Journalists And Writers Foundation

to

wa

rd

s

un

iv

er

sa

l

pe

ac

e

www.gyv.org.tr

Tophanelioğlu Caddesi, Aygün Sokak,Altunizade Plaza No: 4 AltunizadeÜsküdar - İstanbul / TÜRKİYETel: +90 (216) 339 91 96Fax: +90 (216) 339 91 49E-mail: [email protected]

Journalists and Writers Foundation

5Journalists and Writers Foundation

5

Journalısts And Wrıters Foundatıon

JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION4

ABANT PLATFORM14

INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE PLATFORM24

MEDIALOG PLATFORM32

CULTURE AND ART PLATFORM38

WOMEN’S PLATFORM42

JWF RESEARCH CENTER44

50BREAKING-THE FAST DINNERS

53AWARDS CEREMONIES

58DIALOGUE STEPS

64REFLECTIONS IN HEARTS

76PUBLICATIONS

CONTENTS


The most urgent problems facing humankind today are charac-terized by their spiritual, humanistic aspects, rather than their economic and material properties. Today’s generations are anxi-

ous because they have not fully developed their human faculties. Of necessity, they have not been able to share their spiritual gifts with one another, and have become uneasy due to this poverty of love. If contemporary architects of knowledge intend to establish a new world, love must be the principle of this world.

The human inhabitants of this new world must approach every li-ving and material being with love. They must embrace everyone and everything with love, and examine the world through eyes cleansed by love. A person of love is above all a real individual, who begins by ordering and purifying himself without expectation of any external benefit. In doing so, he believes that he has taken a crucial step for universal harmony. Such a path of love is both difficult and remar-kably simple. It is difficult because it requires human consistency; it is easy because the ability to believe that everything contributes to one’s realization and the capacity to embrace everything with compas-sion is already existent in humankind. In this respect, the spiritual profundity of Islam is an inexhaustible treasure for us. By evaluating this treasure correctly, we can establish a new world based upon dia-logue and love above all. Because love is already the most ineluctable aspect of our society. . .

If, every day, we are able to increase our love for our surroundings, and, as much as possible, for all of existence, if we are able to mini-mize our hatred, we will be able to attain a world of human warmth and sympathy that has not yet been realized.

M. Fethullah GülenHonorary Presıdent

Love and Dialogue


3

MustaFa YeşilCHaırman of tHe Board Dialogue is Necessary

W e are on the verge of a new millenia, which is ending the age of mono-logue, where everyone speaks of their own culture versus “the other.”

The world is getting smaller, and we are now able to communicate with eachother with ease.

This is the reality of the world we are living in; therefore it is our duty, in the name of human happiness, to sit down at a table of equality and discuss what we have to offer in regards to religion, nationality, and cultural values.

Dialogue is a way of life for the majority and those who represent power; it is not meant to defend the rights, culture and beliefs of the minority against the majority, but to sustain justice and peace in a humane world.

In a world of obvious distance, our dialogue depicts “Understanding and accepting one another’s differences.” When we look back at what was once our judgmental nature regarding “the other,” we see that a transformation has taken place; our new approach is to accept everyone for who they are... The Journalists and Writers Foundation, since the beginning of its establish-ment, continues to make this their goal!.. Just as they have not experienced any bit of doubt in what they do, they will not subjugate their friends to any bit of doubt either. In the foundation of a democratic lifestyle, acknowledging beauty in what is different is the most fundamental groundwork... Always thinking, “My way is the right way,” and closing ourselves off to other ideas and wonders, rather than taking part in dialogue only creates monologue... And monologue creates discrimination!...

For this reason, dialogue is both an incentive and a goal. In order to main-tain this positive atmosphere, there must be more dialogue in the name of tolerance, recognition and love.


4

The foundation was established by a group of journalists and writers on June 29, 1994. The purpose of the foundation, first and foremost, for journalists and writers, is to actualize Turkey’s active position in dialo-

gues between different individuals and to share in debate and ideas on an intellectual level.

After approximately two years of preparation, activities began that were oriented toward other nations.

The principles of the foundation are to bring together all segments of society from different ideological and religious backgrounds to debate on any and all issues pertaining to nation and society.

Here, regardless of what ethnicity, religion, social or cultural background one is from, the aim is to expose Turkey’s current situation.

Platforms and activities were formed with the intention to implement this goal. The Platforms, which were previously chosen to be held in Tur-key, established presence in the international arena, and are now active in Washington D.C., Brussels, Paris, Cairo, Moscow, Iraq and various Cent-ral Asian countries.

Journalists and Writers

Foundation

Abant Platform

Intercultural Dialogue Platform

Medialog PlatformResearch Center

Women’s Platform

Culture & ArtPlatform

JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION

Founded: 1994

Chairman of the Board:Mustafa YEŞİL

[email protected]




5


Fethullah Gülen - Patriarch Bartholomeos I Meeting’ 1996Foundations of the interreligious dialogue in Turkey were laid in 1996, led by Fethullah Gülen. The first meeting took place in the Polat Renaissance Hotel between Fethullah Gülen and Patriarch Bartholomeos I of the Greek Orthodox Church.

This step taken in the name of interreligious dialogue, in a period when the phobia of “Islamic threat”, which developed after the “September 11” attacks, was fully widespread and the thesis of “clash of civilizations” was in great request, was carrying a universal meaning for the future of our world.

Fethullah Gülen - Pope John Paul II Meeting’ 1998The interreligious dialogue efforts initiated in Turkey by Fethullah Gülen were carried to a peak level through the meeting with Pope John Paul II, leader of the Catholic world. Vatican Embassy Representative to Istanbul, Monseigneur Georges Marovitch, was also present at the meeting.

This historic meeting took place within the framework of dialogue and mutual friendship and both sides made certain proposals. Departing from these proposals, an international symposium with the theme “Common Ancestor Abraham” witnessing the meeting of the three monotheistic reli-gions, was organized in Harran in 2000.

First Steps in Dialogue

Paying tribute to world peace and dialogue, important steps were taken by the Journalists and Writers

Foundation Honorary President, M. Fethullah

Gülen, as he engaged in interreligious dialogue with

many religious leaders, such as Pope John Paul II,

Patriarch Bartholomeos I of the Greek Orthodox Church

in Istanbul and Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel Eliyahu

Bakshi Doron.

Honorary President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, M. Fethullah Gülen, and Greek Ort-hodox Patriarch Bartholomeos I. gave warm messages at the conference. (Sept. 30, 1996)

6


7

Among the proposals made during the Fethullah Gülen-Pope John Paul II meeting was the idea of organizing conferences in various capitals of the world, primarily in the USA, again with the cooperation of the leaders of the three monotheistic religions.

The Fethullah Gülen-Pope John Paul II meeting was a most concrete ref-lection of the interreligious dialogue talks to the public, which had been talked about for years. The historic Vatican meeting widely echoed both in the Turkish and foreign press. Newspapers with high circulation rates in Turkey announced this meeting on their front pages.

The historical Vatican

meeting created

broad reverberations

in the Turkish and

world press. Turkish

newspapers with high

circulations gave first-

page coverage to the

meeting.


All For the Children of Bosnia 19.09.1995 / The Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Istanbul

In the year 1995 the whole world watched the war in Bosnia, in the middle of Europe, with sadness. Everyone did something to end the war. Despi-te that, the war lasted long. Each day hundreds of people either died or got lost in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Images left behind by the bombs dropped onto the marketplace, children crying in blood… A war watched in complete horror... When the moral and material destructions were at an irreparable level, the Journalists and Writers Foundation, main supporter of the IDP, undersigned an important project which would have a long-lasting effect and significantly contribute to peace.

Within this project, world’s football giants met together in Istanbul for the children of Bosnia. In the Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Turkish National Team Stars and the World Stars took part in a match for Bosnian children. Hearts of the ten thousands at the stadium as well as of the millions watc-hing the game live were rooting for Bosnian children and saying “All For The Children Of Bosnia.” Among those who came to watch the game were also Fethullah Gülen, organizing the event, and Maradona, indisputably one of the greatest stars of world football.

With the revenue obtained through the match, two colleges equipped with all the requirements of modern education were given as a gift to the children of Sarajevo.

Fethullah Gülen, Prime Minister at the time Tansu Çiller, Minister Ha-san Ekinci, Minister Hikmet Çetin, Minister of Health of that period Yildi-rim Aktuna, Legendary Leader of Bosnia-Herzegovina Aliya Izzet Begovitch’s wife Halide Begovitch also watched the game at the protocol gallery.

Firstly programs was starting with

a great hope

The world was

sadly following the

merciless war in

Bosnia. Actually

everyone was doing

something, but time

was passing and

taking Bosnia to a

bloodbath.

At the football match watched by Fethullah Gülen and Maradona, the hearts of tens of tho-usands of fans that filled the stadium and millions who watched on TV were beating for the Bosnian children, and they said, “Everything Is for the Bosnian Children.”

9

“Hand-in-Hand for a Happier Future”30.09.1996 / Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar Congress Center

In the Opening part of the program titled “Hand-in-Hand For Happy To-morrows,” attended by many distinguished guests, Fethullah Gülen had stated the following:

“What is being spoken is surely important, yet implementing them is even more important. His Holiness the Patriarch has showed this gentle-manliness. Although there are many things fundamental to the establish-ment of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, they have generally emp-hasized tolerance. This is what was needed; Turkey needed it, the world needed it. For over two centuries, our people have been pulled in different directions with contrasting ideas, almost towards a metamorphosis, each on its own track. Today this transformation is being experienced. Throughout this process we’ve had disputes with one another and we were the cause for separation and disintegration; we could not stand each other. We lost our accord, our own paradise. And in my opinion, gaining what we have lost so far lies in accepting one another. Actually, we have seen for the last 3 years that our society is indeed open to dialogue and tolerance. Not a single step has been left unrequited. As tolerant people accepting tolerance, with Jacob’s feelings of longing and separation in our hearts, I think of and expect the days when extremely dejected social segments such as Hosseini Kerbela will embrace one another, when our media and intellectuals will

The speeches that brought about a very colorful mosaic found great approval due to their being

full of tolerance.



play a guiding role at the point where different segments of the society will embrace each other, when those ruling us will think with a sense of toleran-ce by reviewing one more time their manner seeking to rule us; and in the name of the future I say “Hand-in-Hand With Tolerance”… If necessary, a tolerance foundation should be established at every street corner for this purpose, everyone should take a breath of tolerance. And if certain bloody plans and views are thinking to turn Turkey into a bloody arena in the name of the future, the thought of preventing and precluding these just at the stage of likelihood should be realized.”

Also during the same night, the words by Uzeyir Garih, the deceased Turkish businessman of Jewish descent, “At the moment, here, nearly an education is being given for people to love one another and build relations with one another,” as well as the words by Patriarch Bartholomeos I “Our Hodja Fethullah Gülen and I love each other a lot. For all of us, he is a symbol of peace, tolerance and values, honourable for humanity” were re-ferring to the meeting point of the meeting.

Speeches supportive of tolerance, by Vatican Representative to Istanbul Georges Marovitch, Spiritual Leader of the Catholic Congregation Louis Pelatre and Consul General of Greece Fotis Ksidas, were received with app-reciation. Forming a mosaic of many colours, the meeting was an important building stone in the name of “Peace of Civilizations”.

Honorary Presıdent of JWf

Fethullah Gülen: “I say ‘Hand-in-hand with

tolerance…’ If necessary

a foundation of tolerance

should be established on

every corner and everyone

should breathe tolerance…”

The meeting was attended by Vatican Istanbul Representative Georges Marovitch, Catholic Community Spiritual Leader Lui Pelatre, Turkish

Protestant Presbyterian Community spokesman Isa Karataş and Greek Chief Consulate Fotis Ksidas.

11

The Intercivilizational Dialogue Symposium6-7 June 1997, Istanbul

The thesis “Clash of Civilisations” by Samuel Huntington, well-known American social scientist, was being discussed almost in all scientific gathe-rings. Believing that in the relations among societies dialogue is fundamen-tal while conflict is an exception depending on the objectives of rulers who are after political and economic targets, departing from the idea of “Why Not Dialogue?” the Foundation management organised an international congress titled “Intercivilisational Dialogue” on 6-7 June 1997. Attended by many esteemed authorities from Turkey and from abroad, the meeting possessed the particularity of being the first in its theme. As much as what is being experienced in both the regional and the international arena nowa-days seems to confirm Huntington, hopeful of future, volunteers of dialo-gue continue their efforts in the direction of “Global Peace”.

The public found it meaningful

that the “Dialogue among

Civilizations” symposium was

held at a time when the famous

American social scientist

Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of

Civilizations” thesis was frequently

being debated in scientific and

intellectual gatherings.

ParticipantsTurkey: Ali Yaşar Sarıbay, Prof. Dr., Uludağ University Faculty of Economics, Bursa

Ersin Kalaycıoğlu, Prof. Dr., Boğaziçi University, Istanbul

İlber Ortaylı, Prof. Dr., Gazi University, Ankara

Latif Erdoğan, Former President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, Istanbul

Mehmet S. Aydın, Prof. Dr., Dokuz Eylül University, Dean of the Faculty of Divinity, Izmir

Mim Kemal Öke, Prof. Dr., Boğazici University, Istanbul

Mithat Baydur, Assc. Prof. Dr., Boğaziçi University, Istanbul

Süleyman Gayri Bolay, Prof. Dr., Gazi University, Ankara

Şükrü Sina Gürel, Prof. Dr., Ankara University, Ankara

Türkkaya Ataöv, Prof. Dr., Ankara University, Ankara

USABarbara Stowasser, Prof. Dr., Georgetown Universitesy Washington DC

Richard Langhorne, Prof. Dr., Center for Global Change and Governance, Newyork

Robert Royal, PhD, Ethics and Public Policy Center, Washington DC

French Stefanos Yerasimos, Prof. Dr., French Anatolian Research Instıtute

GermanyJohannes Kalter, Prof. Dr., Stuttgart Linden Museum

ItalyThomas Michel, Prof. Dr., Secretary General for Jesuits Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican



The Art of Living Together “Tolerance 700”21-22 September 1999, Istanbul

The theme of the symposium at the Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall, orga-nized within the framework of the celebrations of the 700th anniversary of the founding of the Ottoman Empire, carried the title “The Art of Living Together, Tolerance 700.”

