07.03.2026 16:15
While a map shown on CNN International, which depicted the Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia regions separately from Turkey, drew significant backlash, the Presidency of Communications also issued a statement regarding the matter. The statement included the phrase, "Each individual of the 86 million is an inseparable part of the Republic of Turkey and constitutes one of its fundamental social elements."
While the map of the Middle East shared by CNN International drew great reactions for depicting the Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia regions separately from Turkey, the first response to the scandalous map came from Turkey.
FIRST RESPONSE FROM TURKEY
In a statement made by the Presidency of Communications, it was stated that "Each individual of 86 million is an inseparable part of the Republic of Turkey and constitutes one of its fundamental social elements."
The full statement is as follows; "The visual content and editorial approach used in the video published by CNN International and shared on its official social media accounts raise serious concerns. The map showing the 'areas inhabited by Kurds,' which includes some regions of the Republic of Turkey and neighboring countries, presents a misleading and reductionist depiction of the region.
"DISTORTING REALITY"
Our citizens of different identities and ethnic origins have been living together across our country, sharing the same social, political, and public life for generations. Each individual of 86 million is an inseparable part of the Republic of Turkey and constitutes one of the fundamental social elements of our country. Approaches that target our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood through simplified and selective geographical depictions distort this reality.
Moreover, the identification of our Kurdish citizens with any political or armed actors is unacceptable. Such identifications can lead to the strengthening of narratives that misrepresent Turkey's social fabric and overlook the diversity in our country's demographic structure and social integrity.
"CREATING A GROUND FOR UNNECESSARY TENSIONS"
The language and narrative style used in the video, when evaluated together with the aforementioned map, produce an artificial geopolitical interpretation that does not align with the realities on the ground and create a ground for unnecessary tensions. It is expected that international media organizations exercise maximum care regarding accuracy, contextual sensitivity, and editorial responsibility when reporting on sensitive regional issues.
In this context, we expect CNN International to refrain from including such misleading maps and visual representations in its publications and digital platforms and to show a higher level of editorial care in its future news. As Turkey, under the leadership of our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will continue to steadfastly maintain our understanding that sees our differences as a richness and further strengthens our unity and brotherhood; and we will continue to implement policies that prioritize the peace and prosperity of all our citizens. We respectfully announce to the public."