Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding and a philanthropic businessman, issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

We are all experiencing the excitement and joy of our children, who are the guarantee of our future, starting a new academic year.

Ensuring our children have access to quality education, develop their talents, and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals committed to national and spiritual values ​​is one of our top priorities.

The greatest credit in this process belongs to our valuable teachers who dedicate themselves to the future of our children. I thank all our teachers who perform their duties selflessly and wish them success in the new academic year.

2026 – 2027 Academic Year in Formal Education

We will continue to work hand in hand with all stakeholders in our education community to ensure that our dear students receive a quality education and can discover their talents and develop themselves to the fullest. Preparing our students for the future in safe and modern learning environments will remain one of our most important priorities.

I pray that the academic year, which will begin on Monday, September 14, 2026, will be productive and peaceful for the entire education community, and I wish success to our children, who are the guarantee of our future.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding and a philanthropic businessman, issued a congratulatory message for the 2026-2027 Judicial Year, wishing success to judicial employees.

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

Throughout history, our nation, which has built states with the aim of establishing rights and justice, founded the Republic of Türkiye with the understanding that justice is the most natural right of all its citizens.

Our justice system, which never tires of upholding the rights of all our citizens, fulfills an extremely important duty for the peace and prosperity of our nation with its dedicated members.

Our judicial officers, guided by the profound statement of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, “Independence, future, freedom—everything exists with justice,” are the guarantors of the principle of the rule of law.

We firmly believe that the scales of justice will never falter, and that our lawyers, who have emerged from the heart of our nation and possess pure consciences, will ensure the unity, harmony, peace, and brotherhood of our beloved nation forever.

On this occasion, I congratulate our independent judicial officers, lawyers, and all judicial personnel who uncompromisingly fulfill their duties for the sake of justice and the rule of law, on the new judicial year.

I commemorate with respect all our judicial officers and justice system employees who lost their lives in the line of duty.

I hope that our new judicial year will be beneficial to our country, our citizens, our judiciary, and the legal community.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding and a philanthropic businessman, issued a message on the occasion of World Peace Day on September 1st.

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

“September 1st, the day the Second World War began, is celebrated as World Peace Day in our country, as in many countries around the world.

September 1st, World Peace Day, was established to celebrate peace and tranquility after perhaps the bloodiest war in world history, which left millions dead, wounded, and countless victims. Unfortunately, even today, we are forced to celebrate it with a heavy heart. Despite all the suffering and the repeated experience that war, which only benefits arms dealers, is not a solution, the continued perception of war as the first option for resolving problems remains the greatest obstacle to the peace that all of humanity needs.

Despite all these negativities, we, the descendants of our heroic ancestors who ruled the world with justice and tolerance for centuries and established peace across a vast geography, must continue to uphold the principle of “Peace at home, peace in the world,” as expressed by the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and, as we did centuries ago, we must continue to be the hope of the world and the oppressed for peace and tranquility.

“With the hope that it will be an occasion for an end to the bloodshed and tears in the world, I congratulate all people on World Peace Day, September 1st, and with the hope of leaving a better future for our children, whom we see as our future, a future where lasting peace prevails, I wish you happy and peaceful days.”

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding and a philanthropic businessman, issued a message on the occasion of August 30th Victory Day.

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

Today, we celebrate the 104th anniversary of August 30th Victory Day with great pride; it is the day when the Great Offensive, a turning point in our struggle for independence and freedom, ended in victory.

Our struggle to make Anatolia our homeland, despite all the difficulties encountered, ended in victory on August 30, 1922. Thus, the “August 30th Victory” has been etched in golden letters in our history as one of the symbols of our beloved nation’s determination to protect its independence and future.

This victory, the result of an epic struggle waged despite all the hardships, poverty, and impossibilities, heralded the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Our duty today is to protect our homeland and our Republic, entrusted to us by our ancestors, with the same awareness and spirit, and to work with all our might for the development of our country.

I commemorate with gratitude and respect all the heroes of the War of Independence who made this land our homeland, especially Commander-in-Chief Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, who gifted us this great victory, and our precious martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our country, and I express my gratitude to our veterans.

