A "Commemoration of Palestinian Martyr Journalists" program was held in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library, organized by the office of the press counselor at Kastamonu University with contributions from the Press Society.

On June 19, 2025, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, our Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, and Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Muharrem Çetin, our academic and administrative staff, our students, and members of the press attended the program. 

The program began with the opening of a photo exhibition reflecting Israel's attacks in Palestine. Our rector and the accompanying delegation visited the exhibition and examined the works. As part of the event, a moment of silence and the National Anthem were followed by the recitation of the Quran. The empty seats with the names of the martyr journalists written on them were a striking detail in the hall. 

Mertoğlu, stating that journalists who pursue the truth in a war environment are the voice of truth, said, "This memorial ceremony is an important opportunity to emphasize the importance of truth in an academic sense and to share these losses that have left deep marks in our hearts." 

In her opening speech, Press Counselor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selver Mertoğlu stated that they gathered to commemorate the journalists who carried out their profession with honor and great sacrifice in Gaza. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mertoğlu, stating that journalists who pursue the truth in a war environment are the voice of truth, said, "This memorial ceremony is an important opportunity to emphasize the importance of truth in an academic sense and to share these losses that have left deep marks in our hearts." 

Reminding that more than 200 journalists have lost their lives since the war began in Palestine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mertoğlu said, "War reporting has been one of the professions that has required the heaviest sacrifices throughout history." Since October 7, 2023, hundreds of journalists have lost their lives while working in Gaza. According to the data from press freedom organizations, approximately 200 journalists have lost their lives, many have been injured, and they continue their duties under severe danger," she stated. 

Following the speeches, they screened a short film about the events in Palestine. The program concluded with the reading of verses from Cahit Kotyak's poem "Gazze Risalesi" by the Office of Press Counselor staff member, Lecturer Dr. Emre Ertürk, and a poetry recital by students sitting in chairs inscribed with the names of martyr journalists.

"Always with the Palestinian People" 
In statements made after the program, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that this ongoing humanitarian tragedy has caused great suffering and has left a dark stain on history. Stating that the Turkish nation has deep historical, cultural, and emotional ties with Palestine, our Rector said, "We are always by the side of the Palestinian people." We will continue to be the voice of the oppressed. "Israel and its supporters are responsible for this oppression," he said.

Our rector added the following statements in his speech: "God willing, the Palestinian people will receive the reward for this honorable stance and will achieve a free state." We will continue to show our stance clearly on where we stand. The Turkish nation will always continue to stand against the oppressor and stand by the oppressed and the just. On this occasion, I would like to thank our Office of the Press Counselor, which contributed to the preparation of the program, and our Press Community for their support.