There is a saying; “Hard times bring strong people, strong people bring good times, good times bring weak people, weak people bring hard times.”
Our region has had to face problems throughout history due to its strategic location and global importance. Such an important geography, where two continents meet and trade, energy and civilization corridors intersect, undoubtedly always has to face difficult issues to solve. As soon as there is no problem, there is no more value and effort left. Our country, whose surroundings are literally a fire place, will never, ever end trying to find a way through endless deadlocks. As Ibn Khaldun said, “Geography is destiny” and it is natural that Turkey, which is at the center of the world, will always be in the middle of these global deadlocks. It should not be forgotten that every crisis brings with it some opportunities.
The tragic war experienced by our northern neighbors inevitably affects our country. Turkey, appreciated by the world with its peace-based policy, is doing its best to end this cruel and meaningless war. However, the problem is so deep and complex that Turkey’s efforts alone are unfortunately not sufficient for a solution. Implementing a global understanding in coordination is very important in order to end this bloodshed. Otherwise, we may return to the beginning of an era that will last for years and divide the world in half, just like the Cold War period. It is clear that in such a situation, neither the warring parties nor the mechanisms that support or fuel the war will gain anything. The prosperity that is lacking in the world and the increasing poverty can only be solved if humanity comes together on the axis of common sense. Mutual polarization and destruction-oriented solutions will unfortunately only deepen these crises. While technological developments bring us global events within seconds, it is a disgrace for the whole world that we move so slowly in terms of developing solutions. Increasing global tensions and stress burdens pose significant risks for the future of the world. If we remember that small sparks cost the lives of millions, it is important for all countries to sincerely support peace. Although petty interests and unilateral interests may seem like an advantage today, they are extremely dangerous for the course of the world in the long run. Expectations of intervening in the world’s fragile issues and benefiting from conflict possibilities from tens of thousands of kilometers away contradict the realities of today’s modern world. In the current century, the gap between the East and the West has narrowed, and the line between the so-called civilization and underdevelopment has shortened. Perhaps this great change and transformation lies at the root of all these meaningless conflicts. The loss of power of global structures that develop colonial order under the name of humanity pushes them towards a more aggressive and conflicting identity. However, no matter what is done, standing in the way of change or opposing change will not yield any results. It is possible to see this from the economic, political and global transformation that our country has demonstrated. Any development, no matter where it is in the world, must be handled by taking into consideration the opinions of the new players on this global stage. Otherwise, the results will remain incomplete and will continue for decades as a source of unending pain. At this point, it is valuable for us that our country is one of the pioneers of this change. Continuing this process by getting stronger and increasing will bring benefits for both our country and humanity.
June is a very important month for us. Our LASİAD was established 25 years ago on June 6. I hope that this quarter-century-old plane tree will continue to serve our region and our country for many more 25 years. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has worked hard and contributed since its establishment. I hope that our association, which is the symbol of Laleli’s unity and solidarity, will provide many more services for our future as we celebrate its anniversary. I greet you with these wishes and wishes and offer my respects with the hope that we can build a more peaceful, prosperous and peaceful world together.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca
