Portraits from the History of the Chamber of Architects: C. Sami Yılmaztürk

What we are experiencing is not just a problem for the leaders of professional chambers; it is a problem for Turkey’s future. In conditions where the opposition, and increasingly society as a whole, is being silenced, we have never hesitated to express our thoughts, and for this reason, we have faced threats and pressures, as we do today. Our belief is firm that architects, as one of the most progressive segments of society, will continue to demonstrate the will to protect the future of the country, as they always have. I congratulate all our colleagues who have taken on and aspired to roles, not just to defend their professional rights but also to protect the future of our country, against the darkness created today. Knowing that we can overcome all the negative processes we experience nationwide with the broadest social solidarity, and the problems in our professional field by drawing strength from our professional solidarity that embraces all architects, with the least harm, gives us hope for the future. (Sami Yılmaztürk)