Following the colorful symposium, a joint concert program consisting of choirs of the three celestial religions eased both minds and hearts, as well as the bridge connecting the Ottoman State to the Republic, the chemistry of living together, was recalled.

The chemistry of living

together was remembered

on the bridge connecting

the Ottoman State to the

Republic and lessons were

taken for the future.

A “Photograph of tolerance” was taken of famous people who attended the symposium like Metropo-litan Istanbul Mayor Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN, Honorary President of JWF Fethullah GÜLEN, Prof. Toktamış, Prof. Mehmet AYDIN, Cengiz ÇANDAR, Abdurrahman DILIPAK, Hayrettin KARACA, Prof. Mim Kemal ÖKE and Taha AKYOL.

13

In the scientific part of the symposium the bases of a culture of tolerance were taken up. (From left to right: Prof. Bilal ERYILMAZ, Prof Mehmet AYDIN, Monsigneur Georges Marovitch, Prof.Ahmet AKGÜNDÜZ)

That night the hymns sung by the three monothe-ist religions chorus were reflections of the culture of tolerance and living together.



From September 12th to the EU, Political Parties and DemocratizationJune 19-20, 2009 Abant-Bolu/Turkey

The 19th meeting of the Abant Platform entitled “Democratization: From September 12 to the EU, Political Parties,” which was organized in Bolu/Abant was transpired with intense interest. The subject’s legal framework, past and future were discussed under three separate sub-sessions.

Among those who participated in the meeting were State Minister and Vice-Prime Minister, Bülent Arınç; Chief Negotiator, Egemen Bağış; Mem-ber of the European Parliament, Emine Bozkurt; Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kemal Kapat; Bolu Governor, Halil Ibrahim Akpı-nar; President of the Great Union Party, Yalçın Topçu; Former President of the Democratic Party, Süleyman Soylu; President of the Rights and Free-doms Party, Bayram Bozyel; Political adviser for the Greens in the European Parliament, Ali Yurttagül.

ABANT PLATFORM

Abant Platform

Founded: 1998

term PresidentProf.Dr.Levent KÖKER

General secretarySalih YAYLACI

www.abantplatform.org

[email protected]

Making the opening address, State Minister and Asst. to the Prime Minister, Bülent Arınç, emphasized that Turkey has enough experience for becoming more democratic.

14

T he Abant Platform is a free and democratic platform where different voices can be heard within Turkey’s ideological spectrum.

In the Abant Platform, every topic is open to debate as long as it does not threaten the freedom to debate. Local and international meetings are arranged with this as its goal.

In the Abant Platform, all ideas are worthy of respect, provided they do not resort to enmity and are respectful of the platform.

Abant Platform

The universal jurisprudence

of laws pertaining to the

political process, basic

rights and freedoms in

particular, should be upheld

in accordance with the

sovereignty of the law and in

a just and impartial way.

Final Declaration Article 9:

Support for democratization came from intellectuals. (Prof. Naci Bostancı, Bayram Bozyel)

State Minister and Chief Negotiator Ege-men BAĞIŞ emphasized that Turkey had no choice but democratization.

The meeting was attended by State Minister and Asst. to the Prime Minister Bülent Arınç, State Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış, Bolu Governor Halil Ibrahim Akpınar, EU Parliament member Emine Bozkurt, PM Reha Çamuroğlu, DP former General Chair-man Süleyman Soylu and some political party representatives.

15

There were heated debates at the end of the sessions on topics ranging from democratization in Turkey and the level it has achieved, politics under the influece of the military and issues of other organizations. Some ideas were that the only way for this influence to cease is to change the consti-tution. It was agreed that Turkish people have reached a certain level of democracy and cultural understanding which is sufficient enough to change the constitution.


Seeking Peace and a Future TogetherFebruary 15-16, 2009 – Arbil/Northern Iraq

Messages of peace and friendship were brought forward in the Abant Plat-form meeting that was held in Northern Iraq. Turkish and Kurdish cultures live side by side, and whatever happened in the past should not be a reason to prevent improvement in the future. The meeting was televised live on the local Kurdish channel, Kurdistan TV.

Participants came together emphasizing matters such as human rights, democracy, rule of law, mutual trust and stability to encourage tolerance and brotherhood. Throughout these two-day talks, discussions on the develop-ment of mutual relations were held and the need to continue dialogue was strongly expressed.

Among those who held important places in the meeting were the Gover-nor of Arbil Prof. Dr. Mümtaz’er Türköne, Management Culture Minister of the Iraq Region Nevzad Hadi, The Turkish Consul General of Mosul Falakaddin Kakeyi, Hüseyin Avni Botsalı, Head of Mukiriyani Research Center Aso Kerim, Selahattin University Rector Muhhamed Sadık, Sela-hattin University Faculty Member Professor Şirzat Neccar, Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) President Assistant Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Kalın, writer Ali Bulaç, President of the Kurdistan Strategic Studies Center Ferit Eseserd, Selahattin University Faculty Member Dr. Reşat Miran, Işık University Rector Salih Hoşoğlu, poet Bejan Matur and researcher Murad Hekim.

Abant Platform

16

Messages of peace and friendship took precedence at the meeting which had broad participation.

The speeches of the participants gave voice to projects of hope for the future. (On the right: Bejan Matur)

The Kurdish Issue: Seeking Peace and a Future TogetherJuly 4-6, 2008 – Bolu/Turkey

The Abant Platform addressed the Kurdish problem, an issue that has been debated over in Turkey for many years. Around 150 intellectuals, political figures and authorities participated in the meeting, where such topics as “The Problem with History being in the Background,” “A Common Heri-tage and Future Discovery,” “World Practice: Comparisons and Models,” “The History of Taking Account and Seeking Solutions” were discussed. Followed by 32 different media groups, the meeting was aired live on Meh-tap TV, Channel 21.

Among the ideas that came to the fore at the meeting were those such as putting an end to violence, the meeting’s non-representation of any one per-son or organization, nor it representing the voice for those who are absent, the dynamics of cohabitation, and remembering the tribulations of the past only to learn from them, but never to resort to vengeance.

Among important names of those who participated in the meeting were writer Abdülmelik Fırat, author and researcher Ali Bulaç, poet/author Al-tan Tan, Bejan Matur, Professor Bekir Karlığa, Former Deputy Undersec-retary of MIT Cevat Öneş, Professor Eser Karakaş, Professor Fuat Keyman, Democratic Party Diyarbakır Provincial President Galip Ensarioğlu, former Member of Parliament Haşim Haşimi, Rights and Freedoms Party leader Sertaç Bucak, Professor Mete Tunçay, Justice and Development Party Ma-latya Parliament Members Mücahit Fındıklı and Professor Mümtazer Tür-köne, and finally President of the Bar Association Sezgin Tanrıkulu.

Abant Platform

17

Final Declaration Article 11:

In the main session and the debates social and cultural support in addition to the region’s economic development were emphasized for the solution of the problem.

“The continuation of the process

of democratization in Turkey is

essential in the solution of the

Kurdish problem. In this respect,

the maintenance of the European

Union perspective will facilitate

both the democratization process

and the solution of the Kurdish

problem.”

Journalists and Writers Foundation Abant Platform

18

Alawism in its Historical, Cultural, Folkloric and Actual DimensionsMart 17-18, 2007–Istanbul/Turkey

Putting the subject of Alawism on the table, the Abant Platform made some important findings. An academic and intellectual circle and representatives of the Alawi society attended the meeting where the topic, “Alawism in its Historical, Cultural, Folkloric and Actual Dimensions,” was discussed. It was emphasized in the text of the evaluation which was prepared at the end of the meeting that Alawism is one of the genuine facets of Turkish-Islamic culture.

The topic of cemevleri (meeting halls) was at the top of the list of subjects mentioned by Alawi representatives in their speeches during the conferen-ce sessions. While it was pointed out that Sunni and Alawi segments do not fully know each other, it was underscored that this kind of meeting was a vehicle for creating empathy. It was asked that a chance not be given to those who are trying to create an environment of discord on the issue of the “Alawism reality” in Turkey. In the evaluation report, emphasis was put on eliminating the scarcity of information regarding Alawites and Alawism and the satisfaction of their demands. There was consensus on the idea of a cooperative effort between Alawites and Sunni Muslims to overcome diffi-culties. Prominent Alawites and academicians attended the meeting, which attracted great interest, such as DYP General Chairman Mehmet Ağar, the National Education Minister Hüseyin Çelik, author Reha Çamuroğlu, Prof. Ahmet Yaşar Ocak, Prof. Beyza Bilgin, Prof. Bekir Karlıga, journalist-writer Ali Bulaç, Prof. Mete Tunçay, Prof. Niyazi Öktem, Prof. Yasin Aktay, Dr. Cenk Su Üçer, Doğan Bermek from the Alevi Bektaşi Federation and artist A. Riza Binboğa.

Academicians like Asst. Prof.Osman Eğri, Reha Çamuroğlu, Prof. Beyza Bilgin and Ali Yaman gave their views on Alawism.

Artist Ali Riza Binboğa explained the Ale-vism issue with the example, “looking at the full or empty side of the glass.”

Abant Platform

19

By means of the meeting

Turkey had the opportunity

to share its unique history

and heritage, particularly

the experience it gained

from the European Union

process, with Egyptian

intellectuals and benefit

from their experience.

Islam, the West and ModernizationFebruary 25-26, 2007 – Cairo, Egypt

The Abant Platform in Cairo, Egypt, having been the first meeting to be held in a prominent Muslim country, is of separate importance. The reason for the calling of such a meeting is so that it could be the start of a producti-ve collaboration with Egyptian intellectuals.

The meeting was organized together with Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies. Prompting Turkey’s own unique history and growth, particularly the experience gained through its negotiations for EU mem-bership, the meeting provided an opportunity for ideas and experiences to be exchanged with Egyptian intellectuals.

Among the important participants at the meeting were journalist Ali Bulaç, Prof. Dr. Eser Karakaş, Prof. Dr. Kenan Gürsoy, journalist Mehmet Altan, Prof. Dr. Mete Tunçay, Prime Consultant Hasan Tahsin Fendoğlu, from the Helsinki Yurttaşlar Organization Ümit Fırat, from Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies President Abdül Münim Said Ali, Dr. Hasan Ebu Talib, Mr. Nebil Abdül Fettah, Mr. Elsayed Yassin, Hani Raslan, from the Egyptian National Research Center Dr. Ibrahim Bayomi Ganem, and from Cairo University Prof. Nadia Mustafa.

Turkish and Egyptian academicians gained important experience on the matter of discussing together the problems of the Islamic World.

Egyptian academicians emphasized that this meeting would be a model for other countries in the region.


20

France and Turkey Conference – I: Republic, Cultural Pluralism and EuropeMarch 31, 2006 – Paris/France

The Abant Platform visited France for its 10th meeting. While the forum entitled “France and Turkey Conference – I: Republic, Cultural Pluralism and Europe” dealt with current issues regarding the EU negotiation process, intellectuals made remarkable presentations on democracy and freedom. French intellectuals brought national identity in Europe to the fore, and expressed that the problem is that there is no common goal.

Nearly 300 French and Turkish intellectuals came together for this two-day meeting at France’s famous conference center, La Mutualité. France showed major interest in Turkey’s intesified efforts to meet their political criteria throughout the EU negotiation process.

Among those who attended the meeting were Prof. Dr. Ahmet Insel from Turkey,Prime Minister’s Consultant Ahmet Sever, journalists Ali Bayramoğlu and Ali Bulaç, Professor Ali Yasar Sarıbay, Professor Binnaz Toprak, journalists Cengiz Çandar Etyen Mahçupyan and Hırant Dink, Professor Fuat Keyman, Professor Kenan Gürsoy, Professor Niyazi Öktem, and from France, former Paris Deputy Mayor Agnès De Fressenel, Presi-dent of Maison des Sciences de l’homme Alain D’iribarne, from Sorbonne University Cecile Berneau, from Temps Libre University Colette Dehais, from CNRS France Scientific Research Institute Dominique Bourel, from the I’ENS Ecole Normale Supérieure Geostrategy Center Frank Debie, Gio-vanni Grevi from the l’UE Security Research Institute, CFT Eastern Langu-ages Institute Director Marc Bernardin and Yvette Benusiglio from CERI, the Center for International Studies and Research.

There was great interest in the meeting which was held at a time when France’s efforts to bring political criteria to Turkey’s membership negotiations with the EU.

While French intellectuals

point out that national

identities are again taking

precedence in Europe, they

emphasized that this derives

from the absence of a

common purpose.

Abant Platform

21

Turkey’s EU Membership Process: Culture, Identity and ReligionDecember 3-4, 2004 – Brussels/Belgium

Close to two hundred people from different countries, of whom were jour-nalists, beaurocrats, business men, and academic research students, joined the meeting held in Brussels entitled, “Turkey’s EU Membership Process: Culture, Identity and Religion.” In the meeting, topics such as religion, hu-mans rights and democracy in Turkey were debated. Attention was drawn to Muslim Turkey’s EU membership being a positive contribution to the future of Europe.

In the sessions, while discussing the interraction of religion and democ-racy, it was expressed that religion has a positive impact on democratization, and in Turkey, Islam can play such a role.

Among the close to two hundred participants at the meeting were Prof. Dr. Ahmet Insel, journalist Ali Bulaç, Prof. Dr. Dr. Arus Yumul, Prof. Dr. Bekir Karliga, Prof. Dr. Eser Karakaş, Prof. Dr. Gündüz Aktan, İngmar Karlsson, Prof. Dr. Kenan Gürsoy, Prof. Dr. M. Kemal Öke, Prof. Dr. Mit-hat Melen, Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Göle, Prof. Dr. Niyazi Öktem, Prof. Dr. Tülin Bumin, Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, Prof. Dr. Ilter Turan, Zeyno Baran, Mgr. Emmanual Adamakis, Prof. Dr. Francisco Margiotta Broglio, Prof. Dr. J. Martines-Torron, Prof. Dr. Ch. Papastiathis and Prof. Dr. Marco Ventura.

