Academics from UK Impressed with Dialogue Efforts in Turkey

Academics from Britain visited Turkey for the “Debates on Multiculturalism 2” meeting, were also present at the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) to receive a presentation on dialogue efforts carried out by the foundation.

In the panel organized by Intercultural Dialogue Platform (IDP) IDP advisor Hrant Topakian and Secretary-General of Abant Platform Mr. Huseyin Hurmalı briefed the English academics about the recent dialogue work.

In the panel moderated by Secretary General Dr. Muharrem Atlıg, Secretary General Huseyin Hurmalı made the first presentation. After talking about multiculturalism of the Ottoman period, Mr. Hurmalı noted that the understanding of “multiculturalism" has changed after the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. After a series of military coups in Turkey, Mr. Hurmali noted that the multicultural atmosphere in the country quickly disappeared.

Destroying the Other is to Destroy Oneself

When IDP advisor Hrant Topakian spoke at the panel, he explained why he puts great emphasis on dialogue by giving examples from his own family experiences. Topakian had witnessed the civil war in Beirut and had gleaned from that experience one thing: "If you destroy the other, you also hurt yourself. Mr. Topakian informed the audience that in 1994, a Muslim public intellectual visited the Armenian Patriarchate via JWF.

Recalling Gulen’s visits to other non-Muslim leaders, Mr. Topakian declared that hatred could be removed from hearts by mutual respect and goodfaith. There was a question and answer session after the speeches were delivered. One academic asked about the civil rights of the non-Muslim minorities in Turkey, specifically those of Armenians. Mr. Topakian discussed his Armenian origin, adding that schools and churches belonging to minorities are all in bad shape due to very restrictive regulations made following the founding of Turkish Republic. Mr. Topakian stated that non-Muslims have been returned some of their rights in the last ten years.

Mr. Topakian stated minorities’ appreciation for the government’s efforts to create positive change for the non-Muslim population in the last decade, adding that JWF’s contribution to these developments cannot be overlooked.

Published on Intercultural Dialogue Platorm, 04 May 2012, Friday