The cup and certificate of Coruş, who could not attend the big ceremony in Paris due to visa problems, were sent to Turkey by cargo, but were stuck in the customs process. While the prosecution that the prize was destroyed at customs due to the incorrect translation of the English e-mail from the race administration hit the agenda like a bombshell, the truth was revealed with the rapid intervention of the Ministry of Commerce. Ministry officials stated that the award was not destroyed and that the process was continuing at customs, and they accelerated the process and took action to deliver the plaque to the young photographer.

• Visa Crisis and Customs Mania:The awards of Mehmet Emin Coruş, who went to the award ceremony held in Paris, France, because he could not obtain a visa, were sent to Turkey by cargo, but were stuck in customs procedures.

• Translation Flaw Misled:The faulty translation of the English information e-mail from the

• The Ministry Came into Action:Minister of Commerce Prof. Dr. Under the instructions of Ömer Bolat, the process at customs is being examined; It is determined that the reward has not been destroyed and is quickly delivered to its owner through the Provincial Directorate of Commerce.

That Square and Visa Barrier that Amazed the World

The Huawei In the competition, where Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers and respected names such as Paris Photo Manager Florence Bourgeois were included in the delegation, Mehmet Emin Coruş, who participated from Tokat’s Pazar district, was chosen second in the world with the fascinating shot he took with his Huawei Mate 10 Pro mobile phone.

The photo that was deemed worthy of the award; It is about a farmer who carries a newborn buffalo calf to a shelter to protect it from the freezing cold, and the mother buffalo who follows them without taking her eyes off her calf. Coruş, who perfectly conveys the pure and silent bond between humans, animals and nature on his viewfinder, unfortunately cannot attend the ceremony held at the famous Grand Palais hall in Paris, France, because he cannot obtain a visa. While he shares his feelings by sending a video message to the ceremony, his physical awards, the cup and certificate, are on their way to Türkiye by mail.

How did the “Destroyed at Customs” claim come about?

The cup and certificate, which entered Turkish customs in February, are stuck in standard control processes. Although the young photographer tries to explain in his meetings with customs officials that this is not a commercial or electronic work, but just a certificate of achievement, the process takes longer. Thereupon, he contacts the global XMAGE organization that organizes the competition.

When the e-mail sent by the company, which is a status report in English, is translated into Turkish using digital translation tools, a harsh and unfounded statement appears, such as “your reward has been destroyed.” This statement of the photographer, who announced the situation to the public and social media with his great sadness and disappointment, soon created a great impact in the technology and art world.

Ministry of Commerce is Gaining Speed ​​Like Speed

Following the news that “the international award was destroyed at customs” on social media and news sites, the Ministry of Commerce takes action without delay. Minister of Commerce Prof. Dr. Customs archives and classification warehouses are being examined instantly under the direct instructions of Ömer Bolat. As a result of the official investigations, it was determined that the award was not destroyed at all and has been safely preserved in the warehouse within the scope of legal processes since February.

Making a statement on the subject, Provincial Director of Commerce Ali Osman Sakar says that with the involvement of the ministry, the award delivery process has been officially accelerated. The authorities contacted Mehmet Emin Coruş and convey Minister Bolat’s greetings to the artist who successfully represents Türkiye in the international arena, and also faithfully delivers his reward. This crisis, which resulted from a complete language and translation error, has a pleasant ending thanks to the sensitive approach of the state levels. The young photographer also expressed his great relief when he learned that his award was not lost and expresses his gratitude to everyone who contributed.