11.02.2026 12:40
President Erdoğan seated Zeynep Güneş, the Mayor of Mihalgazi in Eskişehir, who was subjected to insults on social media due to her clothing style, next to him in the party group. The words spoken by Erdoğan as he took the podium to deliver his speech brought Güneş to tears.
In his statements at the TBMM Group Meeting of his party, President Erdoğan stood by Eskişehir Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş, who was subjected to insults due to her clothing style.
Starting his speech by saying, "I express my gratitude to our Mayor Zeynep Güneş, who honored our group hall by wearing white coverings, just like in our War of Independence a century ago, along with all our female friends, for showing once again the thousand-year nobility of Anatolian women here today," Erdoğan continued, "A successful female politician who has served her district for three terms with the authority given by the nation, is working in her district as a woman in traditional attire. I condemn once again the fascist, arrogant, proud, and despicable behavior of this person, a remnant of February 28. I want it to be known that we will continue our struggle against those who have usurped the educational rights of headscarf-wearing women for years, those who look down on our nation, and those who belittle and despise our people, in every arena until the end."
These words from Erdoğan brought Zeynep Güneş to tears in the hall.
ERDOĞAN'S CALL WAS ANSWERED Eskişehir's Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş, whom President Erdoğan invited to the group meeting, along with 100 women, came to the Assembly.
Highlights from Erdoğan's statements; "My dear nation, esteemed members of parliament, distinguished members of the press, and very valuable guests, I greet you with my heartfelt feelings. I hope that the AK Party group meetings will continuously bring goodness to our nation and our democracy. I welcome our precious students who honor us with their participation, and our young brothers and sisters who add excitement to our enthusiasm and joy."
HE REMEMBERED MEHMET ALTAY My dear brothers and sisters, we are witnessing developments that symbolize a breaking point in our region and the world together. As the government and the alliance, we are closely following these developments, analyzing them, and trying to direct them in favor of our country by making the necessary interventions. Before moving on to our evaluations regarding these matters, I would like to commemorate our valuable brother Mehmet Altay, who passed away on January 23, and who served as a member of parliament for Uşak in the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th terms, and who was a precious companion in our path and cause. Brother Mehmet dedicated himself to serving Uşak and our nation, distinguished himself with his sincerity, effort, and honesty, and contributed greatly to our movement with his valuable services. We were pleased with him, and may God be pleased with him as well.
I say may his place be paradise, may his destination be blessed, and once again I wish patience and condolences to our Uşak organization, the grieving family of my brother Mehmet Altay, his relatives, and our community. May God grant abundant mercy to all our brothers who have passed away. May the souls of those who have gone before us be blessed."