Former media attaché at the Turkish Consulate in Jeddah, Bahauddin Akyun, praised the remarkable transformation witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing it as stunning. He said: 'This year I had the opportunity to return again to the city of Jeddah, where I worked from 2012 to 2022. Additionally, praise be to God, I frequently visit Mecca, Medina, and Taif, where I observed a series of observations, foremost among them the cleanliness and organization of the advanced transportation network. The level of cleanliness, organization, urban planning, advanced transport networks, aesthetic architecture, and the capabilities and services provided to Umrah performers and visitors have reached a remarkable level that is noticeable from the first glance, particularly the progress achieved by Jeddah as an example, being the gateway for pilgrims and Umrah performers, becoming one of the most important major cities in the world.'

Akyun added: 'There is no doubt that Saudi Arabia has a different story in its development journey. The comprehensive transformation projects implemented in recent years have resulted in significant changes in many fields, from infrastructure and tourism to urban planning and technology.'

In this context, it is clearly evident that the reform and development projects launched under the reign of His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud have had a great impact on the Kingdom's features and public image in various fields, with a transformation and development worthy of appreciation and praise.

Attention to modern cities and spiritual values

simultaneously

Akyun considered Saudi Arabia today one of the fastest-growing and developing countries in the world, and as a reflection of that, investments based on the concept of modern urban planning go hand in hand with attention to historical and spiritual values. He said: 'Huge projects and works have been implemented to enable millions of guests of the Most Merciful coming to perform Hajj and Umrah to perform their worship in a safer, more comfortable, and more organized environment, and development and improvement works continue to this day. My return to this land, where I worked for many years, gave me the opportunity to compare the past and the present. The truth is that the change I witnessed in the level of cleanliness, organization, quality of services, and beauty of the cities was a great source of happiness for me and for millions of Muslims around the world. It is now possible to see the effects of this new approach everywhere, and one cannot but celebrate this achievement. Hence, I extend my congratulations on what has been accomplished.'

Akyun continued: 'The Kingdom is attracting increasing international attention. Urban development is not achieved merely by constructing skyscrapers, but requires planning, vision, will, and determination. The projects implemented in the Kingdom in recent years have contributed to enhancing the Kingdom's presence and status internationally. Today, the Kingdom has become the focus of attention and interest of the entire world.'

He added: 'After years, as I walked again in the same streets, the strongest feeling I had was that change is possible. Through proper planning, long-term goals, and steady and continuous implementation, cities, and even countries, can acquire a completely different beauty and urban character. Saudi Arabia has succeeded in achieving that, and I hope it proceeds towards more advanced and distinguished levels.' Akyun pointed out that relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia are not limited to political and diplomatic aspects but have increasingly moved towards a more comprehensive strategic economic partnership, including trade, investment, energy, environment, defense industries, contracting, and tourism.

The goal of raising the volume of trade exchange, which reached about $8.6 billion in 2025, to $10 billion in the first phase, and then to $30 billion later, reflects the desire to elevate economic relations in the coming period to levels far exceeding their current level. I hope these beautiful developments continue, and I look forward to the continuation of these services and projects provided for the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites, and the sacred areas.

Akyun concluded his remarks by saying: 'I believe that Saudi Arabia, thanks to the vision brought by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will achieve more distinguished projects and accomplishments on its path towards achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.'

Bahauddin Akyun