Turkey’s EU membership is seen as an important opportunity for the integration of immigrants in Europe.


22

Islam, Democracy, Secularism: Turkish ExperienceApril 19-29, 2004 – Washington D.C./US

The extremely sensitive “Muslim paranoia” felt in Europe, which came abo-ut (or was brought about) after 9/11, offers no evidence that Islam com-mands peace, love and tolerance. A meeting was held in Washington, D.C. in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University in order to resolve this mis-conception.

On the subject of Islam, democracy and secularism, Turkish thinkers and scientists came together with American scientists who take a special interest in Turkey and the surrounding region. The issues discussed and the conclusions that were reached contributed to a solid relationship between Turkey and the United States.

Among those at the meeting were journalists Cengiz Çandar and Cüneyt Ülsever, from Dartmouth College Dale Eickelman, from Johns Hopkins University David Calleo, Elizabeth Özdalga from the Swiss Research Insti-tute, Elizabeth S. Hurd from Northwestern University, Francis Fukuyama from Johns Hopkins University, Hakan Yavus from Utah University, from Lehigh University Henri Barkey, John Esposito and John Voll from George-town University, Kemal Karpat from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Turkey’s Minister of State Mehmet Aydın, Mete Tunçay from Bilgi Univer-sity and Zeyno Baran from the Nixon Center.

Islam and SecularismMarch 23, 1998 – Abant, Turkey

The symposium entitled “Islam and Secularism,” which took place on the 14th of June in 1998 was the first meeting that gave birth to the Abant idea. At that meeting, Islam and secularism was discussed, however with limited knowledge and limited thinkers. Participants of the first Abant meeting that took place in July of 1998, however, which had a great number of thinkers and scientists, came together and debated on this topic.

Turkey’s most selected intellectuals came together in an active meeting for the very first time. They discussed some of Turkey’s most critical topics, such as “Islam and Secularism,” and tried to create solutions for the issue.

On behalf of the Abant Platform, the Journalists and Writers Foundati-on President Harun Tokak and the Platform’s Scientific Coordinator Pro-fessor Mehmet S. Aydın, addressed in their speeches, the importance of this historic meeting.

Totally unknown is the

command for peace, love

and tolerance in Islam,

which after September

11th has become (or been

made) very sensitive and

literally turned into “Muslim

paranoia” in the European

public

Emphasis was placed on the global dimen-sion of the subject at the meeting atten-ded by Francis Fukuyama, John Esposito, UNDP Chairman Kemal Derviş and Sta-te Minister Mehmet Aydın.

Abant Platform

23

1998 July 16-19 - Abant/Bolu, Turkey: “Islam and Secularism”

1999 July 9-11 - Abant/Bolu, Turkey: “Religion-State Relations”

2000 21-23 July - Abant/Bolu, Turkey: “Democratic Justice State”

2001 July 13-15 - Abant/Bolu, Turkey: “Societal Reconciliation and Pluralism”

2002 July 12-14 - Abant/Bolu, Turkey: “Globalization”

2003 July 11-13 - Abant/Bolu, Turkey: “War and Democracy”

2004 April 20-21 - Washington DC, United States: Islam, Democracy and Secularism: The Turkish Experience”

2004 December 3-4 - Brussels, Belgium: “The EU Membership Process: Culture, Identity and Religion.” The EP

2005 July 1-3 - Erzurum, Turkey:

“At the Threshold of a New Age: New Outlooks in Education” 31 March-01 April 2006 - Paris, France:

“Conversations among Turkey and France: Republicanism, Cultural Pluralism and Europe”

2006 July 14-15 - Abant/Bolu, Turkey: “Global Politics and the Future of the Middle East”

2007 February 25-26 - Cairo, Egypt: “Islam, the West, and Modernization”

2007 March 17-18 - Istanbul, Turkey: “Alawism: Historical, Cultural, and Real Dimensions”

2007 April 13-14 - Istanbul, Turkey: Conversations among Turkey and France: Perceptions and Realities”

2007 November 16-17 - Kartepe, Turkey:

“A New Constitution” 2007 December 15-16 - Istanbul, Turkey:

Turkish-Egyptian Conversations: “Turkey, a Bridge between Civilizations in the EU Membership Process”

2008 July 4-6 – Bolu, Turkey: The Kurdish Issue: Seeking Peace and a Future Together

2009 February 15-16 – Arbil, Northern Iraq: Seeking Peace and a Future Together

2009 June 19-20 – Abant/Bolu, Turkey: Democratization: Political Parties from September 12th to the EU

Past and Present Abant Meetings and Their Topics

Turkish President Abdullah Gül received the Abant Platform Board of Directors. (March 18, 2008)

The 9th President Süleyman Demirel received the Abant Platform Board of Directors. (July 1998)

Former President Bülent Ecevit received the Abant Platform Board of Directors. (July 1998)

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Hikmet Çetin received the Abant Platform Board of Directors. (July 1998)

Journalists and Writers Foundation Intercultural Dialogue Platform

24

T he coming together of leaders from different religious communities brought messages of peace and love to the meeting, which also cont-ributed to the peace process. The inter-faith dialogue, which began

in Turkey on an individual level, is also held through non-governmental organizations.

Representatives of different ogranizations as well as individuals who took part in previous dialogues were also invited to the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, in order to help make it more widespread and reflect the masses better. The founders of the dialogue, all from different religious backgro-unds, welcomed each other with respect and honor. The main principles of the dialogue include respecting and honoring one another’s religious values.

The Platform, with its large audience, wants to spread the dialogue to the masses from different religious backgrounds. It also aims to establish a com-mon ground so that the parties can understand each other and the topics on a deeper level. The goal of the platform is for the common values of its participants to serve in world peace. The Platform brings academicians and researchers from different institutions, as well as different religious backgro-unds, together, in order that they may engage in dialogue at an academic level and make known to the public the principles of the Platform.


Members of the monotheistic religions in this geography were successful in keeping Abrahamic morality alive.

founded: 1998

term PresidentProf.Dr.Suat YILDIRIM

General secretary Dr. Ahmet Muharrem ATLIĞ

[email protected]


25

Some Noteworthy MeetingsHunger and Poverty: Soltutions offered by ReligionFebruary 1, 2006, Istanbul/Turkey

In a panel aimed at reminding its large audience the seriousness of “hun-ger,” which is the cause for someone’s death every 3.6 seconds and incre-asing at a rapid pace, the answer to the question “What are the solutions religion has to offer?” was sought.

Professor Francis Wilson from Cape Town University, African Labor and Development Center and the President of UNICEF Turkish National Comittee and former Minister of Culture Professor Talat Halman spoke at the meeting that was held with the support of the Municipality of Istanbul, UNICEF, “Kimse Yok mu Derneği” and “Can Simidi Yardımlaşma Kulübü.”

At the meeting Professor Francis Wilson expressed his point of view regarding the cause of hunger: “When South Africa is able to produce eno-ugh agricultural goods like sugar, honey and corn, it is forced to import due to political reasons.” There are strict laws in Africa restricting what you can produce and sell, unlike in the US and EU countries, where wide support for such trade is given. Furthermore, deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS add an even more frightening dimension to the issue of poverty.

Professor Talat Halman claims that the United Nations and the internati-onal community is not unsuccessful, but certainly not enough. Therefore, everyone must join in to solve this issue. He quoted what reporter Ciyn Zigler said back in 2004: “12 children under the age of 5 die every minute as a result of hunger and malnutrition,” and then adds “We are living in a world that can put an end to hunger completely. It’s no secret as to how we can achieve this. We don’t need new technology to do it. We only need a political power to redistribute the wealth, so that the poor will stop beco-ming poorer and the rich will stop becoming richer.

“We live in a world rich

enough to completely

eliminate hunger. It is no

secret how we can eliminate

hunger. There is a need for

a political will that opposes

today’s policies that only

make the rich richer and the

poor poorer.”

Prof.Dr.Talat Sait HALMAN


26

Globalization and Inter-civilizational Dialogue SymposiumSeptember 30 – October 1, 2004, Tiflis/Georgia

The purpose of the symposium, which was made possible with the support of the Georgian Head of State, Georgian Patriarchate Archbishop Iliya II, International University of the Black Sea, UNESCO, Giorgi Tseretli Insti-tute of Eastern Sciences, Uluslararası Gürcistan Eğitime Katkı ve İş Hayatı Dayanışma Vakfı and Intercultural Dialogue Platform, was to try to explain why there is more need of a dialogue in the Caucasus.

Georgian Head of State Mihail Saakaşvili stated that he was pleased to host the symposium in Tiflis, and said “Georgia is a country where peop-le from all different religious backgrounds can live in peace. Georgia is a perfect example of a country that lives without ethnic or religious conflict.” Georgian Archbishop Iliya II stressed that he did not find the thesis, “clash of civilizations” to be very convincing. President of the Caucasian Muslims Association Allahşükür Paşazade realized that it is possible to live in the same world among people of different religious backgrounds who speak other languages. He stated “We should strengthen inter-civilizational dia-logues by organizing such symposiums. Religion cannot survive in a world that promotes emnity, terror and violence.”

Honorary President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, Fethul-lah Gülen, in his message sent, stated: “I truly hope that the new millenium, rather than being met with apprehension and fear, will at least be one that is more joyous, just, merciful and promising than the previous ones. We have witnessed the positive results of the dialogue, which began with the three sister faiths, Islam, Christianity and Judaism, and later included the ancient faiths of India and China.”

Georgian President Mihail Saakaşvili expressed the importance he gave to the meeting with this sentence: “Georgia has always preferred tolerance.”

Georgian Patriarch Iliya II is among those who do not believe in the clash of civiliza-tions thesis.

Circassian Muslim Union President Allahşü-kür Paşazade: “There is no room for religion in a world that gives premium to enmity, terror and violence.”


27

PRAYER FOR PEACE : THE “COMMON MORAL VALUES IN THE THREE MONOTHEISTIC RELIGI-ONS AND TERROR” MEETING15 January 2004 – the Hilton

Known for its bringing together people of different faiths and cultures, the Intercultural Dialogue Platform came together on January 15, 2004, this time for Prayer for Peace. The title of the meeting organized at the Hilton Hotel in Harbiye was “Common Moral Values In The Three Monotheistic Religions And Terror.” The participants, with bouquets of roses in their hands, which represented the colors of the three religions, included spiritu-al leaders, academicians, journalists, writers and artists.

The meeting commenced with the opening speech by the General Co-ordinator of the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Prof. Dr. Niyazi Öktem. Following the speech by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çağrıcı, Mufti of Istanbul, which emphasised the importance of dialogue and tolerance and that Islam is the religion of peace, leaders of the congregations prayed in their own langua-ges. After prayers and wishes, the panel with the theme “Common Moral Values In The Three Celestial Religions And Terror” began. The views agreed that the importance given to religious education should be increased in order to protect moral values, the points the celestial religions have in common should be stressed and representatives of the celestial religions should come together and exchange opinions.

Representatives of monotheistic religions living in Turkey prayed together for world peace. (From left to right: Former Istanbul Vatican Repre-sentative Georges Marovitch, Istanbul Mufti Mustafa Çağrıcı, Ancient Assyrian Community Leader Yusuf Çetin, former Armenian Commu-nity Leader Mesrop Mutafyan, Istanbul Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos, Jewish Community Leader Izak Haleva, Latin Catholic Community Spiritual Leader Monsigneur Lui Pelatre, Assyrian Catholic Community Leader Yusuf Sağ)

In order to protect moral

values, the importance

given to religious education

should be increased, the

common points of the

monotheistic religions

should be emphasized, and

there should be exchange

among the representatives of

monotheistic religions.


28

Brief notes from the meeting:Secretary General of the Chief Rabbinate of Turkey, Yusuf Altintas: “As Turkey, we should utilize our quality of being an ethnic mosaic and our geopolitical position and do our utmost for world peace.”

Assistant to the Patriarch of the Armenian Orthodox Congregation of Turkey, Sahaq Mashalyan: “Religion is a fact ensuring the permanence and implementation of moral values. The world revolves around the system of reward and punishment, which constitutes the generator of religious ethics. In religious terror, minorities joining major groups call their being mino-rities as “capable of eternal survival” and themselves as “more precious” because of their being minorities. Religious terror is the ripest fruit of funda-mentalism”. Leader of the Ancient Syriac Congregation of Turkey, Yakup Tahincioglu: “There can be no room for terror in religion. Terror is the premature baby of raving madness, individual ambitions and dictatorships. Members of the three religions should pray in the name of God’s rehabilita-tion of the forces who are behind these actions.”

Marmara University Faculty of Theology, Chairman of the Department of History of Religions Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Harman: “How can a man kill defenseless people, in cold blood, while on the other hand there is the example of Job’s perseverance in protecting his religion? Common aspects of the celestial religions need to be emphasized, internalized and exhibited, and in this regard a great duty falls upon leaders of the congregations.”

Istanbul Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos Former Istanbul Vatican Representative Ge-orges Marovitch, Istanbul Mufti Mustafa Çağrıcı

Ancient Assyrian Community Leader Yu-suf Çetin, Jewish Community Leader Izak Haleva


29

“The Concept of God in Three Religions” MeetingMarch 2003 / St. Etienne Catholic Church

Representatives of the three monotheistic religions gathered to discuss the topic “The Concept of God in Three Religions” organized by the Intercul-tural Dialogue Platform in March of 2003. Jewish, Christian and Muslim theologians prayed together for world peace after the meeting. Among the participants at the meeting, hosted by Georges Marovitch, were General Coordinator of the Intercultural Dialogue Platform Professor Niyazi Ök-tem, on behalf of the Catholic world Turkish Vatican Representative Mon-signeur Lui Pelatr, on behalf of the Jewish world Chief Rabbi of Izmir Rav İzak Alalaluf, Assyrian Church Metropolitan Bishop Samuel Akdemir, Pat-riarchate Archbishop of the Armenian community Kirkor Damatyan, and on behalf of the Islamic world, Marmara University Faculty of Theology Prof. Suat Yıldırım and Prof. Ömer Faruk Harman.

