Mehmet Ali Eminoğlu, Head of Foreign Relations of the Anatolian Federation, explained the key role of civil society organizations in global peace and diplomacy at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings.The 20th Anatolian Gatherings continue to address all aspects of the activities of civil society organizations at local and international levels. On the final day of the gatherings, Mehmet Ali Eminoğlu, Head of Foreign Relations of the Anatolian Federation, took the stage and delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “The Effects of Local and International Activities of NGOs on Civil Diplomacy.” Eminoğlu pointed out that traditional methods of diplomacy between states have now been replaced by a conscientious stance and civil initiatives.IF THERE IS VALUE, THERE IS DIPLOMACYEmphasizing that the fundamental element in diplomacy is the production of cultural and moral values, Eminoğlu stated that structures without an aspiration cannot have an impact in the international arena. Referring to the importance of being able to present one’s own civilizational values on a universal scale, Eminoğlu said, “Those without an ideal have nothing to say. If you are going to conduct diplomacy in an area, first of all, you need to have something to say. What holds a nation together is that nation’s moral values, religious understanding, philosophical foundation, way of thinking, way of producing, culture of consumption... If it has an aspiration in all these areas, if it has put forward a value, then it can conduct the diplomacy of that.”PEOPLE-CENTERED COMMUNICATIONArguing that relations between states conducted behind closed doors are a thing of the past, Eminoğlu stated that communication between societies should no longer be used as a one-sided instrument of domination. Stating that they prefer a people-centered language of communication against hegemony, Eminoğlu said, “We have a conscientious stance that transcends borders, and we have an effort to convey this conscientious stance to every part of the world and to popularize our own values. A process that is predictable, open, transparent, and envisions both sides winning and that will make both sides happy needs to be carried out.”A NATION WITH AN ASPIRATION CAN MAKE A HUNDRED-YEAR CALCULATIONExplaining that the foundation of a successful foreign policy lies in winning without waging war, Eminoğlu emphasized that the greatest victories would not be won with weapons, but by conquering minds and hearts. Reminding that institutions such as the foundation system and the guild organizations in the Ottoman Empire constituted some of the strongest examples of civil diplomacy in history, Eminoğlu also referred to the vision of the Century of Türkiye. Eminoğlu concluded his presentation with the following words: “What we call the Century of Türkiye is the overall aspiration of a nation. Only a nation with an aspiration can make a hundred-year calculation.”

Writer Peren Birsaygılı Mut delivered a speech titled “Cultural Diplomacy and Literature” at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings. Mut drew attention to the historical role of literature in establishing unshakable bonds between societies.Taking the stage as part of the 20th Anatolian Gatherings organized by the Anatolian Federation in Ankara Kızılcahamam, esteemed writer and documentarian Peren Birsaygılı Mut shared with the participants the transformative impact of literature on diplomatic relations, accompanied by historical examples. Emphasizing that the most fundamental way to rebuild strong bridges with the rights in our sphere of hearts is through a shared literary memory, the writer stated that instilling this awareness particularly among young people is of vital importance.LET’S ADD BOOKS NEXT TO THE AID PACKAGESReferring to the place of literature in the struggle for dignity, Peren Birsaygılı Mut conveyed that art and words are not merely an aesthetic tool, but can also become the greatest weapon of resistance for freedom and honor, with the words, “They used to tell us, ‘Do not engage in literature.’ Yes, we did literature to defend the dignity of our people.” She also stated that the intense interest shown in Turkish literature at the book fair in Damascus was a reflection of this shared sense of destiny. In addition, she emphasized that cultural ties should be supported by humanitarian aid, saying, “When we take a novel, a book of poetry, or a book of stories to every home to which we deliver an aid package, our bonds will undoubtedly become much stronger.”CULTURAL DIPLOMACY SPREADS THROUGH LITERATUREReminding that cultural diplomacy spread throughout the Islamic world through literature long before modern tools, Mut stated that figures such as Ibn Battuta and Evliya Çelebi were the first architects of this bridge. As an example from recent history, she drew attention to the role undertaken by Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s Sebilürreşad magazine. “The horizon that sees Egypt as equal to India, Jerusalem to Baghdad, Damascus to Gaziantep actually offers us a very beautiful reflection,” the writer said, explaining to the participants how a magazine, despite limited means, could inspire a great awakening throughout the entire Islamic world.WE WILL CONTINUE TO WRITE LITERATUREEmphasizing that Türkiye’s global success in the field of humanitarian aid should be supported by the export of literature and culture, the writer stated that a literary mobilization is essential for the permanent establishment of regional peace. Mut outlined a cultural vision in this direction for civil society organizations and young people. In the final part of her speech, Mut emphasized how the West, and particularly the Zionist movement, transformed literature into an organized force in line with its own objectives, reminding the audience of the lessons that should be drawn from this situation. Expressing her wish that the youth of Anatolia and the youth of Jerusalem, Aleppo and Damascus come together around a shared horizon by reading the same books, the writer concluded her speech by saying, “We will continue to make literature in order to defend our dignity.”