I congratulate all members of the Turkish Armed Forces, who selflessly serve for the integrity of our homeland and the independence of our nation, as well as our nation and my fellow citizens of Erzurum and Istanbul, on the 30th August Victory Day, and offer my respect and love.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding and a philanthropic businessman, issued a message on the occasion of the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt.

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

It’s August, and the day is Friday.

Before sunrise to the land of Rum

The Grey Wolves army launched an attack.

The heavens thundered with renewed fervor.

Oh God… In the name of God… God is Great…

955 years ago today, the Turkish army, led by Sultan Alparslan, who had sworn to save his homeland and was prepared to become a martyr, defeated the Byzantine army, which was four times larger than its own, thus opening the gates of Anatolia wide to the Turkish nation and making it an eternal homeland.

Sultan Alparslan’s victory at Malazgirt, which made Anatolia the homeland, was far more than just a military success. This victory was not only a battle won against a vastly larger Byzantine army, but also the first step on the road to the founding of the Republic of Turkey.

Sultan Alparslan, the great Seljuk ruler, demonstrated his determination and resolve with these words to his soldiers as he began the Battle of Manzikert: “My soldiers! If I become a martyr, let this white garment be my shroud. Then my soul will ascend to the heavens.” Sultan Alparslan, whose just and merciful rule served as an example for subsequent statesmen, also pioneered an understanding based on peace, tolerance, and love in the Anatolian lands.

We are the descendants of Sultan Alparslan, who faced a Byzantine army of two hundred thousand at Malazgirt and bestowed this victory upon us. The Victory of Malazgirt, a symbol of Turkishness, faith, reason, and strength, remains vibrant in the heart of our nation even after centuries. As we carry our Republic towards brighter tomorrows, the strength we derive from our past will always guide us.

I commemorate with mercy and gratitude all our martyrs who drank the cup of martyrdom for the unity, solidarity, independence, future, and indivisible integrity of the Turkish nation; our veterans; and our ancestors who preserved and glorified our state tradition, from Sultan Alparslan to Osman Gazi, from Fatih to Atatürk. I celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt, and I wish for our beloved nation to live in unity and solidarity, free and independent forever. I greet my esteemed fellow citizens with respect and affection.

Happy Victory Day!

May our homeland endure forever.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

We are honored and delighted to celebrate the 106th anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and the 23rd April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, a gift from Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the children.

April 23, 1920, the date on which the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, one of the most fundamental institutions of our state, was opened with the understanding that “Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation,” is the date when our beloved nation, with all its children from young to old, rose again and declared its independence to the whole world through its selfless struggle for its nation, state, flag, call to prayer, and independence.

The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is a crucial turning point that paved the way for the liberation of the Turkish nation, which was in the midst of a fiery ordeal, and for the declaration of its republic. It is a moment when the people asserted their sovereignty, new hopes blossomed, and new horizons opened for our country. Gazi Mustafa Kemal, who entrusted the republic he founded to our youth, the guarantors of the future, also gifted April 23rd as a holiday to the children he loved so much.

Atatürk’s decision to dedicate this day as a holiday to children is the most important indicator of the value and trust he placed in them. It is also one of our most important duties to raise our children, who are the guarantee of a strong and happy future, as knowledgeable, productive, hardworking, and successful individuals who are wholeheartedly devoted to their country, nation, and national and spiritual values.

On this occasion, I commemorate with respect and gratitude the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and his comrades-in-arms, as well as all the heroes of our War of Independence, our martyrs, and our veterans who sacrificed their lives for the survival of our homeland and nation.

“I congratulate all our children on April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, and with the hope that this holiday will bring happiness to the children of our country and the world, I wish them a future as pure and innocent as their hearts, filled with love, kindness, and success.”

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: April 21, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

As a nation, we are filled with joy at celebrating another Ramadan, a time when beauty and goodness abound, when those who are estranged reconcile, and when feelings of brotherhood, friendship, mutual assistance, and solidarity reach their peak.

