"We are waiting to become a province," he said; Erdoğan's response became a sensation.

15.05.2025 19:10

Interesting moments occurred while President Erdoğan was speaking at TOBB. A person from Hakkari stood up during the speech and called out to Erdoğan, saying, "My president, Yüksekova is waiting to become a province." Erdoğan's response, "Right now, there are too many Yüksekovas in Turkey. They are all in line to become provinces," made everyone laugh.

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President Erdoğan attended the TOBB Honorary Service Certificate and Plaque Ceremony at the TOBB Twin Towers. Interesting moments occurred during Erdoğan's speech at the ceremony.

"YÜKSEKOVA WANTS TO BE A PROVINCE"

A person from Hakkari suddenly stood up and began to call out to Erdoğan. The individual, who said, "Yüksekova wants to be a province. The people of Yüksekova are eagerly waiting for your good news," received a notable response from President Erdoğan.

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE TOO MANY YÜKSEKOVAS

President Erdoğan responded, "Right now, there are too many Yüksekovas in Turkey. They all lined up to become provinces. They all say, 'We also need to become a province.' Currently, Yüksekova has an airport." Erdoğan's response made the audience laugh.

Highlights from President Erdoğan's statements are as follows:

"You know best how far the Turkish economy has come. Throughout this journey, which is entering its 23rd year, we have always been in solidarity with you. We acted in coordination. Together, we signed the success story written in every area of Turkey's economy, especially in exports. We raised a country that could only export 32 billion dollars a year to the class of countries that export 264 billion dollars. We opened our business world, our entrepreneurs, and our investors to global markets together with you. Again, during this period, we overcame many attacks and difficulties together for our country, our democracy, and our economy. In other words, everything we have done in 23 years, we did together, we succeeded together.

"TOGG IS IN A LEAD POSITION"

Just as we have been by your side, the TOBB family has never left us alone in our struggle to serve our country and nation. You responded to my call and made the Turkish car TOGG a reality. We gave the best answer to those who said, 'Turkey cannot make a car,' and to those who said, 'They do not produce the car here, they bring it from abroad,' and to those who asked where its factory is, with the thousands of TOGGs that adorn our roads. Currently, it holds a leading position in the domestic market with a 30% market share. It has also released its sedan model. God willing, exports will begin next year. We will now see our national brand alongside established car brands on the roads of different countries around the world.

"WE ARE BEING POINTED OUT IN UAV AND SİHA TECHNOLOGY"

In the defense industry, especially in unmanned aerial vehicles, we are among the top three globally. Yesterday, an important agreement was signed in Spain for our project. It is quite possible for us to achieve export success with TOGG as well. As long as we believe in ourselves and have self-confidence. With God's permission, the rest will come in time. Construction works in the earthquake zone, which we have turned into the world's largest construction site, are ongoing on a 24/7 basis. We have now reached a position that is pointed out in the world in UAV and SİHA technology, where previously various excuses were made to deny our country. We have transitioned from being a country that knocks on others' doors to buy defense industry products to a country that others knock on the door of.

"THE COST OF TERRORISM IS 2 TRILLION DOLLARS"

It is of great importance for you to produce constructive guiding policies in achieving the goals of the Turkish economy. Especially, your support and contribution are critical in reaching our goal of a Turkey without terrorism safely. Turkey has been the scene of bloody actions of separatist terrorism for 41 years. During this time, we unfortunately lost more than 10,000 security personnel in the fight against terrorism. The direct and indirect cost of terrorism to Turkey amounts to 2 trillion dollars. Terrorism did not remain just terrorism; unfortunately, various sectors emerged from it. We talk about terror barons, and indeed, others have gained personal profit from the existence of terrorism and terrorist actions, just like the organizations. Those who politically exploit the issue of terrorism have sought to spread their dirty ideas and ambitions in the swamp of terrorism. In the past, very courageous steps were taken, especially during the late Özal's era, to resolve this issue. A burning fire fell into the hearts of thousands of mothers. Since the moment we took office, we have indeed put in great effort to close the democracy gap in our country and to save our country and our Kurdish brothers from the scourge of terrorism.

"THE STATE DOES NOT KNEEL"

Unfortunately, today we are facing the same network's delusions. The separatist organization declares that it has disbanded and will lay down its arms. An important window of opportunity is opening for the complete closure of a page of betrayal written in blood for nearly half a century. In our eastern and southeastern regions, our citizens are joyfully dancing in the streets and squares, saying that they are finally getting rid of the threat of terrorism. But you see that some are almost in mourning. Those who fear losing their bloody sector, their exploitation scheme, are nearly begging the terrorist organization. They are experiencing such a deep disappointment. The Republic of Turkey is a great state, a powerful state; our state does not kneel before any power and has not done so. Turkey has now put this issue on the right track.

The integrity of our state, the unity and solidarity of our nation, our unitary structure, our flag, and our official language are never up for debate. Everything is done within the framework of the principles we symbolize as a single nation, a single flag, a single homeland, and a single state. We are completely open to constructive criticisms, critiques, and proposals. We would be very pleased with that, but we do not look kindly on efforts to complicate the efforts for a Turkey without terrorism. No one should have any concerns, anxieties, or fears; we, along with Mr. Bahçeli, know very well what we are doing. All institutions and personnel of our state know very well what they are doing. A Turkey without terrorism will most of all elevate the Turkish economy. Turkey will start to play in a new league, and for that, the most responsibility falls on you in our march towards a Turkey without terrorism.