Heading Towards New Horizons
When we look back, it is quite surprising to see that the Journalists and Authors Foundation (JAF) was established during a period when Turkey and the world at large were in dire need of dialogue. When the Serbs murdered Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the gradual increase of a secular-religious polarization within shook our hopes about the future. As one of the founders, I admit that I did not anticipate that JAF would overtake a mission for the sake of humanity and lay the groundwork for Turkish intellectuals to come together. I also never expected that the foundation would provide historic services for cultures, civilizations as well as interreligious dialogue and encourage Eurasian authors and intellectuals to come together.
I still remember June 29, 1994. The promotion cocktail of the foundation at Istanbul's Dedeman Hotel was the first step. Esteemed Fethullah Gülen, the honorary leader of JAF, who appeared before the media for the first time, said, "There is nothing better than democracy both in Turkey and in the world." Why his words have echoed around so much is very simple. It is very important for everyone to hear that Gülen had said Islam and democracy could coexist. His statement has enabled the doors of peace at home to open to dialogue and tolerance. The intimacy and horizon of the first invitation were rapidly broadened, with consecutive programs, to include the society. Turkey became "the focus" with its colors and designs, dozens of times. We all witnessed that taboos were swiftly broken and love became widespread.
This action, the outcome of a statement, has been nourished by hope, love, tolerance and sympathy and has grown like a tree with branches.
Humanity has learned how to join hands. Turkey's emotion has become a cute breeze that is awaited continuously. People admiring the scene add, "We also talk about dialogue and tolerance, however, we have never willingly rewarded 'people within us.'" The foundation resisted the contrast of me-me and us-you and preferred the "human being." The importance of the first steps Gülen took in the name of interreligious dialogue is more understandable now. It is a reality that interreligious dialogue has put an end to the "inter-civilization chaos" expectations which have been on the agenda since the September 11 incidents.
The meetings Gülen had with Fener Greek Patriarch, the Chief Rabbi, the Armenian Patriarch, the New York Cardinal and Pope John Paul II point to a new era in the world.
Gülen took the first step to emphasize the importance of the indispensability of religion for universal peace. The methods to remove the dangers facing humanity, and to take advantage of the recommendations and beauties of religion for a more peaceful world, have now been determined. The interreligious dialogue meetings in Istanbul, Sanliurfa-Harran and Mardin were milestones in this direction. The Dialogue Eurasia Platform and the Abant meetings independently were symbols of value in a universal dimension. JAF is now in a position to lead wider-scale international platforms and also to establish more institutions. We are still enthusiastic about unfolding the sails towards broader horizons for love, peace, tolerance and humanity.
ZAMAN
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