Spiritual and national holidays are the most beautiful opportunities when the values ​​that make us human are intensely experienced, beautiful feelings and thoughts reach their highest level, grudges are forgotten, love and respect are amplified, and everyone looks at each other with tolerance. Holidays, which hold great meaning for all of us, strengthen our unity and solidarity, and create an atmosphere of friendship and peace, should be celebrated in accordance with their meaning and importance. Especially in these critical times, we should remember our responsibilities towards each other and our country even more.

With these feelings and thoughts, I sincerely congratulate all my fellow citizens of Erzurum and Istanbul on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, and I hope that this holiday will be an occasion for peace, love, and brotherhood for all humanity. With love and respect.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: March 18, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

“We are experiencing the excitement and joy of reaching the blessed month of Ramadan, the sultan of eleven months, a time of mercy, blessings, and forgiveness that the Islamic world has been eagerly awaiting.”

This month is a sacred month in which our holy book, the Quran, began to be revealed, and in which we observe the fast.

During this holy month, tending to the wounds of our poor and needy brothers and sisters, sitting at the same table regardless of wealth or poverty, age or youth, and standing side by side will make our unity and solidarity more meaningful and stronger.

Furthermore, during these precious days, we should pay even more attention to not neglecting our precious Martyr Families, our heroic Veterans, mothers, fathers, and all our elders, who are the legacy of our revered martyrs.

I pray to Almighty God that in this month of mercy and forgiveness, filled with blessings, He will not withhold love from our hearts, abundance from our tables, and peace and happiness from our homes; that He will grant us many more beautiful days where friendship, peace, and brotherhood prevail; and that He will accept our fasting and our acts of worship.

With these feelings and thoughts, I congratulate all my fellow citizens from Erzurum and Istanbul, our beloved nation, and the entire Islamic world on the blessed month of Ramadan.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: February 16, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

We are observing the blessed Night of Berat, a night of mercy and forgiveness, together in peace and joy that fills our hearts.

Berat (the Night of Forgiveness) enables Muslims to attain divine grace and blessings, to live with a sense of servitude to God, to be purified from sins, to be forgiving as well as to be forgiven, and to develop a consciousness of pardoning alongside being pardoned.

The Night of Berat prepares us for the month of Ramadan, whose shadow falls upon us, by constantly reflecting on our servitude to God, drawing us closer to Him, strengthening our resolve to obey His commands and prohibitions, and illuminating our darkened hearts.

To benefit from the blessings and grace of this night, and to attain divine mercy and forgiveness, we should consider this night of pardon and salvation as an opportunity.

On the occasion of the Night of Berat, I pray to Almighty God that we may enter the month of Ramadan with hearts cleansed of all mistakes and sins, having received His forgiveness. I congratulate the Night of Berat of our dear nation and the entire Islamic world, especially my esteemed fellow citizens of Erzurum and Istanbul.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: January 30, 2026

Asaf Atasoy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asfa Holding, included the following statements in his message;

‘We are experiencing the joy of once again celebrating the blessed Miraj Night, which is filled with many divine blessings and graces. Miraj, one of the miracles of our Prophet, where religious feelings reach their highest level and God’s mercy is abundantly bestowed upon believers, is the Prophet’s acceptance into the exalted presence of God Almighty and, through him, an unlimited ascent opened before humanity.’

On this blessed night, when our hearts are filled with extraordinary joy, we should strive to understand the meaning of our Prophet’s blessed journey and fulfill our duties as human beings. Taking advantage of the spiritual atmosphere of the Miraj Night, we should eliminate our conflicts, grudges, and resentments, open our hands and hearts to everyone we can reach, and strive to ensure that the atmosphere of love and peace of mind demanded by our noble religion is maintained, that our brotherhood and unity are strengthened, and that human and moral virtues are always kept alive.

“With these feelings, I congratulate our citizens of Erzurum and Istanbul, and the entire Islamic world, on the blessed Miraj Night, and I pray to Almighty God that it will be a means for all humanity to be elevated with high values,” he said.

Abdullah Yiğit – Istanbul

Last Update: January 13, 2026