TRT: Turkey's Voice, The World's Conscience
· Halil ETYEMEZ
Yesterday, I visited the Director General of Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahid Sobacı. We had a productive conversation about TRT's broadcasting philosophy, its cultural and artistic endeavors, international reach, and future goals.
Yesterday, I visited the Director General of Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahid Sobacı. We had a productive conversation about TRT's broadcasting philosophy, its cultural and artistic endeavors, international reach, and future goals.
My family and I are avid viewers of TRT. We closely follow TRT's work across various fields, from news and dramas to documentaries, sports broadcasts, music and folk music programs, and children's content. Therefore, I value TRT's development and the quality work it produces, not just from an institutional perspective, but also as a viewer and a member of a family.
TRT is not an ordinary broadcasting institution. TRT is the memory of our nation, the voice of our country, and Turkey's window to the world.
Public broadcasting is more than just delivering news and airing programs. It is about informing the public accurately, preserving social memory, transmitting culture to future generations, strengthening the family, and broadcasting the voice of truth to the world. TRT has carried this great responsibility from the past to the present.
TRT's historical dramas, films, and documentaries tell the story of our nation's past in the language of today. These productions, which bring our history, civilization, struggles, and important figures to the screen, instill a sense of identity and belonging in younger generations. Because societies that cannot tell their own stories eventually get lost within the narratives written by others.
TRT Music and TRT radios keep our folk songs and music alive. Our folk songs are not just melodies. They are the memory of Anatolia, the joy, sorrow, prayers, and common language of our nation. TRT's folk music, traditional music, classical music, and cultural programs carry this great heritage to new generations.
TRT Documentary's productions focusing on people, nature, history, science, and life; the space TRT 2 opens for culture and art; and TRT Çocuk's reliable and educational broadcasts demonstrate the social value of public broadcasting. Producing content that families can watch safely with their children is an important part of cultural transmission and the responsibility to protect the family.
One of TRT's most significant breakthroughs has been the international digital platform, 'tabii'.
'tabii' is not just a digital broadcasting platform. It is Turkey's will to tell its own story in its own language. It is a strategic cultural project that ensures our history, culture, people, and civilizational values are conveyed to the world through original series, films, documentaries, and children's productions.
The series and films prepared for 'tabii' offer quality content that respects our family structure and societal values. Filming in various cities and historical locations across the country also introduces Turkey's natural and cultural riches to the world. Thus, 'tabii' contributes to our culture, tourism, and the promotion of our country alongside its broadcasting services.
TRT and 'tabii' providing opportunities for young talents is also commendable. The development of young screenwriters, directors, actors, producers, cinematographers, and technical teams through their involvement in quality projects is a significant investment in the future of the industry.
A country's broadcasting power is measured not only by the works it produces but also by the people it cultivates. TRT nurtures future artists and broadcasters by transferring its institutional experience to younger generations. Paving the way for young people who know their civilizational values, master the contemporary narrative language, and can compete globally is one of TRT's most valuable services.
Today, TRT is no longer just an institution broadcasting within Turkey. Through TRT World, TRT Arabi, TRT Avaz, and its international broadcasts in various languages, TRT conveys Turkey's message to all corners of the world.
Especially the reporting of events in Gaza and Palestine to the world public is a historical responsibility undertaken by TRT in the name of human conscience. In the face of incidents ignored or presented one-sidedly by the global media order, TRT makes the voices of the oppressed heard and does not allow the truth to be obscured.
Developments in the Middle East, the Ukraine-Russia war, and other global conflicts are conveyed to viewers through field reports, live connections, expert analyses, and documentaries. TRT does not just explain what is happening; it also reveals the causes and potential consequences of these developments.
The broadcasting success demonstrated by TRT in conveying the NATO Summit held in Ankara to the world once again showcased the institution's technical capacity and experience. The real-time broadcast of the summit from various points with a strong infrastructure and a large team to the world has also made a significant contribution to Turkey's organizational power on an international scale.
The broadcasting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches to our nation via TRT screens and 'tabii' is another fine example of public broadcasting. TRT transforms major sporting events into a shared excitement for our nation, viewing sports as a meeting ground that brings all segments of society together.
Today, not only states and economies but also cultures, stories, and concepts are competing in the world. Societies that cannot speak their own word, tell their own story, and produce their own values cannot survive in the face of global culture.
Therefore, TRT's mission is great:
To defend truth, preserve the nation's memory, look after the family and children, keep our folk songs and culture alive, nurture young talents, make the voices of the oppressed heard, and carry Turkey's message to the world…
During our visit, I found Mr. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahid Sobacı to be extremely visionary, enthusiastic, and determined, not only regarding TRT's current work but also its future goals. I observed his excitement for the projects they plan to implement, from digital broadcasting and international reach to original series and film productions and the development of young talents.
A institution's future is shaped not only by its resources but also by leaders who believe in that future, set goals, and reflect their work enthusiasm throughout the institution. I believe that the vision, work ethic, and future goals put forth by Mr. Sobacı will carry TRT to further heights in national and international broadcasting.
TRT is building our future while preserving our past. It is both the memory of our nation, the trusted screen for our families, and Turkey's strong voice reaching out to the world.
I thank TRT Director General Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahid Sobacı for his kind hospitality and sincere conversation. I congratulate all the managers, artists, producers, screenwriters, reporters, cameramen, technical teams, and employees of TRT who work with great dedication both in front of and behind the camera.
I wish for TRT to continue its journey as the voice of our nation, Turkey's word in the world, and a strong representative of human conscience.
May you be entrusted to God. Please forgive me.