30.05.2026 01:50
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced that they will implement the "7-Step School Security Shield" model, which includes risk analysis, psychosocial support, and early warning systems, to protect children from digital radicalization, gang formation, and the culture of violence.
Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi made evaluations to Al Jazeera regarding the current agenda.
"82% OF STRAY ANIMALS COLLECTED ACROSS TURKIYE" Stating that 82% of stray animals across Turkey have been collected, Minister Çiftçi noted that the issue will be resolved with a permanent solution in line with international norms. Minister Çiftçi said, "In addition to attacks, traffic accidents, injuries, loss of life and property caused by stray animals, there are also serious public health risks. Significant effort and resources are being used to combat numerous zoonotic diseases, especially rabies, that can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, we must establish a permanent system that protects our people while also considering animal health and welfare. For this purpose, a significant amendment was made to the Animal Protection Law No. 5199 on August 2, 2024. Instead of the 'catch, neuter, release' practice, the collection, vaccination, neutering, treatment, and provision of care and feeding of stray dogs in their natural habitats have been adopted. As the Ministry of Interior, we closely monitor this process in coordination with our Governors. In our 51 provinces with Special Provincial Administrations, work has been completed, all stray dogs have been collected, and the follow-up process through reports continues."
"OUR GOAL IS CLEAR; OUR CHILDREN SHOULD WALK ON THE STREETS WITHOUT FEAR" Çiftçi stated that in 30 metropolitan cities, through the coordination of the governor's office and the efforts of metropolitan and district municipalities, 73% of stray dogs outside shelters and natural habitats have been collected. He said, "Across Turkey, we have reached 82% in collection operations. Work has been completed in 61 provinces, and the process continues uninterrupted in the remaining provinces. We have also established an important model for the care and feeding aspect of this process. In line with the 'Zero Waste' approach initiated under the auspices of esteemed First Lady Emine Erdoğan and serving as an example to the world, food waste nutrition production units have been established in all our provinces. Today, approximately 30 tons of dog food are produced daily from 60 tons of food waste. Our goal in this regard is clear; our children should walk on the streets without fear. Our families should send their children to school without worry. Security, health, compassion, and order should be established simultaneously in our cities. Let our citizens rest assured, we will continue this process resolutely with our governorates, municipalities, and all related institutions. We will implement a permanent solution that ensures the safety of our people while protecting animal health and welfare within a system compliant with international norms."
"THE ISSUE OF VEHICLES WITH FLASHING LIGHTS IS A MATTER THAT DIRECTLY TOUCHES OUR CITIZENS' SENSE OF JUSTICE" Announcing a 360% increase in inspections regarding flashing lights, Minister Çiftçi stated the following: "The issue of vehicles with flashing lights is a matter that directly touches our citizens' sense of justice. Light and sound warning devices exist for mandatory cases required by public duty. Using this privilege as a sign of status, personal comfort, or advantage in traffic disturbs the public conscience. Every opportunity provided by the state is a trust. No authority used on behalf of the public can override our nation's expectation of law and fairness. Therefore, we are working on a more disciplined, measured, and auditable implementation framework regarding vehicles with flashing lights and protection services. Significant steps have been taken in this area, both in legislation and inspection. With the amendment to the Highway Traffic Law on November 30, 2024, penalties for installing and using light or sound warning devices on vehicles not authorized by legislation were increased and graduated. Today, those committing this violation face an administrative fine of 173,392 lira. Their driver's license is revoked for 30 days, and the vehicle is impounded for 30 days. If the same violation is repeated two or more times within a year, the fine increases to 346,785 lira. In this case, the driver's license is revoked for 60 days, and the vehicle is impounded for 60 days. Additionally, the illegally installed devices are removed and their ownership is transferred to the public."
"AS INSPECTIONS INCREASE, THE SPACE FOR ABUSE SHRINKS" Stating that a multi-faceted system is implemented in inspections, Çiftçi said, "Fixed traffic inspections are carried out. Our teams also check these vehicles while on patrol. Fixed security cameras are utilized. Footage reflected on social media is also monitored, and necessary procedures are applied. Our traffic teams check the vehicle's authorization to use flashing lights via the PolNet system using the license plate. The numbers also indicate the effectiveness in the field. Compared to the period before the regulation, the number of inspected vehicles increased by 360%. In response, penal actions regarding the use of flashing lights decreased by 87.9%. As inspections increase, the space for abuse shrinks."
