THE 12 STARS OF TURKISH |
To the intellectuals who are free in mind without prejudice, Every nation takes its place in the scientific, artistic and political arena of the world with its great, dignified and successful off-springs. Accordingly, other nations can perceive the light and existence of that very nation as long as the members of it are illuminated by these great leaders in every field. Above are the sun and the moon surrounded by 12 main constellations each of which is a peculiar world itself with a gorgeous, giant and brightly-lighted star in the middle… Their lights reaching to our sphere shape the life on it while also presenting us a sustainable system. In the same way, the stars on the earth first illuminate their own society and then the whole humanity when scientifically or artistically. It is our hope and desire that, with ICANAS 38, may it turn into a tradition that countries holding the ICANAS meetings from now on should make a list of their own 12 native stars in the fields of science, art and culture in order to present to the world. We are highly aware of the fact that Turkish Republic should know, appreciate and exalt its own native stars respectfully if it aims to become the Republic of Turkish Language, The Republic of Turkish Idea, the Republic of Turkish Science and Art by transcending the limiting definition of its existence as an independent politic unity. Our aim is to let everyone see –as we do- our stars bright enough to illuminate the world as well as our nation, and to express our gratitude for their guidance with their enlightened heads crowned by their white hair. We know that we have to learn and appreciate the experience of the previous generations correctly if we want to take further steps into the higher stages of civilization. So it is of utmost importance to learn and make the others learn about the admirable and exemplary people from previous generations to lead us into a brighter future. There are such names in the fields of social sciences and humanities, and of science and medicine that not only are they the stars and the pride of their own nation but of all human kind as well. First, they rise over the horizon of their own nation, and they gradually turn into happy stars of humanity to illuminate all. They do not belong to a particular society at all and we are well aware of the fact that every single society on the world has such stars who deserve to be valued by all nations. Within this framework, we have determined 12 names; they have started their professional career by following the way pointed by Atatürk; gradually they have become the stars of Turkish science or art. We think that they are the stars stationed over us to illuminate and guide us. We also know that we can find many other “12”s as precious as they are and we keep them for other occasions. In the awareness of the fact that we owe them deeply, we take it as our duty to exalt and applaud them. We know and never forget that only those who respect their predecessors deserve the same respect in advance. It is our honor to present them to Türkiye and to the world by re-emphasizing the fact that every single one of these stars is a leader in his or her own field by guiding the succeeding generations with his or her success and experience. Prof. Dr. Sadık TURAL
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