Ankara: Anadolu, founded on April 6, 1920, at the directive of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during the Turkish War of Independence, is celebrating its 106th anniversary. Established to keep the public informed amid provocations that could undermine national unity, Anadolu played a pivotal role in announcing decisions that shaped the national struggle.
According to Anadolu Agency, the establishment of Anadolu came at a crucial time during the Turkish War of Independence. Following the de facto occupation of Istanbul, intellectuals Yunus Nadi (Abalioglu) and Halide Edip (Adivar), traveling to Anatolia to join the resistance, discussed the idea of founding a news agency. This discussion took place at the Geyve-Akhisar (Pamukova) Train Station during a stop en route to Ankara, which would become the Republic of Trkiye's capital.
The name "Anadolu Agency" was chosen after considering other options like 'Turk,' 'Ankara,' and 'Anatolia.' The idea was presented to Mustafa Kemal Pasha (later Ataturk) after a dinner at the Ziraat School, which served as his headquarters. Anadolu was officially established on April 6, 1920, following Pasha's instructions.
A circular dated April 8, 1920, signed by 'Mustafa Kemal,' announced the establishment of Anadolu nationwide. This circular emphasized the importance of informing both domestic and international audiences about the ongoing struggle. Initially written in Ottoman Turkish, it outlined the necessity of providing accurate news during the national struggle across Anatolia and Rumelia.
The founding of Anadolu met with enthusiasm across Anatolia, with people closely following developments related to the National Struggle and the government in Ankara. After Mustafa Kemal's circular, congratulatory telegrams poured into Ankara, expressing readiness to support the agency's bulletin distribution.
Despite challenging conditions, Anadolu published its first reports on April 12, 1920. These initial bulletins outlined the country's situation and emphasized the agency's mission to disseminate accurate news. The bulletins were widely shared, posted at telegraph offices, and distributed down to districts and villages.
Efforts to ensure the wide distribution of Anadolu's reports were paramount. A circular on April 18, 1920, described negligence in distributing bulletins as a 'crime against the homeland,' and another on May 5, 1920, called for ensuring bulletins reached even remote areas. Anadolu's reports were also distributed to the Anatolian press to strengthen resistance against Allied pressures and occupation attempts.
Today, Anadolu is ranked among the world's most influential and respected news agencies. It covers real-time developments from active regions and is known for its strong visual content. Providing news, photos, and videos in 13 languages, Anadolu is followed globally.
Anadolu recently launched a Turkish Sign Language social media channel, 'Eller Konusur,' to provide reliable news to the hearing impaired. Operating 24/7 through its global network, Anadolu has 84 offices across Trkiye's provinces and 38 offices abroad. It continues to expand its international presence, cooperating with 49 global news agencies.
As part of its mission to raise awareness, Anadolu has introduced platforms like the 'Green Line,' 'Fact Check Line,' and 'Discrimination Line.' These initiatives focus on environmental issues, combatting disinformation, and addressing discrimination-related issues, contributing to Anadolu's role as a key global reference source.