BY FERAI TINC
HURRIYET- As the 92nd anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli is being marked this week, I wondered if there's something new to say, or a new message, or new approach to effectively carry the vision of that time to our collective consciousness. But I searched in vain. What could it be? If a point mentioned in Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech had been filled out and emphasized more meaningfully, it could have been the most meaningful message. During his visit to Gokceada, Erdogan said that we have considered it a humanitarian understanding to co-exist with everybody on this land, regardless of their race or religion. He added that our civilization taught us to do it and that we're determined to continue this course. Back in World War I when Russia was intervening, there were very worthy examples of the unity of the entire nation in the west, on the Canakkale peninsula. What was the common interest which brought together people from different religions, origins and viewpoints? How was this psychological situation created? If there had been pressure from dominant religions or nations, would this awesome spirit of sacrifice and determination have ever developed? By saving history from trivialization we can discover that it has something new to say every day. Today Canakkale is telling us that victory can't be won with pressure and that differences will come together only under common interests.
I would like to celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the victory with a message of peace from Turkey, as part of a different understanding. That anniversary should solve the Kurdish issue through democratic openings and carry the message that ambitious projects have begun to solve the southeastern region's economic problems. On that anniversary, education should have the necessary depth and prevalence which would leave behind debates over secularism, and social differences should be mentioned not on the basis of religion, language or ethnicity, but only on the basis of politics. That anniversary also should carry the message that the representation of women in politics should surpass that of the early years of the republic. For example, couldn't we look eight years ahead and think about new messages and take certain steps accordingly? 2015 should be a year for Turkey being a country of peace, and Canakkale should be a city of peace.
When I say that Canakkale should be a city of world peace, this meaning should be full. Countries set to help Iraq's reconstruction will meet in Istanbul tomorrow. Next month foreign ministers of the countries neighboring Iraq, plus the G8, UN Security Council permanent members and Germany, will also hold a meeting in Istanbul. Not only international meetings, but also various groups in Iraq have chosen Turkey to host their meetings. Istanbul is strengthening its position in the history of diplomacy. Now it's Canakkale's turn. Don't you think that eight years is enough for infrastructure improvements so Canakkale can play host to such meetings?