Peace at Home,Peace in the World

By Cahit Karakullukeu,Member,Marmara Group foundation,Turkey

Today,we have gathered here to talk about peace.First of all,I would like to present my appreciation for those who organized this event in these days that the world needs peace abundantly,and to take this opportunity to stress the importance of peace.The principle of Atatürk,"Peace at home,peace in the world",delivered us 90 years ago as an internal and foreign policy evaluation.

"Peace at home,peace in the world"is the principle of Modern Turkey,in addition,it is the linchpin of Turkish foreign policy.On top of that,this principle which is also written in 1961 and 1982 Turkish Constitutions and guiding the all sort of state policies is not only a linchpin,but also an ideal law,as well.

On the one hand"Peace at home,peace in the world"principle aims to live in peace and tranquility domestically;on the other hand,it aims at international peace and security.This principle is the ground of both domestic and foreign policy understanding of Turkey.

Kemal Atatürk stated that the responsibility of peace is not for one state but the international community;and it cannot be achieved as long as the suffering continues by saying:

"Turkey responded to all calls for peace wherever it has been issued,and never begrudge her help.Endeavoring for the happiness for whole world means endeavoring for your own happiness at the same time.We should consider humanity as a body and a nation should be considered as this body's part.A pain in the finger creates a pain in other parts of the body.If there is a problem anywhere in the world,we shouldn't say' Not my bag',on the contrary we should pay attention to it".

The sole expectation of Turkey from these endeavors is achieving the world peace and protecting it by following the principle of"Peace at home,peace in the world".

Today,world becomes a global village as a result of globalization.Now,the fact of interdependence gains great importance and this fact makes states inseparable from each other.In this environment,any kind of political,economical,religious or ethnic conflict has a great potential to spread to other parts of the world(Like in the Bosnia-Herzegovina,Iraq,Syria and ISIL cases).This is the greatest risk of today's world compared to past.Therefore,international community requires a common understanding in order to cooperate against the potential threats that offend global peace.This common understanding can be achieved only by an universally internalized principle.In my opinion,this universal principle is"Peace at home,peace in the world",which means on the one hand resolving the clash of ideas with reconciliatory approaches domestically,on the other achieving and preserving the world peace by receiving support from this civil peace.That sort of approach may seem utopian at first glance when considered the sophisticated world issues;however at least it can be said that it is not impossible.Faith and trust give lives even for the most impossible things.Hence,Turkey becomes an island of peace and stability in the region by her faith and trust to the principle of"Peace at home,peace in the world".In short,Turkey is good example in this regard.It is not a remote possibility to achieve universal peace if nations of the world achieve an awareness that they are dependent on each other,they are meaningful living creatures with the"other";in addition if they stress"cooperation"rather than"conflict".

Humanity can only reach this point with the motto of“Peace at Home,Peace in the World”that is a collective consciousness,which is created by unique and universal understanding of Atatürk.By the help of this principle,world nations think of their interests on individual basis(Peace at home).Likewise,world nations also think of other nations that are from different cultures,languages,religions and races(Peace in the world).

Consequently,it can be remarked that humankind needs this universal understanding created by Kemal Atatürk about 90 years ago to live in peace in today’s world.

Future world can sustain its existence by avoiding wars,conflicts and disagreements.World can live in peace and steady.It is only possible with peace in countries,regions and the world.With understanding of“Peace at home,Peace in the world”,humankind will understand that there is no another world to live together.

With these feelings,I salute your high delegation by wishing peaceful days.