"PROTECTION SERVICE IS A SERIOUS PUBLIC DUTY CARRIED OUT BASED ON RISK ANALYSIS" Stating that the same sensitivity applies to the issue of protection teams, Minister Çiftçi said, "Protection service is a serious public duty carried out based on security needs, mission sensitivity, and risk analysis. Necessary evaluations are meticulously made to ensure this service is conducted in a measured, auditable, and purposeful manner. Our citizens do not want public power to turn into an image of privilege in traffic. We care about this sensitivity. We will resolutely maintain a strong, auditable implementation framework that leaves no room for abuse, where public resources are used appropriately, measuredly, and lawfully."
"WE WILL RESOLUTELY PROTECT THIS SACRED HOMELAND LEFT TO US BY OUR MARTYRS" Announcing that 195 people have surrendered since the date the PKK terrorist organization dissolved itself, Minister Çiftçi said, "The fight against terrorism is one of the most critical issues for Turkey's security, our nation's peace, and the survival of our state. Today, this struggle has become a comprehensive vision of security, law, social peace, and the future, carried out by all institutions of our state. First and foremost, I want to state this: wherever we are today in the fight against terrorism, it is thanks to the blood of our Honorable Martyrs, the sacrifice of our Veteran Heroes, the hard work of our security forces, and the prayers of our nation. In every inch of this homeland, there is the trust of our Martyrs, the memory of our Veterans, the patience of mothers, the dignity of fathers, and the prayers of children. We will never let that trust fall. We will protect this sacred homeland left to us by our Martyrs with the same faith and determination."
"NO TOLERANCE IS SHOWN TOWARDS INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WANTING TO PROVOKE THE PROCESS" Drawing attention to the fact that Turkey is a country that has simultaneously fought against different terrorist organizations for years, Minister Çiftçi stated the following: "Especially in recent years, thanks to the resolute will shown under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the high coordination of our security units, our intelligence capacity, technological capabilities, and uninterrupted operations in the field, the mobility of terrorist organizations within our country has been largely broken."
Today, the PKK/KCK terrorist organization has reached a point where it struggles to operate within the country, its capacity to recruit members has weakened, its logistical lines have narrowed, and its dissolution process has accelerated. This success cannot be interpreted solely as a result of security measures. As examples around the world show, in such processes, additional steps that strengthen social consensus, the legal framework, and public order, alongside security measures, are also important. In this context, under the determined leadership of our esteemed President and with the strong support of Nationalist Movement Party Chairman Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, the terror-free Turkey process has created a very valuable hope for our country's future. In this process, the sensitivities of all segments of society are taken into account, and state wisdom, great care, and a high sense of responsibility guide the resolution of problems. Of course, individuals and groups attempting to provoke this process are not tolerated.
"A TOTAL OF 195 TERRORIST ORGANIZATION MEMBERS HAVE SURRENDERED" All state institutions, in coordination with public prosecutor's offices, promptly initiate necessary judicial and administrative actions against any attempt to sabotage the process, stated Minister Çiftçi. "Every possibility is meticulously evaluated, and every measure is taken accordingly. Data from the field clearly shows the current point. While 118 violent terrorist incidents occurred in 2023, 127 in 2024, and 28 in 2025, only 9 violent terrorist incidents have occurred so far in 2026. This decline demonstrates the effectiveness of our security units in the field, our intelligence capacity, and the level we have reached in the fight against terrorism. The dissolution within the organization continues. Since the PKK terrorist organization announced that it would lay down its arms and dissolve itself on May 12, 2025, a total of 195 terrorist organization members, including 5 who surrendered spontaneously, have surrendered nationwide," he said.
"THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY AT THIS STAGE" Stating that the organization has lost its psychological and field superiority, Çiftçi said, "This picture shows that the organization has lost its psychological, logistical, and field superiority. However, there is no room for complacency at this point. Because the fight against terrorism cannot be seen merely as a security issue of today. This struggle is a matter of loyalty to the legacy of our martyrs. It is a matter of fidelity to the sacrifice of our veterans. It is a matter of protecting the future of our children, the peace of our cities, and the brotherhood of our nation. The goal of a terror-free Turkey means the end of mothers' tears, our children looking to the future with hope, and our cities being remembered for investment, production, tourism, and peace. For us, this process is a historic step that exalts the legacy of our noble martyrs, crowns the sacrifice of our heroic veterans, strengthens the brotherhood of our nation, and serves the vision of the Turkey Century," he said.
