Dr. Oktay Çetin, Deputy General Manager of the Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Foundation, explained the critical role undertaken by foundations in education, morality, and civil diplomacy within the scope of the 20th Anadolu Gatherings.
The 20th Anadolu Gatherings, held in Ankara, hosted thought-provoking presentations on its third day. As part of the program, Dr. Oktay Çetin, Deputy General Manager of the Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Foundation, took the podium and delivered a comprehensive speech titled "The Importance of Moral Education in Civil Diplomacy and the Role of Foundations." In his speech, Çetin emphasized the place of moral education in the building of civilizations and the influence of foundations in cross-border heart diplomacy.
HEART EDUCATION IS AT THE FOUNDATION OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF FOUNDATIONS
Stating that strong civilizations do not survive solely through military or financial power, Dr. Oktay Çetin expressed that their true continuity is ensured by an understanding of raising individuals and a civilization of morality. Recalling that scholarly activities throughout Islamic history were directly supported by the foundations of faith, Çetin drew attention to the role of foundations in education. Stating that foundations have undertaken great responsibilities alongside official institutions throughout history, Çetin noted that at the foundation of the philosophy of foundations lies not only material solidarity, but also an essential understanding of educating the heart. Çetin added that the future of societies deprived of moral education is under great threat.
WE MUST WORK IN COORDINATION
Dr. Çetin also touched upon the mission undertaken by foundations in the field of civil diplomacy and emphasized that the bonds established with other societies along the line extending from our ancestors to the present day constitute a form of heart diplomacy. Explaining that foundations reach people without discrimination based on religion, language, or race, Çetin underlined that these sincere relations also make a great contribution to the state's official diplomacy. Reminding that non-governmental organizations operating in the international arena represent Türkiye and our ancient civilization, Çetin stated that acting in coordination with state institutions and other foundations in activities carried out abroad is a vital necessity.
At the end of his speech, Dr. Oktay Çetin spoke about the vision of the Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Foundation and stated that their goal is not to address a narrow group, but to raise a moral generation for the entire society and the Islamic Ummah. Pointing to the global need for Türkiye's civil society experience with the expression "The Turk is the one who is awaited," Çetin concluded his presentation by stating that all institutions must work together and with great effort in order not to disappoint these expectations.
