By Esin Isik
Türkiye's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli on Tuesday participated in voting for Anadolu's Year in Photos, featuring images that marked the events of 2023.
Bahceli hosted Anadolu's General Manager and Board Chairman Serdar Karagoz in his office.
Karagoz briefed Bahceli on the photos taken by Anadolu reporters over the past year.
This year, two new categories, Earthquake: Hope and Gaza: Evidence, were added to reflect the significant events of 2023, he said. The first category focuses on Türkiye's devastating earthquakes and the second on Israel's deadly onslaught on Gaza.
-'Could there be any stronger evidence than this?'
After viewing all the photographs, Bahceli selected The Hope of the Earthquake featuring 6-month-old Ayse Vera Yilmaz, who was rescued alive from the rubble after 29 hours.
Bahceli said: "She was rescued late at night, and it promises hope. She is fighting the battle of life."
Karagoz highlighted the photo titled Evidence, which captured the moment Israeli soldiers were loading a phosphorus bomb. That photo was used in The Hague as the International Court of Justice heard the genocide case against Israel.
In the other category, Bahceli voted for The Last Touch to the Brother featuring Anadolu reporter Ali Jadallah kissing the hand of his brother who lost his life in the attacks on Gaza.
"This person is the main source of all these photos. Without him, none of this would exist. It represents all, being a member of the press, having family members who lost their lives. Could there be any stronger evidence than this?" he said, explaining his selection.
In the News category, he chose Aytug Can Sencar's Türkiye's Century.
In the Sports category, he voted for Annika Hammerschlag's Dumpsite Footballers praising the excitement of the subject despite poverty.
He also voted for Mostafa Alkharouf's Prayer at the First Qibla, depicting Muslims praying at the Aqsa Mosque on the Night of Power.
He said: "The significance of the day and our desire is marked by the first qibla. Our stance on Palestine is for it to be recognized as a state according to the norms of 1967."
-'Anadolu continues on its path in line with its founding principle'
Bahceli congratulated and commended Anadolu for its significant role as a primary source of news, emphasizing its historical service and continued adherence to its founding principle.
He expressed the need for a "reliable" news provider, citing Anadolu as that reference for his party amid the "inconsistency" in news circulating on social media and certain television channels.
Karagoz reiterated that Anadolu, established on Türkiye's founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's instructions, celebrated its 104th anniversary this year.
Emphasizing that their goal is to provide accurate information, Karagoz highlighted their focus on combating disinformation.
He said: "For this reason, we established the Verification Line. We say, 'When you see something somewhere, check if Anadolu has reported it, if it's there on Anadolu.' This approach is gradually gaining acceptance in society, increasing interest in our news."
Karagoz presented Bahceli with a camera made entirely from recycled materials and also gave him the book, Evidence.
Bahceli commented: "It will be a book discussed for a long time because everyone will refer to it as long as the trial continues."