By Shad Begum[1]
The process of globalization of the world economy and the telecommunication systems through the internet has changed the shape of global businesses and trade. It has not only provided new opportunities for growth and investments, but has also made old modes of productions useless, thus leaving many job markets redundant. Globalization has given shape to new complexities in trade and investments with little space for dialogue and cooperation, especially among regional countries. To understand these complexities and meet the challenges, the International Cooperation Platform (ICP) in Turkey organizes Summits since 2010 to provide a platform for dialogue to political leaders, government representatives, academia, media, civil society and philanthropists. ICP is a ‘the International Cooperation Platform (ICP) is an independent institution founded with the principle of enhancing proactive multilateral and inter-disciplinary cooperation for sustainable development’.
This
year, the topic of the 5th Bosphorus Summit was: “Changing Scenarios
of Tomorrow: Capturing Complexities and Cultivating Dialogues”. The Summit was
graced by Abdullah Gul, former President of the Republic of Turkey, and was
attended by, , among others, leaders
such as Lord Lamont, former Chancellor of Exchequer of UK, Her Royal Highness
Shaikha Farihah, Princess of the State of Kuwait, Ms. Pohamba, First Lady of
Namibia, and Mr. Shaukat Aziz, former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr. Aziz was
the key note speaker for “In the light of recent transformation, how to
Construct Economic Trust and Confidence in Europe, North Africa and Middle
East?”
The
three days conference in Istanbul thoroughly discussed important topics such as
New Dynamics and Paradigms in Global Trade and Investment, Financing Infrastructure
Projects, Solution Platform for Sustainable Future, the future of the World
Banking and Financing the Sustainable Future and Development, Bridging the
Gender Gap, New Technologies in Communication and Transportation, and Emergence
of Smart Cities etc.
Turkey
is one of the most developed Muslim countries with an annual GDP of
approximately 820 billion USD for the year 2013. Agricultural products,
textiles, home appliances, motor vehicles, ships and other transportation
equipment are some of the major components of Turkish economy. The common
history, heritage, and geographical proximity of Turkey with the Middle East
and North African countries (MENA) makes it a major player both globally and
regionally; especially given the fact that it bridges two continents: Asia and
Europe.
Unlike
many other developing countries, Turkey has mostly resolved its national
questions and has set up its State direction. Turkey was the bastion of the
Ottoman Caliphate and the centre of Islamic power before the First World War,
but it has resolved the question of State and religion. Istanbul, also called
the city of mosques, is heralded with mosques yet the tolerance for other
faiths is inspiring. Turkey has also intelligently addressed some of its ethnic
and regional issues by engaging the Turkish Kurds in a peaceful dialogue for
the last one and a half years. Pakistan can learn from Turkey in dealing with
the Baloch issue in Pakistan. With its modern infrastructure and developed
human resource, Turkey is well-set to lead on many fronts, especially among the
Muslim countries.
Apart
from the official discussions, it was most enlightening experience to visit the
Topkapi Palace, which was the seat of power of the Turkish Sultans for almost
four centuries and the centre of court intrigues as shown in the popular TV
play “Mera Sultan” on Pakistani channels. Apart from other attractions, the
Palace has invaluable pre-Islamic and Islamic relics including the cloak and
sword of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It has been declared as a World Heritage Site
by UNESCO in 1985 and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from around
the world each year. Side by side with the Topkapi Palace are the Blue Mosque
with its exquisite domes and minarets, and the Aya Sophia Museum.
The
Cappadocian caves and underground city in Kaymakli Central Anatolian region,
dating back to the 1600 BC Hittite civilization, is the major attraction for
foreign tourists. Going through inside narrow caves and passages, one is
reminded of the ingenuity of human spirit by constructing such cities
underground in rocks but at the same time it speaks of the human brutality as
these people went inside underground cities because of fear of attacks by other
human beings.
Konya –
the city of the saints – is a unique spiritual experience for Muslims and
non-Muslims alike. Maulana Rumi lived and taught in this city. I felt blessed
to attend a Sema – the religious dance and music by Dervishes – on the occasion
of the Shab-e-Urs (birthday of Rumi) celebrated each year on December 17th
and attended by lovers of Rumi from around the world. To feel the love,
kindness and spiritual energy created by the Sema is a breathtaking experience.
The world can become a better place with the love message of Rumi, which is
none other than the message of Islam.
While
visiting Rumi’s tomb produce a different feelings, to be inside the tomb of
Shams Tabriz, the teacher and beloved of Rumi, is an indescribable experience.
Shams is conspicuous by his silence during his lifetime and in his resting
place. During these trouble times, the message of peace and love by Rumi can
change the course of history and create a better world for Muslims and
non-Muslims alike. One feels the urge to follow Rumi in his invitation when he
says:
“Come,
Come, Whoever You Are
Wonderer,
worshipper, lover of leaving
It
doesn't matter
Ours is
not a caravan of despair
Come,
even if you have broken your vow a thousand times
Come,
yet again, come, come.”
[1] The author is a human
rights activist from Pakistan and an Honorary Member of the High Advisory
Council of ICP.
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