The world, torn between war and peace, has been wasting its resources irresponsibly without having the sense of accountability to previous generations and the sense of responsibility for future generations. In this context, the world has been suffering from selfishness and unrest both at the individual and societal levels. Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, stated 72 years ago that : If there is a problem in any part of the world, we should not say, “it is not our problem. We must care about any problem as such, as if it occured among us. We must follow this principle, regardless of how far is the problem from us. This way of thought would prevent individuals, nations, and governments from selfishness.” Thus Atatürk with his remarks emphasized the importance of peace and welfare for the continuing existence of humanity and provided us with a key to solve many problems surrounding the mankind in our time.

       The Twentieth Century has in no way been a century wherein science, art and religion could bring about peace and reconciliation. The 20th century has witnessed two great world wars and the Middle-East Wars almost similar to the world wars, as well. In the Twentieth Century we have also witnessed ever increasing international  conflicts, in the form of conventional or cold war caused by colonial politics or  superiority complex. Another subject which troubles us is the exploitation of the natural and human resources of countries between 20th and 120th meridians by the countries of the first 20 meridians. This bitter truth ignored by science, art and religions, shows us that nations lying between 20th and 120th meridians and their populations have suffered from the effects of hidden or open warfare.  

      In the tense situation of the world, we must benefit  from uniting and peace-making power of science, arts and sports, more than ever. But first of all, opinion-makers, politicians and scientists must believe in peace and act accordingly in establishing worldwide peace.   

      Seventy-six years ago, through his famous dictum “Peace at Home Peace in the World,” Atatürk clearly expressed the importance and indispensibility of the concept of peace in developing global interaction at all levels, economic and social cooperation among nations.

      The harmony and balance supposed to be found within every single cell of the human body should also exist within the structure of every single organ as well as among all the organs constituting the whole system; otherwise the body is not healthy. The same harmony and balance should also be established among social groups within a society in order to have and maintain a healthy and strong social structure.

      All the intellectuals are to cooperate with one another in case of a conflict or disharmony in any country, region or continent or in the world because they are unquestionably responsible from the peace, harmony and balance and the healthy existence of humanity upon the world. We should seriously reconsider to name those as intellectuals who do not heartily perceive peace as a prerequisite as oxygen and water for the survival of humanity whether they are from scientific, academic, artistic, political, administrative or military fields.

       Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is an admirable leader and intellectual who devoted his life of 57 years to provide peace at home, peace in the region and peace in the world.

       Under the light of this principle, I hope that ICANAS 38 will provide valuable contribution to the world  peace and science for the realization of fruitful cooperation among civilizations. I greet all participants respectfully. “Peace at Home Peace in the world.”

                                                        
                                                       Prof. Dr. Sadık TURAL
                                                       ICANAS-38 President