'Anadolu Agency pioneer of independent press globally'

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA (AA) - Anadolu Agency completing 100 years is "a milestone in the history of journalism," Indian journalists said while noting its role for independent press in the developing world.

In a congratulatory message on its centenary anniversary of the Turkish agency, the Press Association of India also recalled the role it played during the Turkish War of Independence in 1920.

"In fact, founded in 1920, Anadolu Agency was not only a harbinger of the Turkish War of Independence but a pioneer of independent press for the developing world," said C.K. Nayak, general secretary of the association. "Since then, Anadolu Agency's witnessing to all stages of the National Struggle, the War of Liberation and reforms of the Republic with an unexampled organizational chart unheard in those days.”

"We understand Anadolu Agency always stands for peace, accuracy and all nuances of modern ethical journalism. The agency also treats its human resources as its spirit. The Press Association in India wishes all the best to Anadolu Agency and its staff members," the statement read.

- Anadolu Agency highlights positive image of Afghanistan

In a separate congratulatory message, the Peace and Human Rights Organization in Afghanistan hailed the "quality journalism” of Anadolu Agency.

"In its coverage, Anadolu Agency has maintained quality journalism with impartiality away from sensationalism as its hallmark," said Nezamuddin Katawazi, president of the rights body.

"The good thing about the Turkish news agency is its global outreach and a special focus on regional countries," he said, adding, "And, Afghanistan – as a country with longstanding historic and cultural ties with Turkey, is happy to have a voice that powerful by its side."

Afghan author and political analyst Tair Zaland also noted the Agency has been "at the forefront reporting with accuracy and responsibility from Afghanistan and the rest of the world over all these years."

"I particularly hail Anadolu Agency in highlighting the positive image and bringing to limelight the developments in Afghanistan as well as its immense potential in its coverage to the rest of the world rather than zooming in on just the negatives. I congratulate the AA management and journalists as well as its readers a prosperous future," he said.

The Turkey-based international news agency is celebrating its 100th anniversary as it was officially launched on April 6, 1920, 17 days before the Turkish Grand National Assembly convened for the first time.

It announced the first legislation passed by the assembly, which established the Republic of Turkey.

Since its foundation, Anadolu Agency has worked to disseminate factual news across the globe with confidence, impartiality, professionalism, and speed.

As a global news agency, Anadolu Agency is among the 10 most influential media outlets in the world, providing its subscribers in more than 90 countries thousands of news stories, photos, videos, infographics, and other information-based content through its global network of correspondents and photojournalists in 100 countries.

*Iftikhar Gilani from Ankara, Turkey and Shadi Khan Saif from Kabul, Afghanistan contributed to this story.