“Everything’s most important point is the beginning,” says Plato.
To start is to erase the past, to open a new page. To start is to forget the pain and sorrows of the past and look to the future with hope. It’s difficult, challenging, but that’s why beginnings are about rebirth and holding onto life. Beginnings are about believing that everything will be better, convincing others of that belief, and striving for it. And beginnings are the milestones that teach us not to give up, not to get tired, and to continue on the path.
Our country is burning all around. Every day, a new pain, a new tragedy. People are no longer concerned with the economy, growth, and trade, but rather with the struggle for survival. Unexpected events are unfolding right in front of us. Time surprises people, and predictions are turned upside down. Problems that inflate like a balloon become unsolvable and turn into chronic wounds. Our neighbors, like broken boats clinging to the pier in a storm, are being tossed back and forth. And the ancient and rooted pier resisting this relentless storm is undoubtedly our beautiful country, Turkey. While living in the most stable and responsive country in the region, unfortunately, we are the ones most affected by every negative development to the maximum. The unique geographical and strategic position of our country is unparalleled in every sense. Positive reflections of this can also have negative consequences. Our three neighbors with whom we have historical and cultural ties, Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine, are struggling in the whirlpool of internal conflicts. The face of war is as cold, dark, and sad as possible. The children who die, the mothers who cry, the lost children, regardless of who they are, hurt and wound us, and it hurts. And then there’s Gaza, which weighs heavily on our hearts, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan. The world, which does not hear the cry of helplessness and innocence, seems to have forgotten the words justice and peace, convincing itself of indifference and the righteousness of the powerful. We remain silent, burying our outcry within, feeling sorrow, and only feeling sorrow.
But despite everything, in the face of this negative picture, being hopeful and looking to the future with hope seems to be the only way and the only way out for us. We mentioned beginnings, right! Maybe from now on, everything will get better, wounds will heal, swords will be sheathed, and hands will meet again. There are many beginnings that emerge before us and give us faith. For example, a holiday, which warms our hearts despite being bittersweet, brings smiles to children, and reminds us of loyalty and friendship. Then there is a presidential election that will determine the future of our country. For the first time in the history of the republic, a strong leader chosen by the people will lead our country forward, make important strides, and sprinkle crumbs of excitement and determination into our hearts. Competing and striving for a better future is a beautiful thing. Isn’t this what brings success! Not to separate, not to divide, to be one and united is our greatest desire. We hope and wish that this election strengthens the unity and solidarity of our country. In any case, let our country be the winner, let our nation be the winner, and let all the peoples who have bound their hearts and hopes to us be winners. Let a growing and thriving Turkey be the winner.
Again, a brand new season for our region, new expectations, a new era. A new heartbeat that we hope to reap the fruits of our preparations. Then comes our grand festival, which we hope will be vibrant and colorful this year. This festival, which adds strength and momentum to our region in every way, continues to grow like a sapling every year, nurturing our hopes. This sapling, to which we gave lifeblood two years ago, will one day become a grand, mighty oak and surround Laleli with its shade, contributing greatly to our country. The interest of buying delegations coming to Laleli from 27 countries during the festival is a harbinger of those beautiful days. Our greatest wish is that this effort brings good and blessing to our region.
That’s it. We can find many reasons to be hopeless or hopeful. In short, we see things the way we look at them. Some see the dark and festering side of the world, while others see its bright and luminous side. Despite everything, we are hopeful. We wish for you to keep your hope and belief to the fullest. Time will pass, and the bright sun at the end of this dark tunnel will cast its light in front of determined, resilient, and determined people, that is, you. Believe in it and convince others. Then you will see that these new beginnings will herald the beautiful days we dream of, sweep away the thorns and rocks in our path, and open up our horizon and path.
With these wishes, I greet you wholeheartedly, wishing you a peaceful, joyful, and healthy holiday without accidents.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca.