Professor Niyazi Öktem reminded those at the meeting that there was a blo-ody war in Turkey’s neighboring country, to the extent that people almost lost their minds. At a time like this, he says that the only thing one can do is ask for God’s mercy.

Assyrian Church Metropolitan Bishop Samuel Akdemir stated “In the past there have been some horrific events that took place among different religi-ous groups. We do not want to hear about them anymore. So that history is not repeated, we, as the people of the Book, need to communicate with sincere intentions.” Faculty of Theology Member Professor Suat Yıldırım said that the Qur’an calls God “Allah.” The three religions refer to God by the same name. God is the Most Merciful and All Forgiving. The entrance door to Jerusalem reads “We come together through Abraham.”

Jewish Community Chief Rabbinate General Secretary Yusuf Al-tıntaş, Harun Tokak, Chief Rabbi Izak Haleva

500 Years Foundation Museum Director Naim Güleryüz, Jewish Community Chief Rabbinate General Secretary Yusuf Altıntaş, Armenian Community Representative Father Kirkor Damatyan, Catholic Community Spiritual Leader Monsigneur Lui Pelatre

“In order to advance the

culture of living together

so that historical mistakes

are not repeated, we

have to have serious

communication.”

ancıent assyrıan cHurcH BısHoP

Samuel Akdemir


30

Harran Meetings “In the footsteps of a common ancestor, Abraham”April 13-15, 2000, Urfa-Istanbul/Turkey

The Abrahamic tradition has an important place in the junction of ancient cultures in Anatolia. Abraham lived in Northern Iraq and Southern Ana-tolia for centuries, which helps keep the tradition alive, among the people from different sects of Christianity and Islam, who keep him close to their hearts.

Therefore, the meeting was in Harran. One part of the meeting was in Şan-lıurfa, which has been considered to be the birthplace of Abraham, and the second part of the meeting was in Istanbul, a place where the three Abraha-mic religions resided peacefully for centuries.

Honorary President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, Fethullah Gülen, sent a message saying: “On the one hand, our world is tired of wars and conflicts; greedy human nature is the cause of new conflicts. On the other hand, we are entering a phase that promotes peace, unity, and brot-herhood.” Gülen made it clear that there is enough dynamism to make the world a cradle of brotherhood, and it is religion. Gülen states “Abraham began his mission in Harran, continuing to Canaan, modern-day Jordan, Syria and Jerusalem, then Egypt, and finally, Mecca, where he and his son together built the Kaaba, which would leave a trace for all of mankind to follow him.

“We have the dynamism to

make the world a cradle of

brotherhood. This dynamism

is religion.”

Honorary Presıdent of JWf

Fethullah GÜLEN


31

Events organized by the Intercultural Dialogue Platform

2000 April 13-15 Urfa-Istanbul/Turkey: Harran Meetings I. “In the footsteps of a common Ancestor, Prophet Abraham”2004 January 15 – Istanbul/Turkey:Prayer for Peace: “Common Moral Values in the three Abrahamic Religions and Terror” Meeting2004 May 13-16 – Mardin/Istanbul:Harran Meetings II. “Religion and Peace in Prophet Abraham’s en-lightenment”2004 September 30 - Tbilisi, Georgia:Globalization and Inter-civilizational Dialogue Symposium2005 January 25 – Istanbul/Turkey:Prayer for Peace II: Abrahamic Religions and Eternal Peace2005 June 7-8 – Moscow/Russia:From Terrorism to Universal Peace: Religion and Peace Congress2006 February 1 – Istanbul/Turkey: Hunger and Poverty Symposium: Hunger and Poverty: Soltutions offered by Religion

The doves set free in Mardin by representatives of the three monotheistic religions flapped their wings for the blossoming of common moral values and the end of terror. (May 13-14, 2004)

Violence was cursed by all religions at the “Peace prayer: Monotheistic religions and eternal peace” symposium held in Istanbul. (January 25, 2005)

Harran Symposium Final

Declaration, Article 4

The most important among

the common values of the

three great religions is the

place of Hd. Abraham’s

personality and the unity-

centered Abrahamic

tradition he left us.


3232Medialog Platform

32

T he Medialog Platform is an umbrella organization established to coordi-nate national and international vocational activities. Among its primary aims are to contribute to the establishment within the media field of a

lasting, continual and regular dialogue atmosphere; increasing the quality in all fields of media and contributing to the settling of a media understanding that takes care to draw attention to the public good; to assist journalists and academicians working on Turkey; and to search for solutions to sector issues through vocational meetings.

medialogP L A T F O R M

Medialog PlatformP-

lform

Columnists’ ProblemsDecember 26, 2009

The problems of newspaper columnists were discussed at the second Agenda: Media meeting. Topics like the habit of columnists writing on every subject, their independence, their reporter curiosity, age limit and retirement were taken up.

At the meeting Milliyet newspaper columnist Aslı Aydıntaçbaş, Vatan newspaper columnist Can Ataklı, Radikal newspaper columnist Avni Öz-gürel and Zaman newspaper columnist Ahmet Turan Alkan participated as speakers. A comparison was made between columnists in Turkish newspa-pers and magazines and those in the foreign press. Avni Özgürel empha-sized that there were specialist columnists in developed countries and that they did not write every day like in Turkey.

A meeting between Nigerian journalists and their Turkish counterparts and visits to media outlets.June 17, 2009 TProminent Nigerian journalists traveling to Turkey to meet with their Tur-kish colleagues rather enjoyed a working meeting organized for them. The meeting provided the opportunity to introduce Nigeria, an important global petrol exporter, and its political, economic and cultural qualities in compari-son with Turkey’s characteristics.

founded: 2008

General secretaryErkam Tufan AYTAV

[email protected]

The idea that being a newspaper columnist is not defined as a “writer” was among the most prominent ideas of the panel.

Medialog Platform

33

Debo Adesina The Guardian Editor

Gbenga Omotoso The Nation Editor

Tunde Sarafadeen Rahman Thisday Editor-in-Chief

Kunle Oyatomi Vanguard Editor-in-Chief

Bisi Deji Folutude The Punch Education Editor

Ime Ola The Sun Education Editor

Nigeria Media Group

During the joint meetings, it was expressed as a self-criticism that Nigerian journalists held a preconception of Turkey as a nation where “freedoms and human rights are restricted.” Despite this, the issue of minority rights was among the topics that drew the attention of the Nigerian group.

During the working meeting, Zaman daily foreign news editor Celil Sağır noted that Turkey had made progress in its EU membership bid and had entered a period of renewal, emphasizing that Turkey cannot be identified as an entirely Eastern country, with half of it bearing similarities to the Middle East. Bilateral relations were also discussed during the meeting, with the Nige-rian journalists emphasizing the opportunities and important contributions to dialogue provided by Turkish schools in Nigeria for Muslim and Christian students to receive their education together.

A panel on “Ergenekon” presented by attorney Orhan Kemal CengizApril 29, 2009 The lawyer for the Christian missionaries murdered in Malatya and also a human rights defender, Orhan Kemal Cengiz shared his views on the Erge-nekon Terror Organization with members of the foreign press at a Covering Turkey meeting. Journalist interest ran high in this topic that occupied the national news agenda.

While leaving the meeting, newspaper reporters took notes on the projects, not their prejudices.

In a sustainable

world the media

takes on an important

role in everyone’s

understanding one

another.

Journalists and Writers Foundation Medialog Platform

34

A seminar by US-based Journalist Deborah Potter to communications students at Istanbul’s Bilgi UniversityMarch 17, 2008

Deborah Potter, one of the writers at the prestigious American Journalism Re-view, which observes and criticizes journalism in the US, explained the “prin-ciples of independent journalism” in a meeting she took part in in İstanbul.

With 16 years of reporting, presenting and administrative experience at the CNN and CBS television channels, Potter said that media establishments needed to ensure a minimum influence on the news center on the part of owners in order to avoid “conflict of interest.”

The writer of books including “Incoming! Advice for the Newly named News Director” and “The Handbook of Independent Journalism”, Potter commented on the frequent appearance of unreliable and false news stories in Turkish media and international standards to prevent this, saying: “Irres-ponsible publishing exists throughout the world, and the greatest punishment for this is for readers and viewers to abandon these [news outlets].” In this way those who carry out responsible journalism will find what they deserve, Potter said, emphasizing that denouncement of false news stories out in public was an effective method as well. The head of the Washington, D.C.-based News-lab journalism resource center, Potter also spoke about methods of covering ongoing legal investigations.

A introductory and information-exchange meeting bringing together Afghan and Turkish mem-bers of the press.April 5, 2008 In this first meeting with members of the Afghan press, journalists had the opportunity to debate the hot regional agenda and understand and analyze

Quoting from her book, “Advise to news di-rectors,” Deborah Potter suggested that as punishment the works of irresponsible jour-nalists should not be read.

Medialog Platform

35

events from a joint perspective. In the meeting during which East-West per-ceptions were a recurring theme, discussions over terrorism and democracy were prevalent. During the meeting several topics were addressed: perspecti-ves on the issues of censorship and freedom of expression in Turkey in the face of developing stories and news agendas; media in Afghanistan; cultural change in Afghanistan pre- and post-Taliban; stability, security and NATO in Afghanistan; Afghanistan’s strategic importance in the struggle against inter-national terrorism; scenarios on the future of Afghanistan; Turkey’s presence in Afghanistan and its role in the rebuilding of the country; the republican model in Turkey; Islam and democracy; and expectations, needs and possibi-lities in Turkey-Afghanistan relations.

Expressing great satisfaction at the gathering between the members of the press, Afghan Deputy Culture Minister Din Mohammad Mobarez said that they would do their best to make the most of the meeting. Recalling that there were many topics to be discussed, Mobarez said: “Turkey and Afgha-nistan have many common denominators but in particular, religion has an important place. On this topic, Mevlana can show us the way.” Noting that Mevlana was born in Afghanistan but would become a scholar who lived in Turkey, Mobarez said that members of the press and writers were the guides of the world. This situation should be recognized as an opportunity, he said. “Turkish schools take good advantage of this opportunity, and as a ministry we are ready to develop this,” Mobarez said.

Amongst the meeting participants who shared their perspectives were Afg-han Deputy Minister of Culture Din Mohammad M. Rashedi, Deputy and Afghan Jurists Union President Abdul Kabir Ranjbar, Visa newspaper Editor-in-Chief Fazel Elahi Shafiqi, journalist-writer Ahmad Waheed Abdul Hakim, Chiragh newspaper Editor-in-Chief Sayed Najibullah S. Hassan, Presidencial Policy manager Sebghatullah Sanjar, and Writers Association President and writer Asadulah Moh. Amini.

Pointing out that the role of the media is great in common projects and cooperation, Afghan Journalists invited their Turkish colleagues to Afghanistan.

ASST. AFGHANıSTAN

MıNıSTEr oF CuLTurE

Din Mohammad Mobarez

“Turkey and Afghanistan have

many common points, but

religion in particular holds an

important place. Mawlana can

guide us on this subject.”


3636Medialog Platform

36

Events organized by the Medialog Platform2008 March 17 - Istanbul/Bilgi University: Panel discussion featuring Ame-rican journalist Deborah Potter.

2008 April 5 - An introductory meeting with Afghan members of the press.

2008 April 11 - An informational meeting for Norwegian members of the press.

Speakers: Yavuz Baydar, Cengiz Aktar, Mustafa Akyol

2008 May 23-30 - An introductory meeting with British journalists.

2008 October 31 - A visit to meet journalists from the Northern Iraq Regio-nal Administration.

2009 April 5 - An informational meeting for a group of journalists in Turkey on the status of minorities and religious minorities in Turkey, organized thro-ugh the “Civilizational Dialogue” Meeting.

Speakers: The Secretary-General of the Intercultural Dialogue Platform and journalists Cemal Uşak and Andrew Finkel.

2009 April 14 - An informational gathering for journalists from Belarus on the topic of “Turkey’s EU bid and the Ergenekon trial”.

Speakers: Journalist Hüseyin Gülerce and Assistant Professor İbrahim Öztürk

2009 April 24 - A briefing on Turkey’s realities for Norwegian members of the press.

Speaker: ODTU faculty member and columnist Professor İhsan Dağı.

2009 June 17 - A meeting between Nigerian journalists and their Turkish counterparts and visits to media outlets.

The Medialog Platform organizes period “Covering Turkey” meetings with an aim to inform accredited members of the foreign press based in Turkey.

State Minister and Chief Negotiator Ege-man Bağış spoke to foreign journalists in Turkey on “External Security in Circassia, Central Asia and Turkey.”(2008 Sept. 25)

“Understanding Turkey Meetings” which are held periodically allow foreign press members in Turkey to reach correct information.

Foreign journalists in Turkey listened to Prof. İhsan Bal regarding the process of democrati-zation.

Medialog Platform

37

Asst. Prof. Ibrahim Öztürk informed jo-urnalists from Belarus on the subject, “Turkey’s EU membership process and the Ergenekon case.”(2009 April 14)

2008 February 2 - A New ConstitutionSpeaker: Professor Levent Köker2008 March 8 - Is Turkey Islamizing? Religion, Secularism and SocietySpeaker: Professor Recep Şentürk2008 April 5 - Alevis and their ExpectationsSpeaker: Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputy Reha Çamuroğlu2008 March 26: The Deep State and Unsolved MurdersSpeaker: Former Parliamentary Human Rights Violations Investigati-ve Committee head Mehmet Elkatmış2008 June 7: The Tradition of Party Closure in Turkey and the AK PartySpeaker: Assistant Professor Mustafa Şentop2008 July 19: The Gülen MovementSpeaker: Ali Bulaç - Hüseyin Gülerce2008 September 25: The Caucasus, Central Asia and Turkey’s External SecuritySpeaker: State Minister Egemen Bağış2009 January 10: The Partying of Ways between the AKP and LiberalsSpeaker: Dr. Şahin Alpay2009 February 7: Turkey on the road to the EUSpeaker: Assistant Professor Cengiz Aktar2009 March 24: Local ElectionsSpeaker: Metropol research company manager Professor Özer Sencar2009 April 29: ErgenekonSpeaker: Attorney Orhan Kemal Cengiz2009 June 17: Military-Civilian Relations in TurkeySpeaker: Taraf and Today’s Zaman columnist Lale Sarıibrahimoğlu

Some of the meetings held

The biggest punishment

that can be given to

irresponsible publishing

is abandonment by the

reader and viewer.


