Erdogan celebrates Anadolu Agency's 99th anniversary

By Ilkay Guder

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish president celebrated Anadolu Agency's 99th anniversary of establishment on Saturday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his message that he celebrated the anniversary of Anadolu Agency founded on April 6, 1920.

"I celebrate the 99th anniversary of establishment of Anadolu Agency making our country heard by the globe since the Turkish War of Independence to current day," he said.

The history of Anadolu Agency is almost identical to that of the Republic of Turkey.

Having been founded on April 6, 1920 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk -- founding father of Turkish Republic --, Anadolu Agency helped announce the first legislation by the Assembly that established the Republic.

Anadolu Agency witnessed all stages of the National Struggle, the War of Liberation and reforms of the Republic.

- Anadolu Agency today

Regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious news agencies, Anadolu Agency currently produces news in 13 languages and serves 6,000 subscribers in 93 countries, with at least 3,000 employees stationed in 100 countries.

Anadolu Agency on average publishes 1,600 stories, 2,300 photos, six infographics, 400 videos and airs 15 live broadcasts daily.

The agency has been striving to be among the most effective news agencies as it approaches its centenary, which will be celebrated in April 2020.

It currently produces news in Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, French, Spanish, Kurdish/Kurmanji, Kurdish/Sorani, Persian, Indonesian, Bosnian, Albanian and Macedonian.

The agency has a unique standing in the world with its news and powerful visuals broadcast from the most compelling regions of the world.

The agency has 41 offices worldwide and representative offices in 100 countries. Its social media accounts are followed by 9 million people.

Anadolu Agency maintains the "master/apprentice doctrine", which is increasingly being put aside in the journalistic profession. The doctrine has been revived through practical training at the Anadolu Agency News Academy founded in 2011.

Providing training in many fields -- including war journalism -- Anadolu Agency also guides beginners with its fundamental guide for reporters and handbook for war journalism.