06.06.2026 23:30
Mehmet Seman Ağa, the first Turkmen Governor elected in Kirkuk after 102 years, held meetings in Turkey. After meeting with President Erdoğan, Ağa attended an event organized by Iraqi Turkmen associations in Istanbul. Highlighting Turkey's support, Ağa said, "If our noble nation had not remained loyal to and supported the Iraqi Turkmen Front, this success would not have been achieved today."
The Governor of Kirkuk and President of the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITC), Mehmet Seman Aga, paid a visit to Turkey. President Erdogan received Seman Aga, who held meetings in Istanbul.
VISIT OF THE KIRKUK GOVERNOR TO PRESIDENT ERDOGAN At the reception held at the Presidential Dolmabahce Working Office, AK Party Deputy Chairman Kursad Zorlu and Presidential Chief Advisor for Foreign Policy and Security Akif Cagatay Kilic were also present. During the reception, the latest developments in Iraq and the region, as well as the situation of the Turkmens, one of the founding elements of Iraq, were evaluated.
President Erdogan stated during the reception that maintaining peace in Kirkuk, which is virtually a symbol of Iraq's cultural and human richness, is beneficial for the entire region, and that the success achieved there would greatly contribute to the goal of reviving and clearing the entire region of terror.
"TURKEY'S SUPPORT WILL CONTINUE STRONGLY" Congratulating Aga, who has established close relations with all segments of the province since taking office, Erdogan noted that Turkey's support for ensuring lasting peace in Iraq in general and Kirkuk in particular will continue strongly. Iraqi Turkmen Front President Aga thanked President Erdogan for his support to Kirkuk.
Stating that as Turkmens, they will always continue to contribute to Iraq's development and security, Aga emphasized that they will also continue to defend the constitutional rights and freedoms of Turkmens.
"MEHMET SEMAN AGA: THIS SUCCESS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED IF OUR NOBLE NATION HAD NOT BEEN LOYAL" Aga, who met with Turkmens at an event organized by Iraqi Turkmen associations in Istanbul, was greeted with the slogan "Kirkuk is Turkish, will remain Turkish."
In his speech there, Aga said, "When we were together with you in Istanbul last year, we made a promise. By the grace of God, we said we would do our best for the appointment of a Turkmen governor to Kirkuk in 2026, after 102 years. Today, I am both proud and excited that such a success has been achieved."
Stating that the success of the Turkmens in Kirkuk is due not only to the votes of the nation but also to the martyrs, Aga said, "If our noble nation had not remained loyal to and supported the Iraqi Turkmen Front, this success would not have been achieved today."
Mentioning that his father is ill and he wanted to stay with him in Ankara, Aga noted, "My father told me, 'State affairs, nation affairs cannot be neglected; go and make your visit.'"
Evaluating the political struggle of Iraqi Turkmens, the new administrative structure in Kirkuk, and future goals, Aga stated that Turkmens have coexisted with all nations on common ground within the framework of rights, law, and justice in their lands for centuries.
Aga expressed that Turkmens are waging an existential struggle in Kirkuk, and that the largest share of the success achieved belongs to the Turkmen people and their martyrs.
"OUR GOAL FROM NOW ON IS TO HAVE A TURKMEN GOVERNOR SERVE EVERY 4 YEARS" Explaining that after the election process, they conducted negotiations with all groups in Iraq, including Shia, Sunni, Kurdish, and Christian communities, Aga said regarding the power-sharing in Kirkuk, "We had a difficult negotiation. Did we get the governorship? Yes, we did. Did we break the chain? Yes, we did. Our goal from now on is to have a Turkmen governor serve for at least 1 or 1.5 years every 4 years."
Noting that the term of the governorship is determined by sharing, Aga stated that they play a role in the administration in consensus with Arab and Kurdish elements, and also hold positions in other levels of the state.
Emphasizing that his main purpose in taking on the governorship as the President of the ITC is to serve the nation, Aga said, "Let us be a governor worthy of a Turkmen. Turkmens are in favor of justice. We are a just society. I will treat everyone fairly."
"WE TRIED TO BE A BRIDGE BETWEEN ANKARA AND BAGHDAD" Stating that they resolved the water shortage issue in Iraq by consulting with Turkey, Aga said, "We tried to be a bridge between Ankara and Baghdad. We tried to be as beneficial as possible to our country Iraq, our homeland Turkmeneli, and our Kirkuk."
Kirkuk Governor Mehmet Seman Aga Expressing his appreciation for the efforts of former Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in resolving the water issue, Aga stated that they support the steps taken towards Iraq's stability, sovereignty, and the consolidation of arms under a single state authority.
Aga, who said that "hostile imperialist powers are causing discord" in Iraq, noted that Turkey "prioritizes the higher interests of the state over petty interests" and presents this as an example to Iraqi politicians.
"ERDOGAN REQUESTED A MINISTRY FOR TURKMENS IN IRAQ" Referring to his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Aga conveyed that Erdogan congratulated the new Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi and requested a ministry for the ITC and Turkmens.
Aga said, "Turks remain loyal to their state, sovereignty, geography, and flag, and no Turk will divide or allow the state to be divided. After our recent contacts in Baghdad, you will see a ministry in the new government to be formed, God willing."
Stating that they are also striving to secure a ministry in the new government to be formed under the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, Aga expressed that they will do their best in this regard.
CALL FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF KIRKUK Emphasizing that they will protect Kirkuk's historical and cultural heritage, Aga said they have prepared projects for the restoration of the Ottoman Bridge, Kirkuk Citadel, and barracks, and have signed survey reports for projects such as a large market square and a nation park.
Aga mentioned that they are in contact with institutions in Turkey such as municipalities, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), ASELSAN, the Turkish Contractors Association, and the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK).
Stating that they want to make the best use of their kinship ties with Turkey, Aga said, "Let municipalities and companies come from Turkey. Let us serve Kirkuk, let us raise up all our villages. Then Kirkuk will become a model city."
The program was attended by Turkmeneli Women's Association President Fevziye Hasasu, Middle East Businessmen Association President Omer Koprulu, Iraqi Turks Altinkopru Association President Amir Koprulu, ITC Turkey Representative Kutluhan Xaycili, Kirkuk Foundation President Ersed Hurmuzlu, Turkmeneli Human Rights Association President Savas Avci, Iraqi Turks Culture and Solidarity Association President Eyup Keremoglu, and Iraqi Turks Justice and Solidarity Association President Mithat Ibrahim.