38Culture and Art Platform

38

A rts and culture, which appear to be the civilization’s most important element, are an important opportunity for the development of projects to promote living together. This geography has yielded a number of

common works of art, from music to cinema and architecture, generated by different religious and cultural backgrounds. The Arts & Culture Platform transforms these resources into individual projects, ensuring contributions for art to exist within a framework of togetherness, tolerance and peace. To-ward this aim, special events, films and CD albums are organized.

The platform organizes events of its own as well as running stage design and choreography projects for domestic and international activities of the Foundation and its other platforms.

Culture and Art

PlatformKöpekler Adası (Island of Dogs) Cinema Film and Animal Lovers Awards Night (1996)The movie Köpekler Adası (Island of Dogs), written and directed by famous director Halit Refiğ, was shot in July 1996 in Balıkesir’s Erdek district. With Perihan Savaş and Tanju Gürsu in the starring roles, other parts were played by actors like Mürşit Bağ and Ekrem Dümer. Tanju Gürsu won the award for best male actor at the 34th Antalya Film Festival for his role in the film.

At the gala for the film’s first showing, held at the Cemal Reşit Rey Con-cert Hall on Dec. 27, 1996, various awards were also given to animal lovers. At the end of the gala, in which the late İsmail Cem also participated, then Parliament Speaker Mustafa Kalemli’s wife Betül Kalemli, Professor İsmet Sungurbey, Professor Zafer Ayvaz, Society for the Protection of Nature Presi-dent Nergis Yazgan, Dr. İlhan Gökgöl, Faruk Yalçın, Esin Elingür, Ediz Hun, Nevzat Ceylan, Türkan Akalın and Nurten Akoral received awards. Speaking that night, director Halit Refiğ said: “When I die, I want for it to be written on my gravestone, ‘He was an ardent director and a true animal lover’.”

On December 27, 1996, various awards were given to animal lovers in the gala of a film debut at the Cemal Reşit Rey hall.

founded: 1994

General secretary Gürkan VURAL

[email protected]

Culture and Art Platform

39

The “Okulum” (My School) FilmYoung director Gökhan Yorgancıgil prepared and directed the film, based on the life of “Bünyamin Demiryürek,” a teacher who lost his life in the Ko-caeli Earthquake. Artists like Nur Gürkan, Bulut Aras, Yılmaz Köksal, Yosi Mizrahi and Nihat Nikerel played roles in the film. A student whom the late Bünyamin Demiryürek had supported and stood up for was played by Anafen Educational Institutions student Şevki Durmuş.

Our Exalted Monument - Our Sire - I Album Project (2008)Work was completed to produce a charity album with the participation of 11 famous artists, among them Fatih Kısaparmak, Ferdi Tayfur and Muazzez Ersoy, featuring religious hymns in honor of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). With the proceeds from the album, 11 study centers were opened in 11 provinces, most of them in the East. The artists received no compensation for their contributions to the album, which was wildly popular -- when 100,000 orders were placed for the album before it was even released, a second 100,000 copies were made.

Among the artists who contributed to the album were Ahmet Özhan, Muazzez Ersoy, Ferdi Tayfur, Hakan Altun, Sami Özer, İbrahim Sadri, Orhan Hakalmaz, Fatih Kısaparmak, Erhan Güleryüz, Murat Göğebakan, Funda Arar and Uğur Işılak.

Due to implemented social

responsibility projects, we

contributed to artists and

the public embracing.

“My school’s film” shot in memory of deceased teacher Bünyamin Demiryürek was shown great interest.

The album “Our Monument of Pride – Our Master,” made by 11 artists including Fatih Kı-saparmak, Ferdi Tayfur and Muazzez Ersoy for which they took no compensation saw heavy interest.


The people showed great interest in the Erhan Güleryüz Reading Hall opened in Diyarba-kır. (January 7, 2010)

40Culture and Art Platform

40

Reading Rooms Opened and the Artists they were Named for Samsun – Orhan Hakalmaz Hakkari – Ahmet Özhan Diyarbakır – Erhan Güleryüz Elazığ – Fatih Kısaparmak Mardin/Kızıltepe – Muazzez Ersoy Van / Muradiye – Funda Arar Muş / Bulanık – Uğur Işılak Şanlıurfa / Suruç – Hakan Altun Adana – Ferdi Tayfur ve Murat Göğebakan Sivas – Zara

Sacred Birth Commemoration Night04/30/2008, Istanbul Show CenterEminent Turkish singers gathered for the occasion of the Sacred Birth at the Istanbul Show Center, putting on a good performance for the attendees. A total of 5,000 people showed up that evening, including İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş, Professor Ümit Meriç, Professor Toktamış Ateş, Professor Nevzat Yalçıntaş, Cengiz Özdemir, Naci Tosun, Journalists and Writers Foundation President Harun Tokak, Assyrian Catholic Church ArchbishopYusuf Sağ, Father Sahak Bıçakçı of the Armenian Church, Greek Orthodox Father Ha-risantos, the Yeni Şafak daily’s Yusuf Ziya Cömert, Fadime Özkan of the Star daily, Yeni Şafak Editor-in-Chief Mustafa Karaalioğlu, journalist Fehmi Koru, Zaman daily Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanlı, journalist Abdülhamit Bilici, STV Broadcast Chief Hidayet Karaca, artists Mustafa Keser, Osman Yağmur-dereli and more.

Reading halls opened

with the names of artists

in Eastern Turkey have

become a door of hope

for many children.

Culture and Art Platform

41

During the evening, artists who had contributed to the “İftihar Abidemiz Efendimiz” (Our Exalted Monument, Our Sire) project, organized by Fon Musical Production, performed their pieces live. The performers gave roses to the listeners and then sang all together Muazzez Ersoy’s “O gece sendin gelen ya Hz. Muhammed” (It was you who came that night, O Prophet Muham-mad). Tickets were sold out quickly for the paid event, proceeds from which went toward the opening of Reading Rooms in eastern Turkey.

The Fire of Spring and Exiled Horizons AlbumsFamous musician Ahmet Hatipoğlu set to music some of the lines from the poetry book “Kırık Mızrap” (Broken Quill), written by Journalists and Writers Foundation Honorary President Fethullah Gülen. The songs were performed by TRT artist Bekir Ünlüataer and released as an album entitled Ateş-i Bahar (The Fire of Spring).

Another album with lines from Kırık Mızrap, this time read aloud by famo-us artists, was released under the title “Gurbet Ufukları” (Exiled Horizons). Those reading the poems, in addition to Fethullah Gülen himself, included such renowned names as the late Cem Karaca, the late Nihat Nikerel, the late Nedret Selçuker, İbrahim Sadri, Uğur Arslan, Yusuf Ziya Özkan, Yavuz Bülent Bakiler, Hayri Küçükdeniz, Bedirhan Gökçe, Oya Seymen and İlkim Karaca.

Audio Works Published by the Platform Melancholic Homesickness Always Suffering From the Mouth of Mevlana Exiled Horizons The Fire of Spring

Among the 5000 people who attended the Happy Birthday evening were important names like Metropolitan Istanbul Mayor Kadir Top-baş, Prof. Toktamış Ateş and Prof. Nevzat Yalçıntaş.

That night the hymn, “It Was You Who Came That Night O Hd. Muhammad,” sung by Muazzez Ersoy touched the hearts of the au-dience.

Journalists and Writers Foundation Women’s Platform

42

Women’s Platform

founded: 2009

General secretaryÜmmühan GÖKMEN

[email protected]

T he Women’s Platform was established, parallel to other platforms of the Foundation, for solving different problems in Turkey and around the world in an environment of dialogue. Established without remaining tied

to a single discourse and not taking up the defense of one gender, but rather to determine and solve existing problems, the platform aims to be another branch of the Foundation that spreads dialogue in the country. In this respect, the platform’s mission is, by bringing together women from different viewpoints, to develop dialogue on the common denominator of being human first and then women and to put forth projects that will produce common solutions to not just women’s problems, but the problems of mankind.

Aiming to be included in the future in the area of activity with different pro-jects in different environments by benefiting from all elements of our cultural wealth, our platform at this time is working on tasks related to Turkey in the international conference entitled, “Family as a Value in regard to Religion, Tra-dition and Modernity.” In order to draw attention to the degeneration of family values recently occurring in Turkey, the platform is organizing “Family Semi-nars.” Under the title of “Family Seminars”; on February Assistant Professor Ergun Yıldırım gave a seminar with the title of “Family in Turkey and the World in the New Era”, on March Professor Kemal Sayar on “Societal Psycho-hygiene and Family” and Sibel Eraslan on “Prophet Mohammad’s wife Hadijah as a Mother, Wife and a Women” on April, and on May Professor Fatih Andı on “Family in Turkish Novels”. On a national level, different projects had started and as a platform we hosted different guests and we visited different important institutions and people from different backgrounds. The first of these projects is the “Reading Workshops” project which started on April. Six different inter-disciplinary reading groups were formed in this project in order to make spe-cialized field work with a scientific consultant of each section. These sections are “Science and Techniques”, “Literature”, “Sociology”, “History”, “Philosop-

An exchange was made with German groups who were curious about our Foundation’s views on the place of women in life. (October 20, 2009)

Women’s Platform

43

The goal is to strive to

determine problems and

their solutions without

remaining tied to just one

discourse and without taking

on defense of one gender.

Platform General Secretary Ummühan Gökmen is coordinating preparations for the conferen-ce, “Family as a Value in Religion, Tradition and Modernity,” to be held in November, 2010.

Experience was shared at the “Turkish-Armenian Relations Through Women’s Eyes” workshop at the invitation of the Erivan University Turcology Department. (November 26, 2009)

hical History”, and “Media Analysis”. We came together with different non-governmental organizations both from Turkey and abroad, namely; TESEV, BISKAD, KKM, International Cultural Lab, and a group of activist women from Kazakhstan. We did meetings not only non-governmental organizations but also with governmental organizations and individuals which are Mustafa Kara mayor of Uskudar district, and Selma Aliye Kavaf Minister of State. Mrs. Kavaf kindly hosted us at her ministerial office and showed a great interest for the international family conference which is going to be held on November 2010 and the projects, seminars of the platform as well.

As time passes, new projects will be added to these local and international activities. One of them is the panel called “Depiction of Women on Media”. Furthermore, we are organizing a group of graduate students in order to make academic research on women issues with the name of “Women Studies”. Diffe-rent meetings and collaborative projects with local and international non-profit organizations are at our agenda in the next years in compliance with other activiti-es and projects under the umbrella of the Journalists and Writers Foundation.

Journalists and Writers Foundation The Research Center

44

T he scope and diversity of the topics in which the Journalists and Wri-ters Foundation has taken an interest in since its conception, and the depth to which these issues have been addressed mandated the “estab-

lishment of a research center” idea.

With this as its takeoff point, the Research Center has increased interest in research in this field by focusing on the academic and scientific research of our Honorary President, the Esteemed Fethullah Gülen and the intel-lectual world. Among the humble efforts have been the Research Center’s publication of the books “Fethullah Gülen in the Eyes of Turkish Intellectu-als,” “Gülen Movement Research” and the “Fethullah Gülen in the Eyes of World Intellectuals” series.

The activities that began with those steps were followed by the Luncheon Series, Media Seminars, and roundtable and working meetings on Fethul-lah Gülen and the Gülen Movement featuring domestic and international speakers, in addition to various publications, bulletins, and Internet publi-cations.

The library established as part of the JWF Research Center is in service as a documentation center that gathers written and visual documents having to do with Fethullah Gülen, as well as the foundation’s work and activities, events and publications of the Abant Platforum, the Intercultural Dialogue Platform and the Medialog Platform.

The Research

Center

The seminars have become a meeting place for academicians.

founded: 2009

director Dr. Faruk TUNCER

[email protected]

The Research Center

45

The Gülen Movement’s Inter-religious Dialogue Perspective 11.24. 2009Speaker: Asst. Prof. Mustafa Alıcı

Speaking to a crowded audience, Asst. Prof. Mustafa Alıcı, Rize Univer-sity Theological Faculty Member and Chairman of the History of Religions Department, evaluated the “Gülen Movement’s Inter-religious Dialogue Perspective.”

Pointing out that dialogue and tolerance, the two basic concepts of the Gülen Movement, are at the same time commands of the Islamic religion, Asst. Prof. Mustafa Alıcı gave examples of verses from the Quran on this subject. Indicating that Fethullah Gülen has developed an original discour-se that will establish peace in the whole world and explaining the basic mo-tives of the Gülen Movement’s dialogue in the form of fourteen items, Alıcı mentioned these points: “Fethullah Gülen Hodjaefendi has shown us that contemporary Muslims should support, not oppose inter-religious dialogue activities for the reason that they have been put forth by the Christian West as a new missionary method. By means of inter-religious dialogue activities, Muslims also have the opportunity to explain their own beliefs and views to members of other religions. In short, neither a blind submissive approach of support should be taken towards inter-religious dialogue, nor should it be opposed due to a number of anxieties. With the condition of being fully informed, inter-religious dialogue should be supported for the sake of world peace and common human problems.”

Gülen Movement Seminars

Asst. Prof. Mustafa Alıcı: “Fethullah Gülen has developed an original discourse that can establish world peace.”

There was an opportunity at

the seminars and workshops

to examine cultural and

intellectual life more

closely.


46The Research Center

46

The Gülen Movement and the Schools’ Educational Philosophy11.21. 2009Speaker: Prof. Thomas Michel

In the seminar which examined in depth the different perspectives of the Gülen Movement, Prof. Thomas Michel took up the educational phi-losophy of the Movement. In regard to the source of the schools’ success, Prof. Michel said that Gülen had opened a new era in education by “adop-ting an educational philosophy that unites the mind and heart and aims for world peace.” Saying that the founder of the Jesuit Church, St. Ignatius de Loyola II, adopted a similar philosophy, Michel spoke about the pers-pectives, educational policies and curriculum of these two types of schools. He said, “When I spoke with teachers during my visits to Gülen schools, I saw that they all had a different background plan. In other words, the aim of these various schools, and also our basic aim, was to show the students how to best fulfill their potential and to give them support with a profound philosophy.”

