The
Republic of Turkey is a democratic, secular state of law with a
historic, deep-rooted and wealthy culture dating back 2,500 years, the
continuation of numerous regional states established in a swathe of
territory extending from Asia to the European interior and from the
Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean.
Two
great states founded by our nation, the Seljuk and Ottoman empires,
became models for the world. With its unbounded tolerance and love, it
adopted the principle of Peace in the Homeland, Peace in the World, on
matters such as liberty, human rights and justice. The Turkish state and
nation want peace, tranquility and love in the world.
Of
course, like many other states, our country has overcome hard times and
has undergone intense struggles for democracy. The republican
administration is in its 90th year, and the transition to a multiparty
democracy took place 67 years ago. As of 2002, the country has been
enjoying a new spring and is governed according to the legal and
democratic norms in European Human Rights standards. The Turkish spring,
with its pluralist democracy, is reflected in the parliament and local
administrations with substantial majorities' votes in consecutive
elections.
An
environmental rearrangement scheduled for Gezi Park in Taksim, Istanbul
turned into a protest action for reasons such as the lack of proper
public relations works, the planned project not being submitted for the
approval of the residents of the city and some of our citizens not
regarding the steps being taken as acceptable. Our valuable young people
making use of their democratic right to protest freely were exposed to a
mistaken and harsh attitude on the part of the police in the first days
of the protests. Some illegal organizations that regarded this as an
opportunity and have for decades been trying to incite the public to
take to the streets and that wanted to give the impression of an
uprising against the state immediately sheltered behind this
environmental protest. They burned around a thousand vehicles, attacked
hundreds of shops, set fire to buildings and led to thousands of
policemen being injured. From that point, environmentalist protests that
began for innocent and justified reasons, turned into a terror
activity.
In
brief, no action using terror and violence, that raises tensions in
Istanbul and the entire country and that damages public order and peace
is acceptable in this country, as it would not be in any other
democratic country. The fact that in public opinion polls 83% of the public demand an immediate end to the street protests verging on anarchy is highly significant.
It
is perfectly possible for Gezi Park to be protected, as the
environmentalists want, or even made more attractive. Moreover, I think
that this is very necessary for our people in terms of style and art
because Taksim Square is the center and symbol of the city.
The
Italian artists can be invited. A large pool could be built in the
square. A large pool with statues on which swans and ducks paddle about,
as in London, Rome, Vienna and Paris. There could be bronze statues of
lions or statues of people. Young people could dangle their feet in it,
play guitars, sing and have fun. Pigeons can fly about. The park can be
expanded downward and to the sides with more green areas, and large
trees can be planted. If so desired, cafeterias and restaurants can be
built, so long as they do not impair the greenery. The project could
even be expanded with the demolition of some buildings in the area, and
these areas could be added to the park.
Taksim Gezi Park could become a global center. A park that springs to mind whenever Istanbul is mentioned.
To
consider the matter in religious terms, the Prophet Muhammad prohibited
statues on a temporary basis as a precaution against idolatry.
Sculpture is not prohibited in our religion. Temporary bans can always
be imposed. The Koran says that the palace of the Prophet Solomon was
decorated with statues and works of art. The Torah also speaks of
statues of lions and cherubim. There were statues of children. The holy
books provide detailed descriptions. Therefore, faith encourages art and
beauty as it does science. And the world becomes a lovelier place with
these fine things.
In
the same way, the AKM (Ataturk Culture Center) that stands in Taksim
could be turned into a very large cultural center, with a splendid
external appearance befitting Istanbul, where all kinds of cultural
activity can be held inside, such as opera, theater, fine arts and
exhibitions. That project can be put to the public with ideas from all
sections of society, and the world's most renowned architects.
Young
people with sincere environmental beliefs involved in the Gezi Park
protest, fine young people, young people with broad horizons,
intelligent young people, these are our people. They have a modern
conception of Islam. They are against extremism and bigotry. They are
ultra modern. They are people of love. They are compassionate, they feel
affection for dogs and cats and trees, and feel sorry for the poor.
They enhance their own culture. They are kind and respectful toward one
another.
Turkish
people attach great importance to these characteristics, liberty and
democracy. The whole world knows this is what makes Turkey different
from the Middle East. Indeed, is that not why the Western world points
to Turkey as a role model for eastern countries?
The
verse of the Koran that reads "There is no compulsion in the religion"
(2:256) shows that the faith foresees the most highly developed
democracy.
In
the last decade in particular Turkey has made great progress in human
rights and democracy, compared to the past. Western countries have
admired and encouraged this progress. The analyses being made through
the Gezi Park events should also be similarly constructive. In
particular, the way for the democratic structure we all want to see to
flourish in the Middle East is for Turkey's progressive and enlightened
character to be shown them as a role model.
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