27.06.2026 15:07
The "Capital Value Awards," organized for the fifth time this year by Medya Ankara, brought together many figures from politics, bureaucracy, business, art, and media. During the ceremony, several individuals, including former Vice President Fuat Oktay and Etimesgut Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu, were deemed worthy of awards for their contributions to Ankara.
The fifth edition of the Capital Value Awards, which brings together individuals and institutions contributing to the social, cultural, economic, and institutional development of Ankara, was held last night at the Capital Nation's Garden Meeting Hall. At the ceremony organized by Media Ankara, deputies, mayors, bureaucrats, public administrators, representatives of non-governmental organizations, academics, artists, athletes, and business people who were deemed to have contributed to the capital through their services, projects, and works received their awards.
ANKARA'S SUCCESS STORIES GATHERED ON THE SAME STAGE
The program, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, featured the screening of Media Ankara's promotional film for the guests. After the film screening, Media Ankara Editor-in-Chief Bayram Polat delivered the opening speech.
"ANKARA IS A CITY OF KIND-HEARTED PEOPLE"
In his speech, Bayram Polat drew attention to Ankara's historical and cultural values, emphasizing that the capital is not only Turkey's administrative center but also a carrier of a deep civilizational heritage.
Polat said, "Ankara is known for its history, culture, industry, science, and most importantly, its citizens whose hearts beat with love for the homeland, nation, and flag. Ankara is the city of the kind-hearted people of Anatolia, home to the Seymens, Bacı Erens, and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, flourishing with the spirituality of Hacı Bayram Veli."
Stating that it is of great importance to make visible the names that add value to the spirit and life of Ankara and to pass them on to future generations, Polat expressed that the Capital Value Awards were realized with this understanding.
"WE PLANTED A SEED 5 YEARS AGO"
Stating that Media Ankara is not just a news-producing media organization, Polat noted that their journalistic activities also aim to contribute to the city's memory.
In his speech, Polat said, "As Media Ankara, we wanted to leave a mark with our press and media activities in this city, beyond the profession of journalism. At this exact point, correct journalism gives direction to something. With the understanding that a visionary media carries the values of the city to the future, we planted a seed five years ago under the name Capital Value Awards. It's easy to say, today we are holding our 5th annual ceremony without any break. That seed sprouted and flourished with your support, and insha'Allah it will continue for years and turn into a giant plane tree."
Stating that the awards are organized to make visible the individuals and institutions contributing to Ankara, especially in politics, bureaucracy, culture, art, and sports, Polat thanked all guests attending the program.
Polat said, "Each individual here today, from the highest protocol to the smallest child honoring us with their participation, is important and valuable to us separately. In this sense, I thank each of you and express my gratitude."
"MONTHLY REACHED 140.8 MILLION"
Polat stated that the news portal has transcended Ankara's borders and become a medium followed on a national and international scale. Polat said, "Today, with monthly views reaching 140 million on the Media Ankara News Site and digital platforms, we have transcended Ankara's borders and become Ankara's gateway to Turkey and the world. This is Media Ankara's pride table. This was the data we received on June 3, and we have now reached far beyond that."
SUCCESSFUL NAMES OF THE YEAR RECEIVED THEIR AWARDS
At the gala, the "National Internet News Site of the Year Award" was given to Attorney Bedia Teymur, Editor-in-Chief of Haberler.com and Sondakika.com.
The "Ankara Culture Service Award" was presented to Hilmi Yaman, President of the Ankaralılar Association; the "Healthcare Services Achievement Award" to Prof. Dr. Levent Öztürk, Coordinating Chief Physician of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital; and the "Quality in Education Award" to Prof. Dr. Musa Kazım Arıcan, Rector of Ankara Social Sciences University.
At the ceremony, the "Deputy of the Year Award" was given to Fuat Oktay, First Term Vice President of the Republic and AK Party Ankara Deputy, while the "Loyalty to Mamak's Values Award" was presented to Mamak District Governor Mehmet Nebi Kaya.
