Rosemary...

We have passed the halfway point of January, the first month of the new year (2026). With expectations of snow and rain, the cold has made itself felt in our region as well. We are in the middle of winter, one of the four seasons, yet discussions about water and water shortages remain among the important topics on our country's agenda and are making themselves felt. It seems our hopes for precipitation and reaching sufficient water will be left to spring? We need to stop provoking our nature, which is the beauty of our world, a part of the macrocosm (universe), and as humanity, we must protect it.

With the new year, although the budget, which has been the most discussed topic from last month to today, has passed the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), can discussions such as the economy, livelihood difficulties, minimum wage, and improvements in pensions overshadow the agendas? Efforts to create new and outlandish agendas will continue to increase day by day. 

New agendas and disinformation are being produced in abundance in our country. One of these is the "report card" incident. My goodness, they say the "Atatürk" picture was not put on the report cards. Amazing! What subtle calculations, oh my... Now we are discussing that. Let them try as much as they want, whether they do it knowingly or unknowingly, they will not be able to erase Mustafa Kemal Atatürk from our hearts.

No matter what they do, hope is growing every day like a snowball. I see this. How much is left until 2027 anyway... 

I see the light of hope more in our social and daily lives. Didn't even Indira Gandhi wait 30 years? I see the efforts of a person approaching the summit and saying "come on, keep going" in our people as well. You saw the Hatay rally last week, didn't you? Actually, we have no right to be in a bad state. We will work and we will succeed.

As I said... We see and experience these in our daily lives as well. Last week, our foundation, TÜLOV (Turkey Promotion, Research, Democracy and Secular Formation Foundation), held the first event of the 25th anniversary of our TSMK (Turkish Art Music Choir) in the grand hall of the İzmir A. Adnan Saygun Cultural Center. They gave a magnificent concert in front of our audience who filled the hall. I thank the entire choir and those who contributed. 

From the 93-year-old choir member whose hope for life and the future never ends, to the choir's founding president Nuşen Yılmaz and choir conductor Emre Üstgül, our choir's concert was held very successfully. We made a beautiful start to the new year. 

The new member of our foundation's Board of Trustees, successful businessman, angel investor, philanthropist, and 83-year-old Demirkanatlı Mutlu also watched the concert until the end.

As I was saying, even if years pass, hopes do not end. Sometimes they say "It's not aging, it's gaining age," and that's exactly it. 

Do you know where else I see hope? In nature. 

While walking in Fethiye Göcek Taşbaşı Farm, it was the fact that the rosemary, which we call biberiye, had opened its blue-white flowers. They were so beautiful and hopeful with their tiny flowers that you wouldn't believe it.

Rosmarinus, Latin for "dew of the sea," also called "bird's tongue herb" in some regions of our country, is a medicinal plant from the mint family that has many uses and benefits. 

Take a look at the benefits of rosemary, which should be present in all kinds of salads we call greens on our tables, especially in meat, chicken, and fish dishes.

First of all, besides its feature of reducing forgetfulness and improving memory; it is a beneficial plant for the digestive system, skin, and hair. Just as it is used fresh or dried in meals, its water and tea are also powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. While strengthening the immune system, it also improves blood circulation. If you like dishes that can cause gas such as dried beans, chickpeas, and cauliflower, and if it causes gas, rosemary provides quite a bit of relief. It has antispasmodic properties. It also helps reduce migraines and headaches. 

If you come across them on roadsides, in gardens, or in landscaping works, don't forget to greet the rosemary, just as you would all of nature. 

For hope, first of all, protecting your health is in your hands. Stay in health and beauty.

Prof. Dr. Nurettin DEMİR