Turkish Journalist's Book Wins London Peace Journalism Award

The international jury awarded 11 individuals and institutions across 11 different categories, with the work standing out for its contributions to truth-focused journalism, the preservation of historical memory, and peace journalism. The book examines significant turning points of the last century — from the information front of the National Struggle to Bosnia, and from Gaza to today's debates on disinformation and artificial intelligence — through the perspective of journalistic testimony. Based on Çelik's professional experience and his observations and testimonies in various crisis regions, the work reached readers with its expanded second edition after the first print run quickly sold out.

In his assessment, Çelik stated that the international jury's evaluation of the book not merely as an institutional history but through journalism's universal role in protecting truth, keeping memory alive, and building bridges of peace between societies carried great significance. Çelik also expressed that the award placed a new responsibility on him, saying, "This award showed that we produced a correct and meaningful work centered on truth. The international recognition of our work increases our responsibility while also giving us courage for our future endeavors.

Noting that he dedicated the award to the sacred memory of journalists who lost their lives while trying to convey the truth to the world in Gaza, Çelik said, "This award is the honor of the truth that was sought to be silenced and of all journalists who put their lives on the line for it. Since Çelik could not attend the ceremony in London, journalist Hülya Özkoyuncu received the award on his behalf. The "Yüzyılın Tanığı" book was deemed worthy of the "International Excellence in Peace Journalism and Media Award" within the scope of the International Humanitarian Peace Award 2026.