"THE STATE DOES NOT ACT BASED SOLELY ON DECLARATIONS" Noting that the process of the PKK terrorist organization laying down its arms is being monitored, Minister Çiftçi stated the following: "Turkey is a state of law. We cannot stand back from any structure, any action, or any attempt that constitutes a crime, targets public order, or aims to disturb the peace of our citizens. The terror-free Turkey process, in line with this understanding of a state of law, is a highly sensitive process conducted with the high-level coordination of all our state institutions. This process is not handled solely from a security perspective. There is a broad framework that encompasses legal, political, social, and security perspectives together. Indeed, for the evaluation of the legal regulations and conditions of the transition process, the Turkish Grand National Assembly National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission held its first meeting on August 5, 2025. This shows that the matter is being addressed on the parliamentary floor, within the law, and with consideration for social sensitivities. Developments on the ground are also being meticulously followed by our security units. The terrorist organization announced that it began withdrawing from the Turkish countryside on October 26, 2025, and from the Iraq/Zap area on November 17, 2025. These announcements are being monitored in a multi-faceted manner on the ground through the confirmation and detection efforts of our security units. The organization's declaration that it has dissolved and laid down its arms is also an important development that our state particularly tracks and carefully focuses on. However, the state does not act based solely on declarations. The reality on the ground, security reports, intelligence findings, surrender processes, the fate of weapons, organizational connections, and potential areas of provocation are evaluated together."
Stating that all details of the process are followed within law and order, with the highest level of state coordination, Minister Çiftçi said, "In this process, carried out under the strong will of our esteemed President, the work of our National Intelligence Organization, the security capacity of our Ministry of Interior, the legal processes of our Ministry of Justice, and the contributions of our other institutions are in coordination. The fight against the terrorist organization is also an inseparable part of the concept of fighting crime and criminals. As the Ministry of Interior, we fulfill all our responsibilities. Sensitive efforts are being carried out against obstacles, provocations, and steps aimed at sabotaging the process that may arise before us. All measures are planned, and our security units are carefully performing their duties to ensure no weakness occurs in the field. A permanent peace environment is a historic gain that will greatly contribute both to the daily lives of our citizens and to our country's international strength. A terror-free Turkey means the end of mothers' tears, our cities being remembered with peace, production, and investment, and our brotherhood strengthening even further. We continue to conduct this process with law, state wisdom, security sensitivity, and an understanding that prioritizes the peace of our nation," he stated.
"IN SUCH INCIDENTS, THE STATE DOES NOT ACT ON ASSUMPTION" Speaking about the attack on the Israeli Consulate, Minister Çiftçi said, "The attack on the Israeli Consulate General located in Istanbul Beşiktaş Levent on April 7, 2026, has been addressed in a multi-faceted manner by our security units from the very first moment. In the incident, an attack was carried out by 3 individuals using shotguns, publicly referred to as 'pump-action' rifles; of the attackers, 1 was captured dead and 2 were captured wounded. In such incidents, the state does not act on assumption. It looks at evidence, field determinations, digital materials, connection networks, judicial records, and intelligence assessments. Based on the studies conducted, it is evaluated that the individuals who carried out the action radicalized through anti-Israeli sentiment and carried out this action individually," he said.
"WE WILL NOT LEAVE ANY ROOM FOR ANY TERRORIST STRUCTURE TARGETING THE LIVES OF OUR CITIZENS" Stating that the deceased attacker was known to have been arrested in January 2019 during an operation against the DEAŞ terrorist organization in Kocaeli and released in May 2019, Çiftçi noted the following: "Therefore, our security units have meticulously examined all connections of the incident, past contacts, and the radicalization process in coordination with our judicial authorities."The fight against terrorist organizations that exploit religion, particularly DAESH, is one of the constantly pursued topics in Turkey's counter-terrorism concept. These organizations sometimes seek to carry out actions through cell structures or individuals radicalized individually by their propaganda. We closely monitor both cell structures, financial and propaganda networks, and individual radicalization processes. Since 2025, 16 sensational attack attempts have been prevented through our operations against terrorist organizations exploiting religion, especially DAESH. This is an important indicator of our security units' field attention, intelligence capacity, and preventive security approach. In the period from January 1 to April 30, 2026, 951 operations were carried out against terrorist organizations exploiting religion, 1,701 people were detained, 372 were arrested, and judicial control decisions were issued for 429 people. In the same period, a total of 64 terrorists were neutralized, including 1 dead and 63 captured alive or wounded. Turkey is a state of law. We fight every criminal act, every terror-linked structure and individual within the framework of our laws. Whether it is DAESH, PKK, FETÖ, or under any name, we leave no room for any terror structure targeting the peace of our cities, the safety of our citizens, and the public order of our country. This fight continues resolutely both at the operational level and through deradicalization efforts. Our security units, in coordination with judicial authorities, continue to operate with an approach that detects and eliminates threats before they turn into action."
