Almanac 2021

The year 2021 witnessed many significant developments whose effects will continue to be felt in the coming years.

The COVID-19 pandemic remained the dominant issue throughout the year. While the international community launched a global vaccination campaign, the emergence of new variants underscored the need for a determined fight on all fronts. In this challenging period, Türkiye developed its own domestic vaccine, Turkovac, joining the ranks of a select few countries able to offer a locally developed vaccine to their citizens.

Global economic conditions also worsened due to the pandemic, rising commodity prices, and disruptions in supply chains. As a consequence, mass protests erupted in various parts of the world. One of the year’s most striking events occurred at the start of January, when supporters of then-U.S. President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. This incident, taking place during the transition to President Joe Biden’s administration, produced dramatic images that left a mark on the history of democracy.

In the Middle East, Anadolu Ajansı (AA) played a leading role in reporting developments --particularly Israel’s airstrikes on Palestine-- through written and visual content for the global audience.

The year 2021 also saw intensified effects of global warming and the climate crisis. Record-breaking temperatures were recorded in many regions during the summer, while devastating floods and wildfires swept across numerous areas, including Türkiye and other Mediterranean countries.

The U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, which began in 2001, came to an end on August 30, 2021, after President Joe Biden ordered the withdrawal of American troops. The events of this withdrawal left behind unforgettable images.

This almanac serves as a visual and written chronicle and summary of the defining events of 2021, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic.