İzmir Journalists Association Celebrates 80 Years

The İzmir Journalists Association (İGC) marked its 80th anniversary on July 28, 2026, celebrating a long history of commitment to journalistic integrity and freedom of the press in Turkey.

Established on July 28, 1946, the İGC was founded on the principle of supporting a multi-faceted media landscape and ensuring the public's right to receive accurate, impartial news. Over the past eight decades, the association has strived to foster professional solidarity among journalists, advocating for their development, and protecting their economic and social rights.

In its statement, the İGC emphasized its unwavering dedication to professional ethics and press freedom, drawing inspiration from Hasan Tahsin, a symbol of Turkish independence. The association also highlighted the 14th anniversary of its publication, 9 Eylül Gazetesi, which serves as a training ground for young journalists and has adapted to the digital age with a strong online presence and professional studio.

The İGC reiterated its pledge to uphold the legacy of independent, principled, and evidence-based journalism. It vowed to continue standing with colleagues facing pressure, censorship, and unjust penalties, actively campaigning for press and expression freedoms.