"WE CONSIDER 2026 AS A SPECIAL YEAR OF MOBILIZATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST STREET GANGS AND DRUG TRAFFICKING" Minister Çiftçi announced that 21,038 drug operations were carried out in the first five months of this year, saying, "We consider 2026 as a special year of mobilization in the fight against street gangs and drug trafficking. Because street gangs and drug organizations are not just a public order issue. These structures are criminal networks targeting the future of our youth, family peace, neighborhood safety, the order of our cities, and public health. Especially drugs are one of the main veins from which many crimes feed. We are talking about a dark area that feeds a broad crime economy, from the financing of terrorism to organized crime structures, from street violence to money laundering. Therefore, we do not conduct our fight only against individuals selling on the streets. We implement a holistic security concept targeting the entire production, shipment, storage, distribution, finance, international connections, social media propaganda, and digital communication networks," he said.
"THE NUMBERS SHOW THAT THE FIGHT CONTINUES UNINTERRUPTED IN THE FIELD" Stating that an effective effort is also carried out against accounts that praise, support, or promote criminal organizations, especially on social media, in the fight against street gangs, Çiftçi said, "Access has been blocked to a total of 10,000 social media accounts to date. Additionally, 'hitman' posts and armed shares on Telegram are closely monitored. In operations conducted in 64 provinces on January 15, 2026, 341 adult individuals were detained, and preventive measures were applied to 51 children pushed into crime. In a simultaneous operation carried out in 59 provinces on March 25, 2026, 376 suspects were detained, and 49 were arrested. Numerous long-barreled weapons, pistols, shotguns, cartridges, and synthetic pills were seized in these operations. There is also a strong picture in the field in the fight against organized crime. As of May 21, 2026, 867 operations have been carried out, 6,142 suspects have been caught, 2,882 people have been arrested, and judicial control has been applied to 1,377 people. These figures show that the fight against street gangs and organized crime structures is not just rhetorical but continues uninterruptedly in the field," he said.
"THIS FIGHT IS NO LONGER JUST A STRUGGLE THAT CAN BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN NATIONAL BORDERS" Minister Çiftçi stated that in the fight against drug crimes, as of May 22, 2026, the police and gendarmerie carried out 21,038 operations, 35,757 people were detained, 18,217 people were arrested, and judicial control decisions were issued for 6,604 people. Minister Çiftçi said, "In the same period, 19.8 tons of narcotics and 63 million drug pills and substances were seized. This fight is no longer just a struggle that can be carried out within national borders. Drug crime organizations are structures that cross borders, digitize, establish financial networks, and have leaders and logistics lines in different countries. Therefore, international cooperation is not an option for us but a necessity. We work in close coordination with neighboring countries, INTERPOL, EUROPOL, MASAK, and relevant security units. In this context, coordinated by our Narcotics Crimes Combat Department, with MASAK and international cooperation, operations such as Leijdekers, Comanchero, Kafes-44, Kuyu-4, Argay, Orkinos-Bulut 1-2, Abdo-Kasap-Cinkitaş, United-S, and Armorum have been carried out," he said.
"TURKEY WILL CONTINUE THE FIGHT WITH ALL ITS STRENGTH IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARENA" Stating that an intensive effort is being carried out with the INTERPOL-EUROPOL Department for the extradition of fugitive criminals abroad to Turkey, Çiftçi used the following statements: "Within the scope of investigations carried out in 18 different countries, 22 international criminal organizations linked to 123 tons and 3.5 million drug substances have been collapsed in 10 international operations. As a result of these operations, 681 suspects were detained, 524 arrested, and 160 were released under judicial control. Additionally, assets worth 73 billion lira, approximately 2.2 billion dollars, considered to have been obtained from crime, were confiscated. These include 2,295 real estates, 711 luxury vehicles, 1,765 bank accounts, 101 kilograms of gold, and 104 firearms. An intensive effort is also being carried out with our INTERPOL-EUROPOL Department for the extradition of fugitive criminals abroad to our country. Since 2020, a total of 73 individuals, including 16 organization leaders, have been extradited to Turkey from 16 countries. Our message is very clear: Our streets will not be left to gangs, our youth to drug dealers, our cities to organized crime organizations. No matter which country they hide in, which digital network they use, or which financial channel they rely on, the breath of our state will be upon them. Turkey will continue this fight with all its strength in the national and international arena."
