Botan International Honored with Prestigious "Press Freedom Award"

DIYARBAKIR — The Southeast Journalists Association (GGC) has awarded its annual Press Freedom Award to Botan International in recognition of the organization's outstanding contributions to independent journalism, Kurdish-language media, and freedom of expression.

The announcement was made during the 40th edition of the GGC’s "Journalists of the Year" ceremony, a landmark regional event that honors exceptional journalistic achievements and presents special accolades to impactful media organizations and figures.

In its official statement, the GGC selection committee praised the media development agency’s comprehensive support system for local reporters:

"Botan International has provided robust support to press freedom through its dedicated work for independent journalism, Kurdish media, and freedom of expression. By establishing a free production studio, offering co-working spaces, providing essential journalism equipment, and conducting professional training, the organization has strengthened the production capacity of journalists operating under challenging conditions. It has opened new pathways for young media professionals and bolstered multilingual journalism, making it highly deserving of the Press Freedom Award."

A Hub for Independent Journalism

Founded in 2020 by journalist and media executive Murat Bayram, Botan International has grown into a vital institutional pillar for independent media in the region. In 2021, the organization launched a free-to-use media studio in partnership with Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Over the past four years, the facility has served 19 media outlets and 55 freelance journalists, hosting the production of more than 400 programs annually. The initiative also grants journalists and media students free access to vital field equipment, including cameras, microphones, and tripods.

Capacity building remains central to the organization’s mission. As of 2026, Botan International has conducted 102 professional training programs, benefiting more than 500 participants. Beyond technical skills, the agency partnered with RSF to pioneer a specialized psychological support program for trauma-exposed journalists, providing targeted care to 11 reporters over a one-year period in collaboration with psychiatrist Dr. Erkan Kakdaş.

Digital Expansion and Global Engagement

The organization has also driven significant digital journalism growth. In 2023, backed by the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) and the Chrest Foundation, Botan International scaled its digital news platform, Botan Times. The project engaged 36 writers, two editors, and two reporters, building an extensive Kurdish-language media archive that currently features 356 podcast episodes, 1,100 YouTube video programs, and over 4,000 specialized articles and news reports.

Following these initiatives, Botan International solidified its international standing by becoming a permanent partner of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in 2023.

Today, the organization serves as a key regional briefing hub, hosting at least 15 diplomatic delegations and 20 international researchers annually seeking analysis on freedom of expression and contemporary Kurdish media trends. Representatives from the organization also participate in at least 10 international journalism summits per year.

To date, Botan International has successfully executed 18 internationally funded media development projects under Bayram's coordination, and is currently managing its 19th initiative.