Researcher-Author Savaş Barkçin Was the Guest of YTB Talks

In the talk titled “A Guide to Understanding the World,” Barkçin touched upon the importance of evaluating global developments through correct concepts, reading the historical and intellectual ground behind daily events, and giving meaning to our age through a holistic perspective.

​Stating in his speech that the knowledge taught today in many fields from architecture to psychology, and from engineering to medicine, is Western-sourced and produced according to the interests of the West, Barkçin expressed that the liberation of individuals from this intellectual hegemony depends on their own efforts.

​Expressing that society experiences problems regarding self-definition, Barkçin cited the naming of Ottoman music under different titles as an example and said, “We still have great difficulties in defining ourselves. We possess a divided self.” Stating that the concept of power is misunderstood due to this reason, Barkçin said that status, fame, and wealth are seen as power, while knowledge is not valued the same way.

​Expressing that true power consists of three fundamental elements "the power to know, the power to produce, and the power to govern" Barkçin said, “You need to produce what you know, and you must be able to govern what you produce,” noting that the production of education, science, and discourse, alongside technology, qualified products, organization, law, and intelligence are among the core elements of strong societies.

​Stating that the invisible aspect of states is their intelligence structures, Barkçin made the assessment, “Neither your economy, nor your politics, nor your technology can advance without intelligence.” Noting that Türkiye has made breakthroughs in all of these power areas, Barkçin stated that significant efforts are continuing in this direction.

​Touching upon the demographic transformation in the world, Barkçin stated that aging societies lose their capabilities to produce and struggle, and that a young population is decisive for the future of societies. Touching upon current global developments, Barkçin made the assessment that “World War III has begun,” stating that societies with a young population will be more advantageous in the upcoming period.

​Advising the participants in the continuation of his speech to learn their own civilization values, Barkçin said that knowledge of history and geography is indispensable in Türkiye, especially for foreign policy studies. Stating that before reading Western thinkers, prominent figures of one's own civilization such as Rumi and Yunus Emre must be recognized, Barkçin expressed that understanding the West can only be achieved by evaluating it with its real aspects, and remarked the following:

​“In other words, if you want to understand the Western system, look at the Epstein file. This is the West. It really is. And it is not just that one. It is very widespread. Therefore, let us stop emulating this West.”

​Drawing attention to the importance of working hard for success, Barkçin stated that complaining does not generate solutions, and that deficiencies in society can be remedied through individual effort. Pointing out that education  and training/nurturing are different concepts, Barkçin emphasized that morality, respect, and personality development are as important as knowledge.

​Addressing the participants at the end of the talk, Barkçin stated that building a strong society and a strong civilization is possible through individuals developing themselves, and expressed that everyone must continue to work and produce in their respective fields.