The ‘Gülen’ Contribution to Turkey’s Globalization10.03.2009

Speaker: Professor Yasin Aktay

At the conference, attended by roughly 50 academicians and writers, Professor Aktay spoke about the contributions of the Gülen Movement to globalization. During the conference, in which background information was given about the Gülen Movement and globalization, from time to time different points of view were voiced, enabling the Movement to be exami-ned from a broader perspective.

The topics of programs

with foreign speakers which

saw heavy interest from the

audience were examined

from an international

perspective.

Prof. Thomas Michel: “The source of success at the schools where the Gülen Movement’s educational philosophy is dominant lies in the union of the mind and the heart.”

The Research Center

47

Speaking about the sort of path the Gülen Movement had followed du-ring the globalization process and the problems it faced, Professor Aktay evaluated the Movement’s status in Turkey and according to global autho-rities. Emphasizing the changes encountered during this process, Aktay as-serted: “While in its first years the congregation fed off nationalist elements, today it has embraced an almost anti-nationalist perspective; it has reached a much more universal, and from an Islamic perspective a much more app-ropriate point. And this has been made possible by the schools.” Citing the famous sociologist Max Weber’s description of churches as NGOs, Aktay said that the Gülen Movement was also an NGO.

The breaks between sessions turned into opportunities for participants to share their ideas.

Prof. Yasin Aktay described the Gülen Movement’s globalizing effect on Turkey.

At times there were heated debates during the noon break.

Journalists and Writers Foundation The Research Center

48

Democraticization: Education and Freedom of Religion Panel07.15.2009Speaker: Quisra Shahraz (Pakistan), Assistant Professor Akif Emre Öktem (Turkey)

For the first of the Luncheon Series panel discussions, famous Pakistani writer Quisra Shahraz was invited to speak about her two books printed by Truva Publications, “The Holy Woman” and “Typhoon,” and Assistant Professor Akif Emre Öktem was invited to share his analyses on the topif of Democratization: Education and Freedom of Religion. There was heavy youth attendance from among the university population. The session was held in English, which ensured the interest of foreigners as well. Interest was high in Quisra Shahraz’s works during the program. Following the ses-sion, attendees were able to speak with Quisra Shahraz in pairs and groups, as well as get signed copies of her books.

During the panel’s second session, Assistant Professor Akif Emre Ök-tem shared his views with attendees by breaking them up into three main categories: 1. The Headscarf Issue; 2. The Heybeliada Halki Seminary; and 3. The Educational Rights of the Alevi Community. He emphasized inter-national law and legal systems in his talk, and cited the Leyla Şahin case as an example of the headscarf ban in Turkey. Later on in his talk, Öktem compared different cases that have risen to the agenda of the European Co-urt of Human Rights. After giving a brief history of the Heybeliada semi-nary, Öktem explained what has gone on in regards the topic from 1971 to the present day. He said that while the official reason cited for removal of the school’s operation was the legal prohibition of all universities owned by foundations, the true reason was the rising of tensions due to different developments during the period. He also touched upon the topic of the educational rights of Alevi citizens in Turkey.

The seminars the Research Center arranged in English

during the noon break make an exchange of ideas possible

and prepare a foundation for diverse perspectives to come

together and make mental gymnastics. Organized once a month, the seminars address

foreigners living in Turkey and people and institutions

involved in international relations.

Luncheon Series

The program being in English attracted the interest of foreigners and university students.Asst. Prof. A. Emre Öktem chatted with the audience during seminar breaks.

The Research Center

49

Human Rights and International Law Panel08.08.2009 Speaker: Carter Center President Dr. John Hardman (USA)

The panel drew wide attendance and in particular attracted the atten-tion of foreigners living in Turkey. During the panel discussion during which Dr. John Hardman, president of the US-based Carter Center, spoke broadly about human rights and international law, he also said that our Foudnation’s activities constituted an important contribution to the democ-ratization process.

Speaking about the activities of the organization he chaired, Hardman said that their goals were to realize societal and global dialogue, noting that they do work in many different fields, including health, education and soci-etal consensus. He emphasized that his institution was similar to the Foun-dation in terms of their working toward world peace.

Hardman also noted that the most important steps to be taken on the path to democratization were the development of transparent policies and the prevention of corruption. It is unthinkable for all the states in the world to operate on a shared, single type of system in this regard, he emphasized.

In the panel discussion, which drew the participation of many gradua-tes and graduate students in addition to journalists and representatives of diplomatic missions, Sabancı University faculty member Professor Ersin Kalaycıoğlu also took part. Following the session, Dr. John Hardman and domestic and foreign academicians and journalists continued discussion.

By contributing to

democratization, activities

in the areas of health,

culture and education

held by NGOs are serving

universal peace.

Dr. John Hardman pointed out that the most important steps to be taken towards democratization are the development of transparent policies and the prevention of corruption.


50Other Activities

50

R amadan has come to be seen by Muslims as an important opportu-nity for societal consolidation, dialogue, tolerance and putting one’s self in another’s shoes. Our foundation has also made the Ramadan

dinner tables the foundation for dialogue and tolerance by coming toget-her at fast-breaking meals each year with guests from Turkey and abroad. Turkey’s multicultural and multifaith composition has always been reflected at the iftar tables. During these nights, which are of important religious meaning, in particular the participation of minority leaders and families in Turkey has given them the opportunity to share their thoughts on dialogue, unity and understanding.

The Children of These Lands: Sharing is Beautiful09.13.2009 Cevahir Hotel / Istanbul

Representatives of the Abrahamic religions together with the Deputy Gover-nor of İstanbul participated in an iftar held on the evening of Sept. 13 at the Cevahir Hotel under the slogan “The Children of These Lands: Sharing is Beautiful.” At the iftar, attended by around 300 people, declarations and sta-tements conveying “brotherhood” were prominent. Foundation President Mustafa Yeşil delivered the opening remarks at the iftar night, while Hono-rary President Fethullah Gülen also conveyed a message. Speeches were also made by some of the guests, including Chief Rabbi of the Turkish Jewish community İshak Haleva, Syrian Orthodox Church of Turkey Archbishop Yusuf Çetin, Former Vatican Spokesman Monsigneur Georges Marovitch, Armenian Patriarchate Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, Deputy Governor of İs-tanbul Ali Kazgan and KADİP President Dr. Kenan Gürsoy.

The warm dialogue among Chief Rabbi Ishak Haleva, Prof. Suat Yıldırım and Head of Reli-gious Affairs Ali Bardakoğlu reflected the night’s atmosphere.

Iftars

CHAırMAN oF THE JWF BoArD

Mustafa Yeşil

“The Quran says that man

was created in nations and

that no one is superior to

another except in service to

God. In that case, come and

let’s race with one another

in service to Him.”

(Fast-breaking meals)

Other Activities

51

Also in attendance were Foundation Board of Trustees President Ekrem Dumanlı, Professor Suat Yıldırım, Professor Niyazi Öktem, Dialogue Eura-sia Platform Co-President Harun Tokak, Hüseyin Hatemi, Professor Şerif Ali Tekalan and the families of members of different Abrahamic religions. During the meal artist Jerry Jramyan’s work “The Children of These Lands” was read, and former Vatican Spokesperson Monsigneur Georges Maro-vitch was a special guest at the dinner. Participating in a foundation iftar for the first time in a long time, Marovitch’s remarks on his feelings about the evening and about faithfulness drew attention.

In his opening remarks, Foundation President Mustafa Yeşil spoke abo-ut globalization, commenting that in a multicultural world this made it es-sential for everyone to be able to live together. Noting that in the Qur’an it is mentioned that humanity was created in peoples, Yeşil said that no one people or race can be esteemed above another, and that God only assigns people value over one another due to love and respect, in which God invites people to compete.

Toward Universal Peace: Bridges of PeaceOctober 16, 2005, Hilton, Istanbul/Turkey

The night was rather colorful, with the participation of attendees from various countries in the world. During the night during which messages of world peace were continually delivered, a special dimension was added by the participation of youth from different cultures and of different beliefs. For this night had been organized in order to commemorate their messages of dialogue and the bridges of peace they had built, and to celebrate their mission.

Diversity had never been

received with this much

“understanding.” Everyone

being accepted in their

own position, dialogue,

tolerance, forbearance, and

love had never gained this

much power and prevalence

while finding sincere

expression.

The attendance of Head of Religious Af-fairs Ali Bardakoğlu, Former President of JWF Harun Tokak, Head of Parliament Bülent Arınç, former Prime Minister Yıldı-rım Akbulut and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos received great attention.

Journalists and Writers Foundation Activities

52

Attendees included Parliament Speaker Bülent Arınç, and a number of other ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, provincial and district gover-nors, journalists, writers and artists. It was emphasized throughout the eve-ning the contribution that Turkish schools around the world had made to world peace. Young graduates of the Turkish Colleges opened in Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Pakistan, Morocco and Van shared messages of world peace during the evening.

Emotional moments took place in the hall when the youth joined hands -- black and white, Christian and Buddhist and Muslim -- and all spoke Turkish, conveying messages of world peace. The night was a testament to the “Peace Role” that Turkey has conducted throughout the continents. One African student delivered perhaps the most meaningful message of the night when he said, “These schools will bring smiles to the dark fate of my dark continent.”

We’re on the same boat10.24.2004 Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Palace, Istanbul/TurkeyThrough activities organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation/Intercultural Dialogue Platform, the meetings of spiritual leaders from the Abrahamic religious traditions living in Turkey began years ago. A common message emerged from those speaking at the iftar tables: “We’re all on the same boat.” Later, the iftar tables became a tradition, and led to the develop-ment of warm friendships.

Meeting participants convey important messagesPatriarch Bartholomew I: “We set out on the road in the field of dialogue in order to increase the nation’s prosperity and contribute to world peace; as is said in the Republic’s 10th Year March, we set out 10 years ago, the very person who holds this view, the honorable Fethullah Gülen was among us. I now pay him respect and wish him my warm sentiments.”

More than a thousand writers, artists and scholars came together to break the fast at the Polat Renaissance Hotel in Yeşilköy. (February 11, 1995)

Awards given to prominent

leaders of nations

possessing the same

history, language and

religion opened the door

to common projects

by creating synergy in

dialogue.

Activities

53

Parliament Speaker Bülent Arınç: “Nobody should be made uneasy by a night during which people from every segment come together. This is Turkey’s reality; as a stone thrown into water creates waves in its vicinity, so will this reality [make waves] in the world. In this way, we will together see the end of the screams, wails, and the sounds of ammunitions fire and tanks in the world. Just as Turkey is in need of this, the rest of the world, thirsty for peace, has the same need.”

Directorate of Religious Affairs President Professor Ali Bardakoğ-lu: “In the present day, when the unlimited spread of secularization has left deep wounds on humanity, there is a need for the call to peace and tolerance of the religion of the Oneness of God. This love must encompass us all.”

Vatican Embassy in Turkey Istanbul Representative Monsigneur Georges Marovitch: The picture that emerges from the activities of these platforms is amazing. I’m actually saddened, because the architect of these wonderful meetings, Hocaefendi Fethullah Gülen, isn’t here amongst us. I pray for him every day. I put a photograph of him in between the pages of one of my prayer books. Even if I’m asleep, I know that God will protect him.

Chief Rabbi of the Turkish Jewish Community İshak Haleva: “There’s nothing more to be said or added to the wonderful picture that has emerged from these meetings. I’m sure that [as far as God is concerned, His thoughts on the matter are as such]: This is exactly what I wanted. You all have to share love with each other, hand in hand and heart to heart.”

Diversity gained meaning01. 27. 1997, Hilton, İstanbul/TurkeyDifferences had never been met with so much “understanding” until that day. Everyone being accepted for who they were, dialogue, tolerance, leni-ence, love… it had never been expressed so earnestly, it had never gained so much strength and prevalence. The warmth of those Ramadan nights, their spiritual calm and sincerity; the elements of our cultural and faith-based richness were shared with representatives of the Abrahamic religions.

It’s unity, not division that is necessary02.11.1995, Polat Renaissance, Istanbul/TurkeyOver 1,000 writers, artists and scientists came together at the Polat Rena-issance Hotel in Yeşilköy at an iftar (fast-breaking diner) organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation. One of the many beauties of the ever-important month of Ramadan for Muslims is gathering together at such meals with dear friends. As the fast-breaking time approached on that day, nobody wanted to ruin the atmosphere of the moment by raising their vo-ices too loud; even conversations lowered to a whisper. Only the sweet

Award Ceremonies


54

sound of the ney coming from speakers filled the hall, bringing a separate

joy to our hearts… It was as if Mevlana Rumi was there… As if the ney had

voiced “complaints of separation” by saying, “Bişnev ezney kim hikayet mi-

kuned.” But this time it wasn’t the harbinger of a gathering over separation,

but rather that of unity and togetherness. For as Fethullah Gülen would

later put so beautifully in his talk, the wish of the attendees of that gathering

was for “cause of unity.”

Over Quarter - Century Scene of Pride05.07. 2000

9th President Süleyman Demirel was pre-sented the Turkish World award. (January 1998)

Important persons like 9th President Süleyman Demirel, politician Hikmet Çetin, former Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, Sakıp Sabancı and Üzeyir Garih from the business world were presented the “National reconciliation incentive award.” Participants formed a full portrait of reconciliation.

Man of State Süleyman DemirelPolitician Hikmet Çetin, Mustafa Kalemli, Bülent Ecevit

Business WorldSakıp Sabancı, Üzeyir Garih, Aydın Doğan, Nihat Gökyiğit, Bayram Meral

EducationProf. Dr. İhsan Doğramacı, Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Göle, Prof. Dr. Halil İnalcık, Prof. Dr. Yaşar Nuri Öztürk, Sami Yıldırım, Prof. Dr. Şerif Mardin

Media and ArtsRıza Zelyut, Nevval Sevindi, Gülay Göktürk, Şahin Özer, Hülya Koçyiğit

Tolerance Awards01.04.1997 / Çırağan Palace - Istanbul

Intellectuals who reflect our country’s richness and resources, and who with their ideas and works contribute to a culture of democracy, peace and love were awarded with a “Tolerance Awards” ceremony organized by our foundation.

