Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek: The most important state project of the century

07.08.2026 15:20

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in his statement in Iğdır, stated that an important stage has been reached in the National Unity and Brotherhood process, one of the most significant state projects of the century, and said, "The people of Iğdır have suffered great injustices for years due to the scourge of terrorism. Our people in the region have reached the point of being freed from terrorism, which has been the biggest obstacle to our country's development, progress, and peace for over forty years."

Minister Gürlek came to Iğdır to attend a series of programs. Within the scope of his program, Minister Gürlek first visited the Iğdır Governorship. Gürlek, who was welcomed by Governor Mustafa Fırat Taşolar at the governorship, made statements to the press members after the visit.

"THE MEETING POINT OF PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD"

In his statement, Minister Gürlek said, "Iğdır is one of Turkey's most important gates opening to Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus, and the Turkish world. With the Dilucu Border Gate, the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu Railway Line, and the Zangezur Corridor, the commercial, logistical, and geopolitical importance of our city will increase even more in the coming period. The permanence of economic development and the secure growth of investment and trade will be possible with the strong legal order we have built. The determined steps Turkey has taken towards becoming one of the safest and most peaceful countries are increasing the attractiveness of our Iğdır day by day. We are pleased that Iğdır has become one of the meeting points of peace and brotherhood in the geography of hearts extending from the Caucasus to Central Asia.  

"CITIZENS' ACCESS TO JUSTICE WILL BE EASIER"

The climate of unity and solidarity in Iğdır, where different cultures live together in peace, is one of our most valuable gains. Preserving and further strengthening this climate of brotherhood is our common responsibility. We will continue to mobilize all our means on every matter within the scope of our Ministry's responsibility to meet the needs of Iğdır. Justice service rises not only with buildings; it rises with qualified human resources, strong institutions, effective coordination, and unwavering commitment to law. With this understanding, we are strengthening both the physical and human capacity of our justice services in Iğdır. When the construction of the new Iğdır Courthouse is completed, our courts, Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and judicial service units will be provided with a modern and functional service environment. Thus, our citizens' access to justice will become even easier. Our judges, chief public prosecutors, lawyers, and justice personnel will have better working conditions. We have put new courthouse residences into service to improve the working and living conditions of our justice organization. With the ongoing personnel recruitment processes, we continue to strengthen our human resources in many areas, from court clerks to enforcement clerks, from bailiffs to penal institution personnel," he said.

"THE MOST IMPORTANT STATE PROJECT OF THE CENTURY"

Stating that significant progress has been made in the National Unity and Brotherhood process, one of the most important state projects of the century, Minister Gürlek said, "The people of Iğdır have suffered great hardships for years due to the scourge of terrorism. Our people in the region have come to the point of getting rid of terrorism, which has been the biggest obstacle to our country's development, progress, and peace for over forty years. Hopefully, this process, embraced by all segments of politics and embracing all segments of our nation, will be successfully completed in a short time. With the contributions of the People's Alliance and Devlet Bahçeli to the process, the determined leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the support of our Gazi Parliament, our country is entering a new era. With God's permission, thanks to the prudent stance of our nation, this process will conclude successfully and a new page will be opened for our country. Our country will direct all its energy towards economic development, regional peace, security, and prosperity. I also thank the people of Iğdır for their dignified and prudent stance during this process. Without your support, it would not have been possible for us to reach this point. Despite all provocations and attempts by internal and external circles; you have embraced the future of our country in brotherhood, hand in hand, with your east and west, your Turks and Kurds, and your Azerbaijanis. Therefore, I sincerely congratulate you all," he stated.

IMPORTANT STEPS IN THE FIELD OF JUSTICE

Emphasizing that Turkey has made significant progress in eliminating general security threats and will continue to act in state-nation cooperation in the fight against regional and local threats, Minister Gürlek continued his words as follows: "Iğdır's strategic location with borders on three countries imposes significant responsibilities on our institutions providing security and justice services. The fight against drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, arms trafficking, laundering of crime proceeds, and organized crime gangs is not merely a public order issue; it is also an issue of protecting our national security and legal order. Today's criminal organizations no longer operate only on the streets. They use digital platforms, crypto assets, shell companies, illegal payment systems, and international financial networks. We are aware of all of them. As a Ministry, we are determined to fight criminal organizations to the end, effectively using developing technological opportunities. We are now one step ahead of criminal organizations and illegal structures. None of them will escape, and we will not let their crimes go unpunished. Because our state is determined and strong in this regard. Every criminal will feel the power of Turkish justice. Legal regulations and legislative needs will be evaluated in our Gazi Parliament at every necessary stage and presented to the service of our nation. Last week, our 12th Judicial Package was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. Hopefully, in October, we will implement new regulations that are a continuation of this package. With these regulations, we will further strengthen judicial services, accelerate especially lengthy trial processes, and take important steps to enable our citizens to access justice more quickly."

