YTB Organizes Panel in Brussels Discussing the Success Stories of the Turkish Community

Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation, and Zafer Sırakaya, Deputy Chairman of the AK Party, participated as panelists in the program held at the TOBB Brussels office by YTB.

​In the program moderated by YTB President Abdulhadi Turus, successful representatives of the Turkish community from various European cities in fields such as academia, science, medicine, law, civil society, and the business world shared their experiences.

​In his opening speech, Turus greeted participants from across Europe, stating: "Our sources of pride from all corners of Europe... Welcome to the 'Success Stories' gathering." Expressing that they were joined by pioneering names of the Turkish diaspora the true heroes of the story who have reached the pinnacle in medicine, law, academia, business, art, and many other fields, Turus noted that they would discuss the presence and future in Europe, how "glass ceilings" are being shattered, and the legacy to be left to future generations. Emphasizing that they "left protocol speeches at the door," Turus said, "Today we are amongst ourselves. We wanted to be together in a sincere, natural environment; listening to one another, making eye contact, and sharing our hearts." He remarked that they were face-to-face with the architects who personally wrote the "Success Story" of European Turks, adding, "Both sides of our table are very strong."

​Speaking at the panel, Bilal Erdoğan stated: "We can see the ambitious point the Turkish diaspora has reached in Europe. I feel a very deep sense of happiness because of this."

​Erdoğan mentioned the importance of civil society organizations in Türkiye working more closely with Turks in Europe, emphasizing the need to increase mobility in this sense. Stating that this would allow them to see that work is being done in Türkiye at a European level, Erdoğan underlined the value of such interactions. Highlighting the importance of the identity of societies, he evaluated: "A serious cultural erosion and deculturalization is occurring in the world. The West is also experiencing this trouble. If world communities are at peace with their own cultures and identities, I believe this will provide self-confidence, and the relations between such societies will be on a more equal footing."

​Erdoğan pointed out that healthy communication cannot be established if one society claims superiority over another, stating: "If everyone could protect what is valuable to them and respect the characteristics of others, then we could speak within a framework of mutual respect." Expressing that the Turkish diaspora in Europe and across the world has an obligation to protect their identity while being respected citizens of their locations, Erdoğan said: "Success is certainly success, but success in the diaspora achieved alongside one's identity is an even greater success." During the panel, which touched upon the denigration of Türkiye through comparisons with other countries and the encouragement of migration abroad through such rhetoric, Erdoğan noted that young people are affected by the "dirty" conduct of politics.

​AK Party Deputy Chairman Sırakaya noted that he is also a member of the diaspora and pointed out that the Turkish community has written many success stories in Europe.

​Stating that individual successes are valuable but must be turned into a team spirit, Sırakaya evaluated: "As we move from the third generation toward the fifth, even greater success stories will be written. Because Türkiye is no longer the 'old Türkiye.' Currently, we have a President in Türkiye who closely looks after our citizens abroad."

​Recalling that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paved the way for citizens abroad to vote in their countries of residence for elections in Türkiye, Sırakaya underlined that Türkiye is a state that has solved its own internal problems and closely cares for its citizens abroad.

​Touching upon the rising racism in Western society during the panel, Sırakaya explained that the West defines itself through an "enemy," whereas in Turkish civilization, the situation is the exact opposite, and a culture of coexistence prevails. Sırakaya stated: "To the extent that we can reflect this atmosphere of tolerance to Western society, we will both introduce ourselves and serve humanity more."

​In addition to Türkiye’s Ambassador to Brussels, Barış Tantekin, and Consul General in Brussels, Onur Sevim, numerous guests from the representatives of the Turkish community in Brussels attended the program.