Activities

55

Award Recipients:

Columnists: Taha Akyol, Cengiz ÇandarMedia/TV Programmers: Toktamış Ateş, Abdurrahman DilipakMedia/ Journalist: Münire AcımArt: Barış Manço, Kutsi Ergüner, Fehmi GerçekerDiplomacy: Işık Sadık AhmetScience: Prof. Dr. Mehmet S. AydınNature and Environment: Hayrettin Karaca

Family: Perihan Savaş

Assistance to Persons with Disabilities:

Müjdat Gezen ve R. Tayyip Erdoğan

Sport: Fatih Terim

Rauf Denktaş, President of the Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic, received the “Turkish World” award from the hands of Foundation President, Harun Tokak. (April 1998)

Night in Commemoration of Fallen Soldiers and Veterans and Award CeremonyMarch 16, 1999 Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Palace

What can we feel other than gratitude and respect for those fallen sol-diers and veterans who sacrificed their blood and lives in the name of the unity and integrity of our country? On this night, 2,000 people, including the families of over 600 fallen soldiers and veterans, to the best of their abi-lity tried to assuage the pain of those veterans still alive, and remembered the fallen soldiers with compassion and gratitiude.

Aid checks were also distributed as a gift for the Eid al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice) holiday during the evening, which was scene to many emo-tional moments. As part of the program Bora Gencer, Ertuğrul Polat, Ta-ner Aras, Eyüphan, Cansever, İsmail Hazar, Ömer Danış, İzzet Yıldızhan and Zeynep added color to the evening with songs about soldiers. Also, as part of the program awards were given to individuals, institutions and establishments that stood up for the families of fallen soldiers and veterans, and members of the press who through their work themed around fallen soldiers and active soldiers brought awarenss to the public.

The Union of Turkic Countries Awards (1998) Beginning in 1990, with the process of the disintegration of the Soviet Uni-on, the ground was laid for the establishment of five new “Turkish” States, which have remained close to one another for historical, religious, and cul-tural reasons. Since then, the political, economic and cultural ties between these new nations and Turkey have grown stronger. Nonetheless, this new closeness between Turkey and the central Asian Turkish states should not be considered ‘contrary’ or ‘opposed to’ other forms of cooperation. In recognition of this historical moment, the Journalists and Writers Foun-dation decided to give the awards to those heads of state who have made extraordinary contributions to this process.


56

Süleyman Demirel: (Ninth President of Turkey) “The Journalists and Writers Foundation is dedicated to bringing its mission of conciliation to the Turkish World as a whole. I congratulate you. You are still at the very beginning of the work that must be done in the Turkish World. May you succeed.”

Nursultan Nazarbayev: (President of Kazakhstan) “The Turkish World, with a population of 150 million, is creating the foundations for new unity and togetherness by casting new light on its own history. At the moment, Turkish investments in our country number two million dollars. In the year 2000, we will together celebrate the two thousandth anniversary of the Dede Korkut and the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the city of Tur-kestan, where Ahmet Yesevi lived. These spiritual figures are the common heritage of all Turkic peoples.

Rauf Denktaş: (Ninth President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) “The greater part of the Turkish World is entering the third mille-nium free and self-determined. From now on, it will be necessary to devote greater efforts to solving problems and consolidate unity and togetherness. In this regard, I consider your foundation’s initiatives in this area important and useful.”

Other heads of state who received the award: * 1998 January - Süleyman Demirel President of Turkey

* 1998 April - Nursultan Nazarbaev President of Kazakhstan

* 1998 April - Rauf Denktaş Ninth President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Former Azerbaijan President Haydar Aliyev’s award. (December 1998)

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s award (April 1998)

Tataristan President Mintimer Şaymiyev’s award. (December 1998)

Gathering the approval of a

broad segment of society

for the projects it realized

in the name of dialogue and

tolerance, our foundation

was seen worthy of various

awards.

Activities

57

* 1998 December - Haydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan

* 1998 December - Mihtimer Şeymiyev, President of the Republic of Tartar-stan, Russian Federation

* 1999 Fevral - Saparmurat Türkmenbaşı, President of Turkmenistan

* 1999 March - Askar Akayev, President of Kyrgyzstan

* 1999 September - Natsagiyn Bagabandi, President of Mongolia

* 1999 September - Aliya İzzetbegoviç, President of Bosnia-Herzegovina

* 1999 October - Edward Shevardnadze, President of Georgia

* 2005 December - İmamali Rahmonov, President of Tajikistan

Awards Received and Affiliated Organizations The Turkish Military Association for the Handicapped, Veterans, Martyrs, Widows and Orphans / 1998

The Russian Federation Friendship Association / 1998

Türksav “Award for Service to the Turkish World” / 1998

ŞADDER(Association for Solidarity and Social Aid for Families of Martyrs) / 1998

Istanbul Association for Solid arity with the Mothers of Martyrs and Social Aid / 1998

AGRT(Anatolian Newspaper, Radio and Television ) Broadcasters Uni-on / 1999

Mount Olympus Culture and Education Award

The Istanbul Mayors’ Office, “Award for Support of the Turkish World”/1999

Saparmurat Türkmenbaşı, President of Turkmenistan/ 1999

The Istanbul Municipal Government / 2001

Turkish Hearths Culture Award (April 18, 1998)

Foundation President Harun Tokak received the Service to the Turkish World Award which was given to JWF from the hands of 9th President Süleyman Demirel.


58

The Istanbul Regional Directorate of Foundations / 2003

USA, Hartford Seminary Exploring Differences, Deepening Faith / 2005

Awards Given to Fethullah Gülen, Honorary President of JWF * 1995 May 26 - “The Nihal Atsız Award for Service to the Turkish World,” from the Turkish Hearths Foundation

* 1995 July 25 - Certificate of Thanks from the Turkish Armed Forced Little Mehmet Foundation

* 1996 April 18 - “Individuals of the Year Award” from the Turkish Indus-trialists and Businessmen Foundation

* 1997 Fevral 23 - Award for Service to the Turkish World, from the Writ-ers and Artists Foundation (TÜRKSAV)

* 1997 November 21 - The Special 24th of November Education Award from the Turkish Education Union

* 1998 March - Award in Recognition of Contributions to the Turkish World, from the Turk 2000s Foundation

* 1998 April 18 - “The Turkish Hearths Culture Prize,” from the Turkish Hearths

* 1998 July 05 - “The First International Turkish Struggle for Independence Symposium Award,” from the Silk Road Foundation

* 2001 April 27 - “The Esteemed Service Award” from the Turkish Writers Union

* 2004 November 01 - “The Award for Contributions to Peace and Har-mony among Peoples” from the Kyrgyzstan Spirituality Foundation

Steps in DialogueThe road to living together in dialogue, tolerance and peace runs through listening to one another, researching and getting to know one another. For this reason, our foundation employs mutual visits with an aim to get to know different cultures both regionally and internationally, to examine them and engage in the exchange of ideas. Just as in different world countries there are homogenous cultures, there are also places where different cultures mix and live together. The work of our foundation is made more meaningful thro-ugh research into how love, peace and tranquility -- the aims of life -- can be established in such places, and what sorts of activities exist to pursue these aims, how they are run and what possibilities exist for collaboration in this field. Through our various activities, these differences with an interest in one another are able to see each other from a closer distance through mutual visits, meetings and trips. These comings and goings that we call “Steps in Dialogue” naturally result in new projects for a life of stability and peace.

It can be seen frequently during visits like this that different groups whom we think subconsciously “won’t even sit at the same table together” are running toward the same reality on common ground. Nobody says that anywhere is too far; our foundation has seen heavy traffic from visitors co-ming from Australia, Korea, India, China, the US, France, Germany, Italy,

At the end of their visit German guests co-ming from Brücke-Köprü said, “Love is the platform that brings everyone together.”

Those who find the

opportunity to get to know

each other better by means

of meetings and trips feel

the joy of escaping from

their prejudices.

Steps in Dialogue

Activities

59

Belgium, Africa, Russia and the Caucasus, and at the same time organizes trips and tours for groups of journalists, academicians and people from other segments of Turkish society to these countries and continents.

A Comment on Dialogue from Germans: Love and Tolerance is a Common Platform Above Religions09.22.2009A group of clerics and dialogue volunteers visited our foundation during the “Christian-Muslim Rendezvous Journey” trip to Istanbul sponsored by the BRUCKE-KÖPRÜ establishment, which runs dialogue activities betwe-en Christians and Muslims in Germany’s Nuremburg.

Following a briefing on the foundation by Vice President Cemal Uşak and Intercultural Dialogue Platform General Coordinator Ahmet Muhar-rem Atlığ, the views and recommendations of the guests were solicited. In the concretization of work to establish a foundation for societal peace, the messages given being clear and understandable are of a considerable, deter-minant importance. Hans-Martin Gloel, group leader and also a worker of Brüke-Köprü, made the following statement on the issue: “The realization of these efforts, the coming together of many people from different religio-us, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and their showing respect to one anot-her requires a concept that encompasses and supersedes their religions, cultures and races. And this is the God that everyone believes in. Love is a platform that brings everyone together.”

Business proposals from Senegal08.25.2009Presidential Aid Moustapha Ndiaye, who coordinates major investments made in Senegal, was in Turkey to establish official contacts. He also paid a visit to our foundation to receive information about dialogue and toleran-ce activities. Our guest was received by Abant Platform Secretary-General

Foundation President Mustafa Yeşil received South African guests.

Senegal Presidential Advisor Moustapha Ndiaye wanted youth from Senegal to be educated in Turkey.


60

Salih Yaylacı and provided with general information about our foundati-on by the platform’s project coordinator, Mustafa Kasım Erol. Evaluating current events in Turkey, Moustapha Ndiaye emphasized his perception of democracy in the country with an example: “I can understand the rigidity in the understanding of laicism of the old generation, but the new generation needs to finally understand that there is a need for change. Everyone must be granted the right to live freely. Even though 96 percent of the population is Muslim, the president of Senegal is a Christian. Even this shows that we are a free democracy.”

In particular, Moustapha Ndiaye recommended the establishment of a plat-form just to address this issue. Concrete proposals also arose from the visit; Moustapha Ndiaye said that they commended the educational quality of Turkish schools in Senegal, and expressed a desire to bring this quality to their own schools. In order to accomplish this, they want to send Senegalese youth to Turkey to receive education and training in areas needed to assess what’s lacking in Senegal, such as pedagogy, he said.

Russian Students Should Complete Internships in Turkey08.19.2009Academicians from Petersburg traveling to İstanbul to observe work in the fields of media and communications in Turkey first-hand said that they wan-ted to send their students to Turkey. Journalist and Petersburg State Univer-sity Communications Department faculty member Valeriy Dzantemiroviç Takazov paid a visit to the Medialog Platform.

Academician Valery Dzantemirovich Takazov from Petersburg wanted his students to have internships in Turkey.

Due to the “Dialogue Steps”

visits some parties of whom

it has been said, “they will

never come together,” have

broadened their fields of

work and adopted ideas

based on tolerance.

Activities

61

The media have a great role in the normalization of relations between Rus-sia and Turkey, Takazov said, expressing a desire to work on collaborative projects with the Medialog Platform. Saying that students from his depart-ment had been sent to Europe and the US for internships but that it was also very important for them to participate in internship programs in Tur-key, the Russian academician said that they had requested the assistance of the Medialog Platform in this regard. Medialog Platform Secretary-Genral Erkam Tufan Aytav said that they were extremely pleased to receive the Rus-sians in Turkey, and that they were open to all forms of cooperation.

Japanese Courtesy06.16.2008The weather was rainy and the sun was hidden behind the clouds. Lines from Marguerite Duras’ “Hiroshima mon amor” (Hiroshima My Love) came to mind: “Woman: Does the sun never rise in Hiroshima? Man: The sun never rises in Hiroshima.” How can that be in the “Land of the Rising Sun”? And isn’t it true that “Ex oriente lux” (the sun rises in the east)? That’s certainly so. But it’s clear that Duras is referencing Hiroshima’s “Sunless Days.” That is to say, those bleak August days in 1945.

We were in Japan. Even if in a Japanese folk song the words “let’s fly to İstanbul” are said, we had flown to Hiroshima through an international me-eting; as guests of the Arigato Foundation which focuses on the problems facing the world’s children. We were able to visit four other cities outside of Hiroshima. Through this, we tried to get to know this beautiful country which had left those bloody World War II days behind. We saw with our

They say, “The sun never rises in Hiroshima,” but we witnessed in the “Land of the Sun” that the sun always rises. This sun is reflected as smiles on the faces of the people.

Seeing lives destroyed by

war in Japan being revived

with love pushes people into

an atmosphere full of hope.


62Activities

62

own eyes how a country devastated by atomic bombs had transformed itself into a modern and prosperous nation.

People virtually keep their voices to a minimum level in order to avoid dis-turbing one another. At every occasion, with an amiable bow they express their respect to one another. It’s impossible to forget the waiter who bends his knees while presenting the bill; or the ticket-collector who, while chec-king tickets, makes a note to come back to the passenger sleeping beside me so as not to disturb him, and goes out of his way to bow in greeting to every person who enters or exits the wagon. Cemal Uşak (Intercultural Dialogue Platform Secretary-General)

Northern Iraq TripNov. 30-Dec. 2, 2007The trip, attended by Amberin Zaman, Mustafa Akyol, Ferhat Kentel and Akif Emre, began in Arbil, the capital of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan re-gion. Talip Büyük, general manager of the Işık High Schools opened there by the Fezalar Educational Company, gave our briefed our group on the schools. The first of the schools was opened in 1994, and they now had a total of eight schools in Arbil and Kirkuk. A total of 206 teachers are serving at the schools; 95 from Turkey and 111 from Northern Iraq.

