Talk: Turkish scholar blames US for all troubles

A Turkish scholar and academician criticised the United States and its policies, saying they are at the “root” of all the troubles the world is facing. Professor Dr Turkkaya Ataov said this during his visit to Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Wednesday, said a press release issued by the institute.

Dr Turkkaya, whose relation with Pakistan goes back to 1950s when he worked in the Pakistan Embassy in Turkey as an editor, said the American support for a “racist” state like Israel is unacceptable. He started a magazine on Pakistan in the Turkish language, which is still being published.

Dr Turkkaya shared his thoughts on Turkey and its foreign relations. Regarding the membership of European Union, he said Turkey is European, not western.

This is not only due to geography but also because of a long history. However, some of the right-wing parties in European countries are gaining power and are intolerant on religious and cultural grounds, he said.

He talked of the three Turk empires of the past, the Ottomans, The Mughals and the Seljuks. In the aftermath of first world war, Turkey was reformed under the progressive leadership of Kamal Ataturk who wanted to modernize his nation, the doctor said.

Turkish people were organized and it became a republic. Turkey was the first eastern country to fight a war of national liberation. Today Turkey is a modern, progressive and secular Muslim country with zero problems with its neighbours, Dr Turkkaya said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2011.