"TODAY, TURKEY IS TRANSITIONING TO A NEW GENERATION INTERNAL SECURITY PARADIGM CENTERED ON OUR CHILDREN" Minister Çiftçi said, "The world is changing, the threat is changing, the nature of crime is changing. Security understandings of states must also renew themselves in line with this change. Today, Turkey is transitioning to a new generation internal security paradigm, especially centered on our children. We no longer act with an understanding that intervenes only after a crime is committed. The real issue is to foresee risks, to recognize social fractures early, and to protect our children before they are drawn into crime. Because no child falls into crime suddenly one morning. Behind every crime story, there is often a long chain of fractures extending from the family to school, from the digital world to peer circles."
"WHEN YOU TREAT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY MERELY AS A PUBLIC ORDER ISSUE, ALL YOU HAVE LEFT IS PUNISHMENT" Speaking about the concept of children pushed into crime, Minister Çiftçi said, "In our law, there is a very important concept called 'child pushed into crime.' This concept does not view the child only as the perpetrator of the crime. It also sees the child as a child in need of protection, a trust neglected by society. This is a state understanding beyond a mere word choice. When you treat juvenile delinquency only as a public order issue, all you have left is punishment. When you treat it as a protection issue, you bring the family, school, guidance, social services, health, security, and society to the same table. Our choice is this second path. Today, we see very clearly the main fracture areas putting our children at risk. Disintegrating family structure, school dropouts, peer bullying, unsupervised digital platforms, making violence a status symbol on social media, and the lies of easy money and easy fame are the main areas threatening our youth. The most dangerous meeting point for a child is no longer limited to a dark street; an unsupervised digital platform can carry the same degree of risk," he said.
"WE ARE IMPLEMENTING THE '7-STEP SCHOOL SECURITY SHIELD' APPROACH" Emphasizing that they are not content with just protecting children from threats on the street, Minister Çiftçi said, "We want to protect them from digital radicalization, gang formation, the culture of violence, loneliness, hopelessness, and the false allure of criminal organizations. The children of this country will not fall into the nets of criminal organizations, drugs, and digital gangs. They will be children of labor, conscience, science, faith, and hope. With this understanding, we are also re-evaluating school security. We do not see the school as a garrison. Our aim is to strengthen a healthy school climate where our children grow up safely. A safe school is not achieved only with cameras, patrols, or measures at the door. Strong guidance, psychological support, family coordination, digital awareness, and a behavioral early warning system are also integral parts of this. Within this framework, we are implementing the '7-Step School Security Shield' approach. Risk and threat analysis, physical security, behavioral early warning, psychosocial support, guidance-security coordination, inter-institutional cooperation, and crisis awareness training constitute the main headings of this model," he said.
"NO CHILD IN TURKEY WILL GROW UP WITH FEAR" Drawing attention to the great role families play in protecting children, Çiftçi stated, "So, we are not only building a physical security circle around our children; we are also creating a psychological, digital, and social security shield. We work in coordination with our Ministry of National Education, families, school administrations, guidance units, law enforcement forces, and all relevant institutions. We care about the early detection of our children who use threatening language, show a tendency toward bullying, or give signals of exclusion and fracture. The state must see before the child, the family must feel before the child, and the school must take measures before the child. Our families also have a great responsibility here. Just as they do not send their children out alone, they should not leave them alone in the digital world. Today, leaving a child unsupervised in the virtual world can sometimes pose greater risks than leaving them alone on the street. A safe family climate is as vital as a safe school. We will not lose this generation. No child in Turkey will grow up with fear. No young person will be surrendered to the allure of easy crime, easy money, and violence. Cutting off the path to crime is as fundamental a part of our security policy as fighting crime. As the Ministry of Interior, in our 'new security paradigm,' we are adopting a method that goes far beyond establishing a structure that fights crime; we are implementing a new generation security model that transforms the social ground producing violence, manages risks beforehand, and protects our children. We will not surrender the children of this country to fear. We will raise them in a climate of trust, hope, and strong tomorrows."
