FIRST HATAY MEETING OF CIVILIZATIONS
Anatolian Times, Turkey
Sept 26 2005
ANTAKYA – Turkish Armenians Patriarch Mesrob II stated today that
the road to love, peace and brotherhood is only one.
Mesrob was a guest speaker in a panel discussion titled “Contributions
of Religions to Civilizations” organized as part of the First Hatay
Meeting of Civilizations.
“The city of Antakya has been the witness of countless historical
events. There is only one road to peace and brotherhood. Despite such
reality, our world today is full of disagreements, wars, international
hatred campaigns and eye drops. Ask anyone and he will talk about
love and peace,” noted Mesrob II.
Mesrob indicated that there is a lot of misunderstanding of Turkey and
its people in foreign lands. “Turkey is not properly known in many
countries. Most of the misunderstanding on Turkey is experienced by
academicians and politicians,” said Mesrob II.
Mesrob II added that Turkey must continue to preserve its minorities
and help them with their problems.
Greek Orthodox Church Patriarch Bartholomew indicated in southern
city of Hatay today that Turkey is a country with contemporary values,
secular government and predominantly Muslim population.
“Since the period of reforms during the Ottoman era, Turkey has been
looking westward in shaping its future,” said Bartholomew.
The presence of our church in Turkey makes Turkey an important bridge
between religions, civilizations and east and west, noted Bartholomew.
According to Bartholomew, the Republic established by Kemal Ataturk
has been a role model for many new states. “Turkey has the potential
to become a role model for dialogue among religions,” commented
Bartholomew.
Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message to Hatay on the
occasion of Meeting of Civilizations. The Pope said in his message that
humans can get rich by noticing the permanent impact of multi-cultures.
“The world of peace requires the cooperation of all humans,” stressed
the Pope.