Türkiye receives 1,076 petitions in May as citizens call for military service for women
Citizens submitted 1,076 petitions to the Turkish Parliament's Petition Committee in May, including calls for mandatory military service for women, installment payments for paid military service and a tax on adopted cats and dogs, according to the committee's monthly activity report.
The report showed that applications covered a broad range of issues, including labor rights, social security, justice, taxation and public policy. Of the total petitions, 163 were submitted by women, while the highest number originated from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Among the proposals was a request to introduce compulsory military service for women upon reaching the age of 20. Other submissions called for allowing paid military service fees to be paid in installments, granting tax exemptions to large families and providing free internet quotas to all citizens.
Additional petitions sought legal protections for parents caring for sick children, social security premium support for homemakers, a tax on long-vacant homes and incentives to encourage rental housing.
Some applicants proposed banning wedding and engagement ceremonies, arguing that they create excessive economic and social burdens, while others called for a ban on the construction of statues.
More controversial submissions included demands to prohibit gender reassignment procedures and revoke citizenship from individuals who undergo gender transition.
Petition Committee Chair and ruling AK Party lawmaker Sunay Karamik said the applications reflected the concerns and expectations of different segments of society and contributed to strengthening democratic participation.
"The petitions submitted to our committee have reflected the problems and expectations of different segments of society, creating an important data source for us," Karamik said.
She added that growing use of Türkiye's e-government platform had made the petition process more accessible and encouraged citizens to participate more directly in governance.
Türkiye signs first-ever warship export deal with NATO, EU member Romania
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Türkiye has exported a warship to a NATO and European Union member state for the first time, following a naval vessel agreement with Romania.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command, Erdogan said the sale of the offshore patrol vessel CAm. Roman to the Romanian Naval Forces marked a significant milestone for Türkiye's defense industry.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan attended the event, where the leaders also oversaw the commissioning of the Turkish Navy's offshore patrol vessel TCG Kochisar.
Erdogan said the vessels would contribute to the security of both countries, the Black Sea region and the NATO alliance.
Defense exports and naval expansion
Highlighting Türkiye's growing defense capabilities, Erdogan said the country had become the world's 11th-largest defense exporter and recorded nearly $1 billion in defense and aerospace exports last month.
He stated that Türkiye has exported more than 140 naval platforms worldwide and is currently building over 50 warships, including more than 15 for allied and partner nations.
According to Erdogan, ongoing naval projects are valued at approximately $28 billion and include platforms ranging from frigates and submarines to offshore patrol vessels and unmanned naval systems.
The president also emphasized expanding defense cooperation with Romania, describing the corvette deal as a symbol of the two NATO allies' commitment to regional security and Black Sea stability.
Reaffirming Ankara's broader foreign policy approach, Erdogan said Türkiye seeks peace, stability and cooperation while remaining determined to protect its sovereignty and national interests.
Source:AA