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Ankara Provincial Health Director Ali Niyazi Kurtcebe was deemed worthy of the "Quality in Health Services Award," while Mustafa Düger, President of the Mustafa Düger Foundation, received the "Local Culture Preservation Service Award." Ercan Malkoç, Chairman of the Board of Malkoç Holding, won the "Innovative Design Award."
Haymana Mayor Levent Koç was given the "History and Tourism Municipality Award."
CULTURE, ART, AND SOCIAL WORK HIGHLIGHTED
Etimesgut Mayor Erdal Beşikcioğlu and İlteriş Foundation Chairman Mustafa Can were given the "Culture and Art Award."
Content creator Mirza Kök received the "Digital Content Creator of the Year Award," while Altındağ Mayor Veysel Tiryaki was deemed worthy of the "Investment Municipality Award."
Orhan Ünsal, Chairman of Ünsal Group, received the "Smart and Environmentally Friendly Structures Achievement Award," while Halil İbrahim Yılmaz, President of the Ankara City Council, won the "Living Common Culture in Ankara Award."
Dr. Ayhan Özkan, President of the Platform Against Addictions, was given the "Public Health Service Award," and Hakan Durlanık, President of the Çankırı Industrialists and Business People Association, received the "Social Sensitivity and Service Award."
SPORTS AND LOCAL MEDIA NOT FORGOTTEN
Çubuk Mayor Baki Demirbaş received the "Natural Environment Municipality Award," while Ramazan Sular, Chairman of Furkan Özel Güvenlik, was presented with the "Security Sector Achievement Award."
Adnan Önder Külçebaş, General Manager of the Türk Telekom Basketball Team, and national weightlifter Muhammet Furkan Özbek were deemed worthy of the "Contribution to Sports in Ankara Award," while Adem Oruç, Editor-in-Chief of Kuzey Haber Newspaper, received the "Local Newspaper of the Year Award."
NAMES CONTRIBUTING TO THE CAPITAL GATHERED IN THE SAME FRAME
Within the scope of the program, plaques were also presented to representatives of institutions and organizations that supported the event.
Bigthermal Spa Hotel General Manager Ertan Eren, Deniz Logistics Board Chairman Deniz Yük, Ortodek Board Member Hazal Düger, and Kırşehirliler Foundation General President and Rota Yapı Denetim Board Chairman Mahbup Torun were presented plaques for their contributions.
At the end of the program, representatives of sponsor organizations were also invited to the stage. Thanks plaques were presented to Big Termal Board Chairman Ercan Malkoç, DN Deniz Logistics Board Chairman Deniz Yük, Ankara Otomat Board Chairman Tufan Kıdıman, Ortotek Board Member Hazal Düger, Rota Yapı Denetim Board Chairman Mahbup Torun, TİM OSGB Board Chairman Merve Özer, Nisa Dental Board Chairman İbrahim Uslu, Kara Grup Board Chairman Mehmet Ali Karamemiş, and Soy Group Yapı Board Chairman İsa Soy.
EMOTIONAL CLOSURE AFTER THE 5TH YEAR
The closing speech of the program was made by Media Ankara Coordinator Erdem Yeşer. Yeşer, in his speech within the scope of Media Ankara's 5th Başkente Değer Awards, also referenced the event's motto and conveyed the lines: “Listen, O friends, love is like a sun, a heart that does not love is like a stone. Nothing grows in a stony heart, poison lingers in its tongue, no matter how softly it speaks, its words are like war.”
In his speech, he stated, “This place became a home for those who coat every word with honey and do their work with love. We have completed the fifth year of our award ceremony. I extend endless thanks to everyone who set foot here and brought peace.”
Yeşer also thanked TRT News Anchor Oya Eren, who hosted the program, and conveyed his gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the execution of the organization. The ceremony ended with a group photo session.