Early Tuesday, a devastating fire tore through a 12-story hotel at a popular ski resort in northwestern Türkiye, claiming the lives of at least 66 people.

Türkiye will observe a day of national mourning on Wednesday following a tragic fire that broke out in a hotel in Bolu province, resulting in the deaths of at least 66 people, as announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The president extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, offering prayers for their peace and wishing for a speedy recovery for those injured. He assured the public that those responsible for the disaster, whether through negligence or misconduct, would be held accountable.

“This is a time for solidarity, unity, and compassion—not for political debates,” President Erdogan emphasized, calling on all sectors, including political figures, the media, and local governments, to respect the nation’s grief during this difficult period.

The president concluded his statement by expressing his hope that Türkiye would be spared from such devastating tragedies in the future and wished strength and patience to the grieving families.

The fire broke out early Tuesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel, a 12-story building located at a popular ski resort in northwestern Türkiye. At least 66 people were confirmed dead, and 51 others were injured in the blaze, which took place at the hotel in Kartalkaya, in the Koroglu mountains of Bolu province, approximately 300 kilometers east of Istanbul.

In addition to the fire tragedy, President Erdogan addressed the ongoing situation in Syria, calling on both the Arab and Islamic world to prioritize Syria’s recovery, urging Western nations to lift the sanctions imposed on the war-torn country. His remarks were made during his address following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Regarding the Gaza ceasefire, President Erdogan condemned Israel, stating that the images of prisoner exchanges reveal the true values of those who respect human dignity and those who disregard it. He emphasized, "Our brothers and sisters in Gaza have paid a heavy price, but they have neither bowed to violence nor surrendered to the policy of massacre."

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to advancing efforts for lasting peace in the region, viewing the ceasefire in Gaza as an opportunity to promote further peace initiatives.