Thus Spoke ROK

"Let an Istanbul Ministry be established! And let Murat Kurum head it!" declared ROK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJttYx34uVw

Rasim Bey stated that the issue transcends political parties due to the magnitude of the potential destruction an Istanbul earthquake would bring and the gravity of what could occur. And he is right... He pointed out that Istanbul is home to one-fifth of the country's population and underscored that this population is larger than that of many countries in the world. He is very right!

Those who took a partisan stance against many of the moves made by the IMM administration under the leadership of Ekrem İmamoğlu to solve Istanbul's problems have suddenly changed their tune. Apparently, the Istanbul earthquake is a common problem for the country. Yes, of course. Did it just occur to you now? 

Those who acted in a partisan manner after the February 6 earthquakes, and who blocked the hands reaching out to help the public due to polarization, are now going to implement a new policy. You might say, "Oh come on, does it happen just because ROK says so?" It can happen, and in fact, it will.

Pay attention to the policy shift! Instead of appointing a trustee, the process of declaring an Istanbul Duchy by calling it a common problem of the country could be set in motion. An Istanbul Ministry, and an exceptional ministry based in Istanbul at that. It is even more meaningful when considered alongside the "Apo Opening." One must pay attention to the words of a political mind that periodically brings up and then suppresses policies of regionalization. An exceptional, regional ministry outside of Ankara could open the door to other ministries. 

"Murat Kurum is a very successful engineer and a closer," declared ROK. Let us recall the policies of Murat Kurum, who is declared to be a "closer." We are talking about a minister who has left his mark on interesting turning points in the country. Kanal İstanbul, the defense of the culling of stray animals, Lake Salda, the İliç mine, etc.—these projects are both impactful and moves that irritate the sensitive points of society... 

While the opposition is "on the defensive" and in a state of noise, let us look at what is happening. A consensus above political parties is being created with the "Apo Opening." Suddenly, with rhetoric about "being in the same boat" and "our common problem," an Istanbul Ministry is being discussed. And it is suggested that Murat Kurum should head it. Ekrem İmamoğlu's rival in the IMM elections would head a duchy above the Istanbul Municipality, autonomous from Ankara... This is not an empty, unthought-out, or insignificant proposal. If the opposition is caught unprepared on this issue as well, a project that could create a national security problem could be implemented. 

Let's give credit where credit is due. Mr. Rasim is right on a few points. The destruction that an Istanbul earthquake could cause is truly immense. An Istanbul earthquake is indeed a matter of national security and social survival. However, if we look at the fault line that causes this earthquake, and the human, commercial, and physical areas that will be affected, it is clear that all of Turkey, starting with the Marmara Region, is under threat. So, why an Istanbul Ministry? 

If we are going to recall the country's national security and survival, here is a call from me: A joint unit against disasters could be established through the coordination and cooperation of the Turkish Armed Forces, AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent, relevant municipalities, and other related institutions. This unit could work with a non-partisan approach against disasters with high destructive potential, starting with earthquakes. If there must be a pilot study for this, a unit specific to the Marmara Region could be established. Because a disaster that could occur in the Sea of Marmara could strike Istanbul, Bursa, Balıkesir, Yalova, and Kocaeli simultaneously. These provinces are extremely critical in terms of both supply and production. Therefore, we can protect our homeland without disrupting the unitary structure, by using the country's resources correctly, and with a non-partisan approach. 

We must pay attention to Murat Kurum and his remarks about an Istanbul Ministry. Behind this could be initiatives that would undermine the unitary state, such as the Diyarbakır self-governance model, or crazy projects like Kanal İstanbul that are disguised with financial rhetoric but threaten national security and ecology, or plans to dismantle Ankara's influence. What can we do, these thoughts come to mind... If we are going to defend a non-partisan national approach, then why didn't we mobilize the Turkish Armed Forces during the February 6 earthquakes? 

Let's not tear each other apart; let's solve the problems. That is fine. But let's not be treated like fools either. Let us not surrender to trustees without official appointments, the usurpation of will, the division of the country, or a technocratic-looking single-party or even one-man rule under the guise of 'national unity and solidarity' or 'we are all in the same boat'.