Excitement, gratitude, salvation…

Nowadays, whether individual or social, tripping others up, obstructing, or to put it more politely, braking, has become so widespread that it is impossible not to be surprised when seeing new instances every day. We have started to see this frequently not only in associations, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and workplaces, but also on the street and in politics. 

There are many examples; I will touch upon a few. 

 We experienced a complete obstruction at the ordinary general assembly of TÜLOV (Turkey Promotion, Research, Democracy and Secular Formation Foundation) held in İzmir on Thursday, March 13. It is impossible not to feel sad when seeing members who do not participate in any activities, who only attend from one general assembly to another, and who do not provide any work, financial, or moral support in line with the Foundation's goals. Tripping up and trying to obstruct those who are trying to work and produce is not acceptable. Either work and contribute, or pack up and leave. No, that won't do. My only duty in the Foundation is to obstruct and trip people up. We must correct this trend for our country. 

A day later, at a hospital I went to celebrate March 14 Medicine Day, a colleague said, "Oh, if only I could retire, I wouldn't see any patients, I wouldn't touch anything. I'm fed up." There is no such feeling as idealism left. No excitement left. Pessimism is knee-deep, it has surrounded and enveloped Turkey. 

When we look at politics, we can see the bleak picture more clearly. All sorts of things are being done so that Ekrem İmamoğlu does not become a presidential candidate. It is impossible not to be surprised, not to be astonished. Unheard-of lawsuits are being filed against İmamoğlu. Obstructions amounting to conspiracies are being created every day. Truly, let alone being surprised, it is beyond human comprehension. No matter how you look at it, filth is flowing. 

What about the issue of canceling Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma? Completing one's education through a lateral transfer from one university to another, which is still widely practiced today, was common 35 years ago not only within the country but all over the world. The goal is to have the university diploma he received canceled. And then, based on that, to prevent his presidential candidacy. I also served as the Dean of the Muğla Faculty of Medicine. A Dean cannot be easily removed from office. Removing someone from office requires a long process. The shortest process is to resign or be forced to resign. Indeed, they forced him to resign. Who knows what is going on behind closed doors? What offers or threats are there, it is unknown? Why would a dean be asked to resign out of the blue? 

In every area of life, society is divided into two like a watermelon. Those playing the role of bad cop and good cop are in the majority. Some are fiercely obstructing others. It is as if it is a sociological fashion... And we are setting a bad example for the youth, for our future. Oh, oh! Will Turkey see these things too? My belief is that we will move from these days to happier, more peaceful days. We will overcome all kinds of obstacles. We will work with all our might, without ever getting tired or weary, and reach bright days. 

While I was going from İzmir to Göcek with the feelings of health workers and the problems of Medicine Day, as I descended from Sakar, the Gulf of Gökova was shining brightly under the spring sun. The view of the gulf did me good. I had washed away my pessimism. I turned my car towards Akyaka. The almond trees were as white as if they were wearing wedding dresses. When I entered the garden of the Yücelen Hotel, the waters flowing drop by drop from the garden wall, like a weeping rock, were mixing into the stream in front of the wall and meeting the Gulf of Gökova. As I was crossing the bridge over the stream, Hamdi Bey appeared before me. Hamdi Yücel Gürsoy, the founder of Yücelen Hospitals, is 85 years old and working tirelessly. We went to the cafe they had restored and taken over again. We talked more about the future than the past. He has been affected by the events the country is facing. He was trying to destroy the pessimism about the future. Towards the end of the conversation, I said, "Today is March 14 Medicine Day; I came both to celebrate and to thank you on behalf of our patients. Also, I thank you on behalf of the hundreds of physicians, health workers, and other people you have provided employment for since its establishment." 

There are many beautiful people in our country working day and night for the sake of humanity and our country. I offer my heartfelt love from Gökova to all patriots who produce and work. 

Bright days are not far away. Let us meet at the ballot box all together on Sunday, March 23.  

There is no salvation alone, either all together or none of us.

Prof. Dr. Nurettin DEMİR