"THE ISSUE OF CITIZENSHIP IS ONE OF THE MOST SENSITIVE TOPICS OF SOVEREIGNTY FOR ANY STATE" Evaluating the situation of those making capital investments in Turkey acquiring citizenship, Minister Çiftçi said, "The issue of citizenship is one of the most sensitive topics of sovereignty for any state. The procedures for acquiring Turkish citizenship are carried out within the framework of the provisions of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. Exceptional citizenship applications are also concluded within the same legal framework, with evaluations by our relevant institutions. Here, it must be particularly emphasized; exceptional citizenship does not mean a process that automatically yields results at the time of application. It is a sensitive process conducted with the unilateral will of the state, evaluating together public order, national security, archive research, judicial records, the nature of financial resources, and the general situation of the applicant for our country. The prolongation of the process in some files is due to this multifaceted examination need. Missing documents, statements requiring confirmation, information sharing between institutions, security assessments, and examination of international records can take time," he said.
"IN A STRATEGIC MATTER LIKE CITIZENSHIP, HASTY ACTION FROM THE STATE CANNOT BE EXPECTED" Emphasizing the strategic importance of the citizenship issue, Çiftçi stated, "In a strategic matter like citizenship, hasty action from the state cannot be expected. What matters here, as much as a quick decision, is a correct, secure, and lawful decision. The program for applying for Turkish citizenship through investment started de facto in 2017, and the first citizenship acquisitions occurred from 2018 onwards. To date, a total of 174,567 people—51,762 investors and 122,805 family members—have acquired Turkish citizenship under this scope. During this process, $16.074 billion in investment has been brought to our country. On the other hand, the applications of 943 individuals found not to meet the conditions have been rejected. There are currently 4,329 people whose applications to acquire Turkish citizenship as investors are pending and whose procedures are ongoing."Everyone who invests in Turkey with trust, contributing to production, employment, and our economy, is approached with respect within the legal framework. However, fulfilling the investment condition does not mean that citizenship will be automatically acquired. In addition to economic criteria, security, public order, and our state's strategic sensitivities are also evaluated. Efforts continue to complete processes related to these files within a reasonable time, to inform applicants correctly, and to ensure faster inter-institutional coordination. Files found appropriate are concluded. For files that do not meet the conditions, have deficiencies, or require risk assessment, the law is applied accordingly. Citizenship of the Republic of Turkey is a great honor. Preserving this honor through a reliable, auditable, and equitable process for both our nation and applicants is our fundamental sensitivity.
"THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY IS A STATE OF LAW" Evaluating the opposition parties' statements about revoking exceptional citizenships, Minister Çiftçi said, "The opposition parties' claims that 'all exceptional citizenships will be revoked when they come to power' are more of a political discourse than a legal reality. The Republic of Turkey is a state of law, and subsequently acquired citizenships cannot be revoked arbitrarily or collectively. According to the general principles of law and the Constitution, transactions established by the administration in accordance with the law create 'acquired rights' (vested rights). The collective revocation of citizenships legally granted in the past simply because the government changed contradicts the prohibition of retroactive action and the principle of legal certainty. There is no systemic 'illegal gap' as the opposition claims. Exceptional citizenship processes are completed after security investigations by the National Intelligence Organization and the General Directorate of Security, and by decision of the authorized authority. In these lawfully conducted processes, administrative decisions are individual; therefore, judicial or administrative review can only be done on a 'per-person basis,' and a collective revocation mechanism is legally impossible," he stated.
Minister Çiftçi stated that the Turkish citizenship acquired by foreigners who later gained Turkish citizenship can only be revoked or canceled within the framework of Article 31 of Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship, which states: 'The decision to acquire Turkish citizenship shall be canceled by the authority that made the decision if it was made as a result of the person's false declaration or concealment of important facts that constitute the basis for acquiring citizenship,' and Article 40, which states: 'Decisions regarding the acquisition or loss of Turkish citizenship shall be withdrawn if it is later understood that the legal conditions were not met or that the decision was made redundantly.'
