Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Binali Yıldırım, chief EU affairs negotiator Egemen Bağış, Youth and Sports Minister Suat Kılıç, İstanbul Governor Hüseyin Avni Mutlu, İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş and other guests filled the hall to share in the television channel's celebration.
A collection of poems by Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen titled “Kırık Mızrap,” published in the early 1990s, was recited throughout the night by several famous singers, including Ahmet Özhan, Muazzez Ersoy and Sami Özer.
Samanyolu Broadcasting Group General Manager Hidayet Karaca invited guests to recall the early 1990s, when Samanyolu TV first began its journey. “The channel, endorsed and prayed for by millions of people, began its humble journey to tell the story of this country,” he said.
Karaca noted that the channel has won the confidence of its viewers and has become the backbone of a democratic, transparent and free Turkey.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was unable to attend the event but sent a message congratulating Samanyolu TV and extending his thanks to the station's staff.
Arabesque singer and composer Orhan Gencebay wished many more years for Samanyolu.
“It is very important for Samanyolu to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It has developed greatly in 20 years,” said Star columnist Mehmet Altan.
Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Nihat Matkap, who attended the ceremony on behalf of CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, stated that his party pays attention to Samanyolu TV as it contributes to democracy with its news programs.
In addition to Turkey, STV broadcasts 20 programs in such foreign countries as Afghanistan, Iran, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Mongolia. The TV station aims to expand its target audience to include Arab states and European countries.
Published on Today's Zaman, 26 December 2012, Wednesday