At the schools, which were educating 2,228, 599 graduates from such back-grounds like Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian, Christian, Muslim and Kildani had all received their education together. School officials said there was great local interest in the schools, and that parents were practically competing with one another to enroll their children there. An official from the KDP said: “The schools have communicated the image that Turkey is not an enemy. Others had hurt us. These schools mended our wounds. It was a form of compassion.” Erkam Tufan Aytav (Medialog Platform Secretary-General)

A meaningful message from Ukrainian rectors: “The Future will be built with love” 10.18.2007Rectors coming from Ukraine’s Ternopil, Odessa and Prikarpatya regions expressed important messages during their visit to our foundation. By me-ans of the traditional “Education, science, state and intellectual integration” conference organized for 10 years in Ukraine, the rectors had come to İstan-bul to sign educational agreements with universities in Turkey. They emp-hasized the fact that bilateral relations between the two nations must also progress in the field of education and benefit from relevant experiences.

Receiving a briefing on the foundation’s work, the rectors took particular interest in the Dialogue Eurasia magazine published in Eurasia. They exp-ressed hopes that the magazine, which they found considerably successful in terms of its publication policy, rich content and design, would be published in Ukranian as well. Giving information about the magazine, Foundation

Those scholars who believe

that the future will rise on

the shoulders of educated

youth are sure that love will

give this belief action.

Deans from the Ukraine visited our foundati-on for the purpose of “Education, science, the state and intellectual integration.”

Activities

63

President Tokak emphasized the importance that educators and scientists played in societal life.

Ternopil State University Vice Rector Ribak Timofiy Teofan Ivanovic said that he was greatly affected by hearing about the foundation’s work, saying: “There are many things that Ukraine and Turkey have to share with each other, in terms of both education and culture. For 10 years in Ukraine we’ve been debating over educational issues, and in this field we have be-nefitted from Turkey’s experiences.” The rector, expressing hopes that the visit would be remembered meaningfully, had a message for humanity as well: “The future will be established with love.”

Australia Impressions11.30.2007Avustralya’ya Kültürlerarası Diyalog Merkezi’nin davetlisi olarak geldik. TaWe came to Australia upon the invitation of the Intercultural Dialogue Center. Of course there were others who had come from Turkey as well. Academicians, parliamentarians and journalists: Prof. Nazif Gürdoğan, Prof. Ahmet Güç, Dr. Abdurrahman Kurt, Prof. Recep Kaymakcan, Prof. Hüseyin Algül, Prof. Abdullah Özbek, Prof. Yusuf Ziya İrbeç (a deputy from Antalya), Prof. Suat Yıldırım, Prof. Alparslan Açıkgenç, Prof. Hüseyin El-malı, Prof. Şerif Tekalan, Prof. Doğu Ergil, Prof. Vahit Kirişçi (a deputy from Adana), Mahmut Övür.

The program began with a visit by the state governor… Following that, we toured the parliament building. Then, we were guests at the Australia Poli-ce Department building. The Police Chief’s sincere words were attention-grabbing: “You all also know, when a new police chief is appointed so-mewhere, the first people to pay them a visit are generally those involved in illegal work. As they have to maintain good ties with the law, they come to visit. This is the same everywhere… When the Turks first came to visit us, we wondered, ‘They must also have some expectation or are up to some sort of no good.’ But it turned out they were from the Australia Intercultural Di-alogue Center and had come to introduce themselves and give us firsthand information about themselves. Honestly, we were really surprised. It was the first time that had happened to us. Later, we became close friends. Our friendship grows with each passing day.”

Our main reason for coming here is the opening of a seat at a university. Australia Catholic University is one of Australia’s well respected universi-ties. Three years ago, the university senate decided to establish an Islamic Sciences Chair, and after some research, decided from amongst a number of candidates to name it after Fethullah Gülen.

Victoria Governor Professor David de Kretser, who conducted the opening, is also an academician. Australia Catholic University Rector Professor Peter W. Sheen and the university faculty members are almost ready. Australian

The trust that is tested in

reciprocal visits is opening

the door to new projects;

the institutes that have

been founded are turning

into international hearths of

knowledge.

The Islamic Studies Chair established by the Australia Catholic University was given the name of Fethullah Gülen.


64Activities

64

parliamentarians… Top-level administrators from the Melbournce Police Department… The Catholic community’s spiritual leader and other Austra-lians… And there are also many Turkish citizens in the hall. Upon entering the room one immediately feels the friendly atmosphere and warmth; it is as if everyone is being embraced by a warm welcome. One person sitting beside me leans over and whispers, upon taking in the scene, “This is an extraordinary scene! Something serious is happening here.” Faruk Tuncer (Dr., Journalists and Writers Foundation Research Center Director)

Jon Cantrell (USA)I would like to thank you for the kindness and hospitality that you showed me and my wife, Theresa, during my trip to Turkey. I’m a longtime defender of interfaith dialogue, but your activities showed me that all of us need to commit to dialogue and communication. Not just for introducing the East and West, but in order to nurture all of mankind and perpetuate the exis-tence of future generations.

What I would like to say to each of you is this: Continue on the path of sharing with all people the peace and goodness, interfaith dialogue and the incredible experience that I had with you and with the people of Turkey.

You all have renewed my belief in the innate goodness of all people. You have inspired me to share the kindness, mercy, humility and wisdom of Fethullah Gülen and the Turkish people.

I will never again hide behind a curtain of apathy or ignorance with regard to my stance toward believers. And I will always know that we belong to one world, one type and one God.

May God protect each and every one of you.

Judith A. DyeDear friends in Turkey,

I’ve been home in Nebraska for a week. I think of you all frequently. I want to thank you once again for the generosity and hospitality that you showed me. You really put our small group up well.

Many people are asking about my trip to Turkey. I’ve told them all about the wonderful experience that I had. I spoke about many things that I experien-ced in your homes, schools, at your tables and discussion groups.

Now, I’m writing articles for a local newspaper. There’s so much to tell! I’m trying not to explain everything all at once. This fall, I’m going to present my photographs and memoirs along with a PowerPoint presentation.

I look at the pictures and I remember… I see your faces and I smile…

May God be with you.

General Secretary of IDP Muharrem Atlığ gave Bosnian guests gifts as tokens of fri-endship.

The Northern Iraq trip of Turkish reporters.

Reflections in Hearts

Activitiesler

65

KyokiHello Turkey,

I want to express my deepest feelings of gratitude for the extraordinary expe-rience I had in Turkey. I didn’t know anything about your country before. I’m happy to have spent time with you, visit your mosques, share your morning and evening meals, visit your schools and dorms and see the inc-redible beauties of your country.

I want you to know that, as a Buddhist priest, it would not have been pos-sible for me to make this trip without the generosity of each of you and especially the West Pennsylvania Cultural Center. I’ve begun my reading, and I want to thank everyone who shared with me their books and broc-hures. I loved the stories. During my prayers, my mind is constantly busy with thoughts of you. I’ve returned to my home and temple near Pittsburgh and I’m now on a one-month vacation. Unfortunately this means that I haven’t yet been able to share my stories with many people. At the same time this means that I fear that as I sit here quietly they will, like bubbles inside of me, fly off and escape.

Your gracefulness has given me both great mirth and deep peace of mind.With love.

Gerry Straub, Gerard Thomas Straub, SFO, President & CEOMy trip to Turkey through the Interfaith Dialogue Institute was a profound experience. I can’t stop myself from thinking about this journey. Our plans are ongoing to create a film that relates the importance of interfaith dialo-gue. Of course, our biggest problem is financing. We’re currently amidst presenting a major offer to a relevant establishment. Attached you can find the latest draft of the film we’ve named “Servitude to the Same God.”

We learned many things from our Muslim friends, and we are thankful to them for the opportunity for us to learn about their faith and discover the ways in which Islam can make us better Christians. With today’s global conditions, the continuation of our existence is tied to our capability of lis-tening to one another and learning from one another, to the respect that we will foster for one another, and even our loving one another. With love.

Mahmut Altınzencir, President of the Frohsinn Förderkreis Association, GermanyWe regard it a duty to express to you our happiness in the face of your sho-wing us a wonderful example of Turkish hospitality during the April 22, 2006 visit we paid to your institution. Our German guests with whom we visited your institution expressed to us repeatedly words of praise regarding this hospitality. We would like to present our thanks to the esteemed offi-cials who dealt with us and to those who had a hand in the delicious foods given to us. Respectfully.

“I am happy to be with you,

to go to your mosques,

to share your breakfasts

and dinners, to visit your

schools and dormitories and

to see unbelievably beautiful

country - Turkey.”

Kyoki

Project Coordinator of ABANT Platform Kasım Erol explained the purpose of dialogue to German students.


BooksCultures develop through the nourishment of the civilizations they be-

long to. The points of view and stances with regard to the meaning of

life and its essence that are created herein have a role as important as

6666

Publications

Publishing the original

and translation of books of

thinkers whose ideas related

to dialogue and tolerance

we have benefitted from,

particularly speeches and

meeting notes from the

Abant Meetings, enables

them to reach a broader

reading audience.

Publications

Publications

67

that of any technological product. Our foundation takes great care in focusing on the publishing of works of idea -- books -- that will constitu-te bearers of civilization. For a book is the first and soundest resource when it comes to the deep, intimate examination of the understan-dings and ideas of the civilization it belongs to.

The fact that the geography in which we live has hosted multicultu-ral and multi-faith ancient civilizations since the beginning of history makes it mandatory for ideas to be bound into books in the name of dialogue and togetherness. For this reason publishing the ideas, in particular of those of our intellectuals who concern themselves with civilization and societal life and publishing in book form the relevant events being held are at the top of our publishing priority list.

Beginning with the bulletins and meeting notes from the Abant Mee-tings, we have in the name of dialogue and tolerance made use of the ideas of men of letters, publishing their books in their original langu-ages and in translation to ensure the delivery of their messages to a wider audience of readers.

Journalists and Writers Foundation What They Say

68

The Dialogue Eurasia Platform is conducting important efforts with regard to rebuilding the bridges between the Eurasian societies,

which share similar historical adventures, and development forward-looking perspectives. I believe that the advantages of coming toget-her for mutual benefit and unifying our strength will emerge here.

Religion ensures the continuation and application of moral values. World leaders revolve around the penalty and reward system es-

tablished by the dynamics of religious morals. In religious terrorism, some minorities that become members of larger groups refer to their minority status by saying that they have “been able to survive” and de-fine themselves as “more valuable” because they are in the minority.

How is it that while on one hand great pains are being taken to preserve the religion of the Prophet Job, while on the other hand

a man can kill defenseless people unflinchingly? The common points of the Abrahamic religions must be emphasized, internalized and bro-ught to the fore; in this regard, a heavy duty falls upon the shoulders of religious community leaders.

TuRkIsH PRImE mInIsTER REcEP TAyyiP ERDoğAn:

TuRkIsH ARmEnIAn oRTHoDox communITy REPREsEnTATIvE sAHAk mAşAlyAn:

TuRkEy’s mARmARA unIvERsITy DIvInITy FAculTy PRoFEssoR ÖmER FARuk HARmAn:

Here different worlds come together but there’s no respect for ide-as. In this sense, the Abant Platform is a very important step for

Turkey. Even if nothing else was accomplished, the mere gathering of so many people from such different worlds and engaging them in discussion is in itself quite an event.

AmERIcA’s unIvERsITy oF WIsconsIn FAculTy mEmbER PRoFEssoR kEmAl kARPAT:

What They Say

69

There’s nothing more to be said or added to the wonderful picture that has emerged from these meetings. I’m sure that [as far as God

is concerned, His thoughts on the matter are as such]: This is exactly what I wanted. you all have to share love with each other, hand in

hand and heart to heart.

The peoples living in the Eurasian geography do not know each ot-her well enough. Due to advancements in today’s telecommunica-

tions fields, international dialogue can be accomplished with greater ease. The development of cultural knowledge amongst the Eurasian

publics is of serious importance for the Eurasian states.

If we put our focus not on materialistic values, but more on spiritual values, culture and morals, then we will be able to make important

contributions. Religion, spiritual and moral values are a source of pri-mary importance not just for Russia or Turkey, but for all of the other

Dialogue Eurasia member nations as well.

cHIEF RAbbI oF THE TuRkIsH JEWIsH communITy IsHAk HAlEvA:

FoRmER ukRAInIAn sEcRETARy oF sTATE yuRy sERGEyEv:

RussIAn AcADEmIcIAn PRoFEssoR lEonID sukIyAInEn:

The story of how the DA magazine first began is very important. In order for us to grow closer, we have to accomplish big things. The

DA magazine is capable of accomplishing such big things. Dialogue and mutual understanding must take the forefront in the globalizing

world.

FoRmER AzERbAIJAnI PREsIDEnT HAyDAR AliyEv:

Journalists and Writers Foundation What They Say

70

Dialogue Eurasia’s mission is for us a state mission. It makes us ex-ceedingly happy to be walking down the same path.

We set out on the road in the field of dialogue in order to incre-ase the nation’s prosperity and contribute to world peace; as is

said in the Republic’s 10th year march, we set out. Ten years ago, the man who came up with this idea, the Honorable Fethullah Gülen, was amongst us. I extend my greetings to him with respect and feelings of friendship.

In the present day, when the unlimited spread of secularization has left deep wounds on humanity, there is a need for the call to peace

and tolerance of the religion of the oneness of God.

The picture that emerges from the activities of these platforms is amazing. I’m actually saddened [by one aspect of this all], because

the architect of these wonderful meetings, Hocaefendi Fethullah Gü-len, isn’t here amongst us. I pray for him every day. I put a photograph of him in between the pages of one of my prayer books. Even if I’m asleep, I know that God will protect him.

kyRGyzsTAn sEcRETARy oF sTATE ADAHAn mADumARov:

PATRIARcH bARTHolomEW I:

TuRkIsH DIREcToRATE oF RElIGIous AFFAIRs PREsIDEnT PRoFEssoR Ali bARDAkoğlu:

vATIcAn EmbAssy In TuRkEy FoRmER IsTAnbul REPREsEnTATIvE monsIGnEuR GEoRGEs mARovITcH:

Journalists And Writers Foundation

Documents

Transcript of Journalists And Writers Foundation