Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy: The most effective way to combat Islamophobia is the unity and solidarity of the Islamic World
Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy stated that the most effective way of combating Islamophobia is the unity and solidarity of the Islamic world, and that the realization of every idea that will be put forward for a solution will be possible with the power of this unity.
In his speech at the opening of the "2nd International Media and Islamophobia Forum" held at the ATO Cogresium, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the occupation and colonial mentality which dating back hundreds of years has not changed that can be understood from the examples of Srebrenica, Khojaly, Karabakh, Myanmar and Syria in the last century.
Stating that the only difference was that they attacked Muslims who were not helpless, hopeless and defenseless as before, Ersoy said that since the first crusade, those expeditions have always continued on the square and at the table; and the more they went on, the greater their frustration.
Stating that today there is an Islamic world with a population approaching 2 billion, Ersoy said that Islam is still the fastest spreading religion in the world, despite all the slanders and the perception management in which everything from politics to art is used by spending billions of euros and dollars. He added that those who are disturbed by this have tried all possible ways to reveal their discomfort.
“We did not classify the value we attach to human beings according to the geography they live in”
Stating that the position of the media on this issue was seen once again over the pain of the war in Ukraine, Ersoy reminded the discourses used by some correspondents and authorized persons in live broadcasts, and continued as follows:
“These examples are quite important in terms of showing both the media's discourse that forms the basis of Islamophobia and how this style turns into a racist expression in the mouth of an individual outside the media. It is really frightening that especially when an educated person like the vice attorney general believes that his expressions used are important arguments to mobilize the European society. Because then it means that we see an example of an individual who accepts European racism as a standard so that human life can be worthy of saving.
Thankfully, we have never strayed from our path like this. We did not classify the value we attach to human beings according to hair and eye color, geography, race, language and religion. This is the reason why they took refuge in the conscience of this nation, in the borders of this country, with confidence and hope, as in the past. No one will be able to change that. No lie, no slander can make us stop being who we are, can't tear us away from our essence and values.
“Using the digital world best has become a necessity”
Ersoy evaluated that criminalizing discourses and actions aimed at spreading Islamophobia is an effective way to block any publicly attempt to make the society adopt Islamophobia. Ersoy besides said that educational activities on Islam and Muslims could be carried out from children to judicial authorities and security units.
Pointing out that most of those who fear Muslims and see Islam as a threat today cannot base their feelings on a valid reason, these ideas which they have are not based on knowledge, but on prejudice and conditioning, Ersoy said that the way to break this is through knowledge and education.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy said:
“I believe that the factor which will be provide the most important affect will be the unity and solidarity of the Islamic world. Because the realization of every idea we put forward is possible with the power of this unity. In addition, this power has the potential to force liars to the truth. Not only with television and newspapers, but especially today, it has become a necessity to best use of the digital world which is a wide medium extends from games to social media. Undoubtedly, the superstition is doomed to be lost. The more we accelerate this with our work, the more lives we save and the more we impact humanity. We will never hesitate to shoulder this responsibility.” After his speech, Ersoy presented a plaque to the President of the Directorate of Communications Fahrettin Altun who supported the organization and RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin who organized the forum, Ali Erbaş, President of Religious Affairs, and Ankara Science University Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Demir.