"THE STATUS OF PERSONS WHO HAVE ACQUIRED CITIZENSHIP IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW IS LEGALLY GUARANTEED" Stating that the standard is clear in the legal order, Çiftçi said, "The status of persons who have acquired citizenship in accordance with the law is legally guaranteed. However, if there are concrete situations such as forged documents, false declarations, concealed important matters, or absence of legal conditions, the state takes the necessary action through the relevant file. Citizenship of the Republic of Turkey is a very valuable status. It is essential to protect this status on a reliable, auditable, and legally compliant basis for both our nation and persons who acquire citizenship later."
"RESIDENCE STATUS AND CITIZENSHIP STATUS ARE TWO SEPARATE INSTITUTIONS" Emphasizing that permanent residence and citizenship status are different, Minister Çiftçi said, "We follow the expectations of foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for many years. However, from a legal perspective, residence status and citizenship status are two separate institutions. Long-term residence allows a person to live in Turkey indefinitely, participate in working life, and benefit from some exemptions. Citizenship, on the other hand, is directly related to sovereignty and requires a more comprehensive assessment. Under the current legal framework, having a long-term residence permit does not create a mechanism that gives a person an automatic or direct right to apply for citizenship. However, persons in this status can apply for Turkish citizenship if they meet the general conditions under Article 11 of Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship. These conditions include criteria such as residing legally in Turkey for an uninterrupted five years, knowing Turkish at a sufficient level, having income or a profession to support themselves, being of good moral character, and not posing a risk in terms of general health, public order, and national security," he said.
Stating that the person seeking citizenship is evaluated based on their connection with Turkey, Çiftçi noted, "Thus, while long-term legal residence is an important factor considered in citizenship evaluation, it is not seen as a sufficient step on its own. In this area, practice is carried out entirely within the legal framework. The person's connection with Turkey, social integration, registered life, judicial and administrative status, and evaluation in terms of public order and national security are considered together. The citizenship application is concluded after all these conditions are examined individually and passed through the administration's discretionary filter. Indeed, between January 1, 2020, and May 22, 2026, 14,054 people gained Turkish citizenship in this context. This number shows that long-term residence permit holders can be included in the citizenship process if they meet the legal conditions. Therefore, the system in Turkey does not treat permanent residence and citizenship as completely disconnected areas. Long-term residence forms an important basis. However, citizenship is a higher status in which legal conditions, security assessment, public order sensitivity, and our state's discretionary authority are all exercised together. Our relevant institutions continue their evaluations to make the process more predictable, more understandable, and healthier for applicants."
"TURKEY'S STANCE ON THE SYRIA ISSUE IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST EXAMPLES OF HUMAN CONSCIENCE" Stating that the claims that Syrian children born in Turkey are stateless do not align with legal reality, Minister Çiftçi said, "Turkey's stance on the Syria issue is one of the strongest examples of human conscience. The sensitivity shown by our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from the very first day cannot be seen merely as a migration management policy. This stance is a great state and nation will that protects the oppressed, places human dignity at the center, and reminds us of the brotherhood of the Ansar and the Muhajir in our age. Turkey opened its doors to our Syrian brothers and sisters experiencing the harshest consequences of war, destruction, oppression, and displacement, offering a safe living space to millions of people. It has undertaken an exemplary humanitarian responsibility for the world across a wide range from education to health, shelter to social support."
Therefore, those who unfairly criticize Turkey on this issue should first look at what their own countries have done during this process. No one has the right to lecture Turkey, which has shouldered this great humanitarian burden for years, with simplistic statements. Claims that Syrian children born in Turkey are stateless also do not align with legal reality," he said.
"A CHILD WHOSE FATHER IS A SYRIAN CITIZEN ACQUIRES SYRIAN CITIZENSHIP WHEREVER IN THE WORLD THEY ARE BORN" Minister Çiftçi, stating that in international law and Syria's own citizenship legislation, the principle of descent is valid, said, "Accordingly, a child whose father is a Syrian citizen acquires Syrian citizenship upon birth, regardless of where in the world they are born. Therefore, children born to Syrian parents under temporary protection in Turkey are not legally stateless; they are Syrian citizens from the moment of birth. The main principle of Turkish citizenship law is also descent. That is, if at least one of the parents is a Turkish citizen, the child acquires Turkish citizenship. Additionally, the Turkish Citizenship Law has given the principle of place of birth an exceptional and protective role, in line with global efforts to prevent statelessness," he said.