Speaking at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings, Prof. Dr. Bekir Berat Özipek emphasized the necessity of a new language of civil communication against global injustices and crises.The 20th Anatolian Gatherings, organized by the Anatolian Federation, hosted Prof. Dr. Bekir Berat Özipek, one of Türkiye's leading political scientists and a faculty member at Istanbul Medipol University. In his presentation titled “Global Civil Communication and the Possibilities of a Cross-Border Conversation,” Özipek deeply analyzed the vital roles that civil society should undertake in the shadow of injustices in the modern world and ongoing conflicts. The academic called for a global awakening that appeals to the common conscience of humanity in the face of the declining legitimacy of the international system.A NEW ERA OF CIVIL CONSCIENCEBeginning his speech with a reference to James Baldwin's documentary “I’m Not Your Negro,” Özipek drew attention to the tragedy experienced by peoples marginalized by the global system. Stating that the West approaches human losses in Palestine and similar conflict zones with double standards, Özipek expressed this injustice with the words, “We were their Native Americans, they were us.” Emphasizing that the violation of international law by dominant powers demonstrates not only the strength of the system but also the dissolution of consent, Özipek pointed to the fact that hegemony cannot be permanent by saying, “You can win victory with bayonets, but you cannot sit on bayonets.”AN EQUAL, HIERARCHY-FREE AND DECENTRALIZED CONVERSATIONArguing that the solution lies in creating an environment of conversation that transcends nation-state borders and is equal, hierarchy-free and decentralized, Özipek addressed the role of civil society organizations at this point. He recalled that the work carried out by civil structures in different parts of the world offers a major opportunity to build this atmosphere of dialogue. Özipek underlined that a global movement based on rights, without calculations or ulterior motives, can be achieved through the common conscience of people from every faith. At the end of his speech, Özipek gave an example through a dream metaphor from Filibeli Ahmed Hilmi's work Amak-ı Hayal, explaining that in the struggle between good and evil, the true victory will come through the love that eliminates war. Özipek stated that a common word spoken with the right content would illuminate humanity, and his speech received great interest from the participants.

Prof. Dr. Muhittin Ataman, Member of the Presidential Foreign Policy and Security Council, drew attention to the chaos in the global system and the increasing role of civil society organizations in his speech at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings.Taking the stage at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings program held in Kızılcahamam, Ankara, Prof. Dr. Muhittin Ataman delivered a comprehensive presentation titled "The Crisis in the Global System: The Increasing Influence of NGOs." Describing today's world as a transition process dominated by a lack of rules and uncertainties, Ataman explained the vital roles that civil society organizations should undertake against increasing economic inequalities, technological threats, and movements targeting the structure of society in the international system.PALESTINE IS A MAJOR TEST FOR GLOBAL ACTORSAssessing the current situation in the world, Ataman stated that there is no longer a rules-based international order. Referring to the dimensions of global competition and the weakening of hegemonic powers, the experienced academic emphasized that we have entered a period in which the powerful determine the rules. Ataman summarized this situation with the words, "There is no system, there are no rules; in plain terms, we are going through a transition process in which the law of the jungle prevails." Stating that what is happening particularly in Palestine is a major test for global actors, Ataman said that when the interests of the dominant powers are threatened, they completely disregard international law.AFRICA IS WHAT FEEDS EUROPEProf. Dr. Ataman also addressed the contemporary manifestations of economic inequalities and colonialism, explaining that Africa's resources are exploited by Western states. Giving a striking example through Niger and France, Ataman said, "They always tell us that it is as if Europe is trying to feed Africa, but the picture that is absolutely true is exactly the opposite. It is Africa that has been feeding Europe for centuries." He added that the people of the region are now aware of the injustices taking place and have become conscious of exploitation.THREATS TARGETING HUMAN NATUREDrawing attention to the gap filled by civil society organizations in new-generation crises that states struggle to cope with, Ataman stated that the most important function of NGOs is to set the agenda for the real problems in the world. Arguing that NGOs should lead the struggle against threats targeting human nature, such as digitalization, techno-feudalism created by artificial intelligence monopolies, and desexualization, Ataman concluded his remarks as follows: "Now, for example, there is no Turkey front; in my opinion, there is not even an Islamic front. There is now a humanity front. Because as of today, there are very serious and major problems that humanity as a whole is facing. All well-intentioned people need to step forward as representatives of the humanity front and put their hands under the stone."

İHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation Vice President Hüseyin Oruç, in his speech at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings, shared his experiences in the Bangsamoro peace process and drew attention to the vital role of civil society in peacebuilding.Speaking at a session held as part of the 20th Anatolian Gatherings, İHH Vice President Hüseyin Oruç addressed the participants with his speech titled "The Bangsamoro Peace Process and Peace Diplomacy." Known for his many years of experience in crisis management, peace processes, and humanitarian diplomacy, Oruç explained the process through which İHH became involved as a "third eye" in the seventeen-year negotiation process between the Moro Muslims (Bangsamoro) in the Philippines and the Philippine state. Emphasizing the social transformation strategy of Moro Islamic Liberation Front founder Salamat Hashim, Oruç stated that peace can only be built when the groundwork is prepared and the parties involved believe in it.DIPLOMATIC SUCCESS EXTENDING FROM THE FIELD TO THE TABLEIn his speech, Oruç stated that İHH bases its activities on three main pillars: aid, advocacy (activism), and humanitarian diplomacy. Drawing attention to the importance of this integrity, Oruç warned that otherwise, merely providing aid or describing the problem could create space for others to solve the issue according to their own agendas. He stated that İHH's participation in the quadrilateral monitoring team established during the Moro Peace Process was a result of the trust the organization had gained through its previous aid and advocacy activities, and noted that this responsibility also gave İHH greater reach internationally.THE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRESHOLD IN DISARMAMENTPointing out that peacebuilding is a difficult and lengthy process, Oruç stated that socioeconomic steps taken during the normalization phase of the agreement are of vital importance. He explained that support provided by the state, such as homes, agricultural land, and educational scholarships, is a guarantee of lasting peace for groups that have waged armed struggle for years to adapt to civilian life. The experienced figure stated that handing over weapons to an independent commission rather than directly to the state helped cross a psychological threshold, adding that confronting the past and demonstrating a will for fair coexistence is a far more lasting solution than simply ending the war.

Dr. İbrahim Altan, Deputy Secretary General of the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (İDSB), emphasized that humanitarian aid efforts carried out during times of crisis build an unshakable bridge of trust between societies.The sessions held as part of the 20th Anatolian Gatherings in Ankara Kızılcahamam continue to host prominent figures in the fields of civil society and humanitarian aid. At one of the notable events of the program, Dr. İbrahim Altan, Deputy Secretary General of the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (İDSB), met with participants. The experienced figure, who previously served in critical positions such as General Manager of the Turkish Red Crescent and Member of the Presidential Social Policies Board, made strategic assessments regarding the role of civil society organizations in the international arena in his speech titled “Crises, Humanitarian Aid: Volunteer Diplomacy.”LET US PRESERVE PURE INTENTIONAltan stated that crises are sudden turning points that disrupt the normal functioning of individuals and institutions, citing the February 6 earthquakes as an example. Defining the acceleration of modern institutional humanitarian aid activities as beginning with the 2004 Indonesia earthquake, Altan noted that civil society has made significant progress over the more than twenty years since then. Emphasizing that the concept of volunteering, which forms the spirit of this process, means offering one’s time and effort for the benefit of living beings without expecting any material compensation, Dr. Altan drew attention to the importance of field teams carefully avoiding attitudes that could undermine this pure intention.ACCURATE INFORMATION IS THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF VOLUNTEERSIn his speech, Altan devoted considerable attention to the concept of volunteer diplomacy, explaining that since civil society teams do not go into the field with an official state identity, they can establish a much faster and more impartial bridge of trust with local people. He stated that accurately conveying local information obtained from the field and mobilizing decision-makers in favor of humanity in crisis regions are the greatest strengths of volunteers, while also addressing the risks encountered in this process. He noted that institutions are obliged to provide regular psychosocial support to their personnel against dangers such as the politicization of aid, violations of data privacy, and burnout experienced in the field.WE MUST BUILD LASTING CAPACITYRecalling that the foundation of today’s aid activities lies in the Anatolian geography’s culture of foundations, guild solidarity, and communal cooperation, Altan said that the networks of solidarity established by our ancestors are being kept alive strongly today. Presenting field examples from a broad geography, ranging from aid sent to the Sultanate of Aceh throughout history to mosques being built in Gaza today, Altan argued that aid activities should not be limited solely to meeting urgent needs. He stated that the real success lies in building lasting capacity in the region after a crisis and maintaining the ties established with the local population.