainfall is anticipated are major metropolitan areas, including Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir. Residents across the country are advised to prepare for a significant change from the current conditions.

Ardahan newspaper

As justices confront harassment, death threats and an assassination attempt, Barrett declares "I'm not afraid"

Whenever Justice Amy Coney Barrett arrived at an auditorium or a library or a university last month to discuss her new book, she encountered a familiar sight: protesters.

Ardahan newspaper