Çiftçi, stating that Law No. 5901 is clear, noted the following: "Article 8 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 is extremely clear on this matter. 'A child born in Turkey who cannot acquire the citizenship of any country by birth due to their foreign parents is considered a Turkish citizen from birth.' That is, a child being born in Turkey alone does not result in Turkish citizenship. However, if the child cannot acquire any citizenship through their parents and faces the risk of statelessness, Turkish law protects that child. In this context, since 2011, the number of foreign children who have acquired Turkish citizenship based on the place of birth principle is 185. This data clearly shows how the system works. Turkey operates a humanitarian and legal mechanism that prevents statelessness, while meticulously preserving citizenship status within the legal framework. Unfair criticisms directed at Turkey regarding Syrian children ignore both legal reality and the great humanitarian effort Turkey has demonstrated. We approach this matter with human dignity, law, and state seriousness. Our institutions continue to work meticulously on registering children, ensuring their access to education and health services, and protecting their legal status."
"NO ADDITIONAL APPLICATION FEE IS CHARGED FOR RESIDENCE PERMIT APPLICATIONS" Minister Çiftçi stated that the stamp duties collected for residence permit applications are taken according to the law and that no extra fee is charged. Minister Çiftçi said, "First, a point needs to be corrected on this matter: No additional application fee is charged for residence permit applications. The practice is based on the stamp duty and document fee principle clearly regulated in our laws. The residence permit stamp duty is collected according to the tariff jointly determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance under the Fees Law No. 492. These stamp duties are determined annually and the same amount is applied throughout the year. No additional or consecutive increase outside this framework has been made for 2026. The document fee collected for residence permits is charged under the Valuable Papers Law No. 210. For 2026, this amount is 964 liras. Apart from this, there is no separate fee charged for residence permit applications," he said.
"WE OPERATE A BALANCED SYSTEM THAT STRENGTHENS THE TIES TO OUR COUNTRY OF PEOPLE WHO ADD VALUE TO TURKEY" Çiftçi, stating that in some assessments reflected in the public, stamp duties, document fees, and different administrative items can be confused, used the following expressions: "What is important for us is that this process is carried out on a legal basis, transparently, and predictably. Turkey is a strong center of attraction for qualified human resources, investors, students, researchers, and long-term legal residents. The opportunities Turkey offers with its geographical location, economic potential, healthcare and education facilities, transportation infrastructure, and social dynamism are vast. Of course, we carefully follow the processes of foreigners who live legally in Turkey, establish registered lives, invest in our country, provide employment, and contribute to social life. Here, we operate a balanced system that both maintains public order and migration management capacity and strengthens the ties to our country of people who add value to Turkey. Therefore, the criteria we base our processes regarding residence permits on are legality, predictability, and the healthy conduct of public service. We act with an understanding that considers our citizens' sensitivities, public order, economic realities, and our country's international appeal together."
Speaking about the duration of residence permits for foreigners, Minister Çiftçi said, "In evaluations regarding residence permit durations, it is necessary to correctly present the general framework of the practice. Residence permits are issued considering the upper limits set by law. For example, short-term residence permits can be granted for up to two years, family residence permits for up to three years, and student residence permits for the duration of the study period. However, there are also some objective factors affecting the duration here. The residence permit duration should not be seen as a matter solely at the discretion of the administration. The foreigner's passport validity period, health insurance validity period, application type, purpose of residence, and other conditions required by the legislation can directly affect the determination of the duration to be granted," he said.
"WE STRIVE TO CONDUCT PUBLIC ORDER IN MIGRATION MANAGEMENT IN A REASONABLE MANNER" Çiftçi, stating that there is a specific reason for issuing six-month residence permits in some cases, said, "We may encounter individuals who are actually working informally despite not having a work permit. For these individuals to transition to the registered system and apply for a work permit, a six-month residence permit can be issued. The aim here is not to leave the person in the informal sector but to guide them onto a legal and auditable basis. For those who meet the conditions, have no intention to work, and whose purpose of residence matches their declaration, residence permits are issued based on the upper limits in the law. Therefore, there is no general duration reduction or sudden tightening practice for all foreigners. Each case is evaluated within its own conditions. Of course, we care about the predictability expectations of foreigners who have lived in Turkey for a long time, established registered lives, respected our country's laws, invested, produced, and contributed to social life. In migration management, while protecting public order, registered status, and security, we strive to conduct the process in an understandable and reasonable manner for applicants as well."
.