The run-off vote is set for May 28 as neither candidate secured an absolute majority in the initial round of the Turkish presidential elections. The incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received 49.5 percent of the vote, surpassing the opposition candidate Kılıçdaroğlu, who received 44.9 percent.

Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, who was elected as an AK Party deputy for Istanbul, is actively working to gather support for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the upcoming presidential run-off.

As part of his efforts, Yapıcıoğlu met with the industrialists in Başakşehir-İkitelli Organized Industrial Zone in Istanbul.

During his visit to a company in the energy sector, Yapıcoğlu addressed inquiries and appealed for votes on behalf of President Erdoğan on May 28.

Yapıcıoğlu emphasized the importance of protecting individuals' rights and freedoms while fostering unity among citizens, stating:

“The Messenger of Allah sets an example for us. He was expelled from his homeland by his own relatives in Mecca, and he migrated to Madina. Eventually, he returned to Mecca as a victorious leader. He asked them, 'What do you expect me to do with you?' The Prophet's response was, 'I will do as my brother Yusuf (Joseph) did. Go, you are free.' Prophet Yusuf was thrown into a well by his brothers and later sold as a slave. The story of his life took a turn when his brothers threw him into the well. Eventually, he gained power in Egypt, and his brothers found themselves in need of him. Yet, he forgave them. These examples alone should suffice for us to understand that every nation can rise again by staying connected to its roots. We cannot progress by abandoning our traditions, customs, and thousand-year history. Just like a tree with its roots uprooted and left on a rock withers away, we need to stay grounded. Like a plane tree that provides shade and branches, we believe that returning to our roots will bring us freedom and independence, as stated in our party program. Not only can we save ourselves, but we can also become the beacon of hope and salvation for those who are eagerly awaiting a savior. Achieving this is not as difficult as it may seem. However, it requires faith followed by diligent action. The ones who will construct the future are those who are willing to relinquish their comfort today.”

“Let's plant seeds of love and brotherhood everywhere. Let's reject anything that fuels animosity and division among us. We won't impose our dominance. We are all descendants of Adam, united by our common humanity. Secondly, we mostly share the same faith and face the same direction in prayer. It is our shared foundation, the glue that binds us,” Yapıcıoğlu added.

Concluding his visit, Yapıcıoğlu urged the citizens to cast their votes for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the upcoming presidential run-off election scheduled for 28 May. (ILKHA)