Ordinary chaos

The definition of the word "kargaşa" (chaos/turmoil) in the Turkish Language Association dictionary is “a disruption of order arising in society through incitement and confusion; anarchy” or “a state of confusion caused by crowds, disorder, etc.; chaos, pandemonium.”

We do not use it only for states of disorder and anarchy. In addition to these two definitions, we also use it to describe situations where uncertainty prevails, sound reasoning cannot be applied, decisions cannot be made, and people do not know what to do.

We could also define chaos as a state where information or news that has not passed through the filter of science and reason spreads to large masses, creating paralysis in the mind and in judgment.

One of the main factors causing chaos is the unreal information and perceptions spread to the masses.

In my opinion, chaos beyond a factual state—the blurring of minds and society's distancing from reality—is more dangerous than physical upheaval.

While a state of chaos should be an exceptional circumstance, it has unfortunately become commonplace and ordinary in our country. In fact, we should not be unfair to our country and our citizens. There is a similar scene in the world as well.

Sophistry is replacing information, data, and science. A hysterical reaction begins in the face of any social event. Regardless of the essence, causes, or consequences of the event, a mass forms that, driven by a sense of belonging and partisanship, desires the virtual annihilation of its opponents.

The widespread use of social media, the ability for everyone to send instant messages, and to share ideas, opinions, likes, and criticisms with other people is, of course, positive. If we continue with that magic word that renders the first sentence void; however, this unlimited sharing also has negative aspects.

The most negative result brought about by the expansion of communication opportunities and their spread without passing through any filter is that lies and incomplete/incorrect information have become very easily accessible. In our age, believing in claims that are contrary to reality but interesting can be appealing to people.

Especially in matters requiring technical knowledge, the spread of unreal information, people taking sides based on this, and exhibiting behaviors that amount to lynching, creates chaos.

I would like to share one example that is relatively in the past, and two that are current:

• Let us remember the days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the nonsense of some charlatans, who even held academic titles, such as “This virus does not affect Turks, eating offal is beneficial, there are chips in the vaccines” had many buyers. Interestingly, but in keeping with the spirit of the times, this unreal information spread faster than accurate information.

• The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) indictment consists of approximately 3800 pages. Sentences totaling thousands of years are being requested for 402 suspects (they are not yet defendants as the indictment has not yet been accepted). When we consider the annexes to the indictment, we are talking about a file of tens of thousands of pages. Defenses, hearing witnesses, cross-examination, expert examinations, objections... It will be a long trial that will last for years. It is difficult to answer how possible it is to conduct a sound trial in such a comprehensive file. What is certain is that one should not be prejudiced about the file in its current state.

• The poisoning incident that resulted in the death of four people from a family who came to Istanbul for a vacation. The first information, most likely given to the press by law enforcement and immediately spread, was that the family was poisoned by mussels and kokoreç. The mussel and kokoreç vendors were arrested. (The fact that the vendors had criminal records meters long added a separate dimension to the event) The administration began inspections at full speed. While all this was happening, with the report from the Council of Forensic Medicine, the mussels and kokoreç were largely exonerated. This time, the pest control workers who sprayed the hotel where the family stayed were arrested. A series of frustrating negligences cost lives. Besides all this, perhaps innocent people are currently in prison due to public pressure.

I am finishing the article. The spread of sophistry and nonsense on a subject concerning public health has fatal consequences. Similarly, passing judgment by making snap decisions about criminal trials that require professional knowledge, not complying with the confidentiality of the investigation, and lynching people before evidence is fully and correctly collected harms not only the suspects/defendants but also individuals' trust in the law.

When you remove information, science, and expertise from life, an environment of endless, continuous chaos prevails.

Note: It is gratifying that the writings of the esteemed Admiral Cem Gürdeniz have started to be published on 12punto as well. I also recommend that you follow the YouTube channel he recently established. https://www.youtube.com/@CemGurdenizz