"NO COMPROMISE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND CRIMINALS"

Minister Gürlek stated that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with strong coordination and cooperation among all relevant institutions, the fight against money laundering, illegal betting, gambling, street gangs, usury, drug trafficking, organized crime gangs, crimes committed through social media, and baseless attacks on national and spiritual values will continue uncompromisingly within the framework of the rule of law, saying, "The fight against crime and criminals is our uncompromising state policy. Drugs are a multifaceted security threat that tears families apart, darkens the future of our youth, finances organized crime structures, and targets the peace of our society. Recently, with comprehensive operations carried out under the coordination of our Chief Public Prosecutors' Offices, we struck the iron fist of our state against all links of the production, shipment, sale, and financing chain of drugs. Hopefully, we will continue this struggle with the same determination from now on. From street dealers to barons, everyone will be held accountable before the law."

UNIT FOR COMBATING UNSOLVED MURDERS

Bringing up a subject he has particularly emphasized since taking office, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek said, "We have established the Unit for Combating Unsolved Crimes within our Ministry in order to re-examine unsolved cases that have remained unresolved for years. This unit has been received with great satisfaction by our citizens. Old files are being re-examined under a magnifying glass. We are utilizing all current technological and legal means, such as HTS records, DNA matches, camera footage, digital materials, witness statements, and re-taken testimonies if necessary, to resolve unsolved incidents. We are re-evaluating every file left in the dark down to the finest detail. If there is a murder, the state must mobilize all its resources to solve it. The passage of many years is not a guarantee for the perpetrators. No murder will be forgotten, and no evidence will be ignored. Through this unit we have established, we are working with determination to uncover murders that have not yet been solved. We will continue this fight within the framework of the principles of the rule of law. Investigations will be conducted not according to opinions, but in the direction indicated by evidence. Protecting the innocent is as fundamental a responsibility as punishing criminals. Iğdır is one of our exceptional cities where different cultures and deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood live together. With its Turks, Kurds, and Azerbaijanis; regardless of origin, sect, or thought, all our citizens are equal and honorable children of the same flag and the same homeland. As our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently stated: 'The Republic of Turkey is our common state. Regardless of which party, which view, or which origin we come from, we are all citizens of this state, members of this noble nation. Turkey's success is the success of all 86 million. In our understanding of the state, there is no distinction among our citizens.' Protecting the rights and law of everyone, regardless of their origin, sect, thought, or social status, is the most fundamental duty of our state," he said.

"THOSE WHO BURN THE HEART OF OUR NATION WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED"

Reminding that forests, agricultural lands, pastures, and natural assets carry great sensitivity against the risk of fire during the current summer season, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek said, "Every attack against the Green Homeland is treachery against our nation's common asset, national wealth, and the rights of our future generations. We will resolutely fight, within the framework of law, against those who intentionally burn our forests, those who cause fires through negligence or irresponsible behavior, those who attempt sabotage, and those who try to profit from these disasters. Our Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices are conducting investigations meticulously in this context. No one should think that burning the heart of our nation will go unpunished. Those who target the Green Homeland will definitely account for their crimes before the law. Dear citizens of Iğdır; for the peace, security, and development of Iğdır, we will continue to work in strong coordination with our Governorship, judicial organization, local administrations, university, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations. I wish all ongoing investments in our province, especially our new Courthouse under construction, to be beneficial for our Iğdır. I once again thank all our public officials serving this beautiful city day and night; our judges, chief public prosecutors, lawyers, justice personnel, our Police Department, our Gendarmerie, and all our heroic members who carry out their duties selflessly. I once again convey the greetings and best wishes of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to you. I also thank our Governor of Iğdır, Mustafa Fırat Taşolar, who hosted us with great sincerity and hospitality, for his hosting and kind hospitality. May God make our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood eternal. May the path of our Iğdır be open and its future be bright," he concluded.