Celal Şengör: If it weren't for the Republic, Turkey would be like Afghanistan

Speaking on the 100th anniversary of the Republic, Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör made significant remarks. According to the report by Sözcü, Şengör said, "The republic is not in a very good state on its 100th anniversary."

"THE NATION IS DIVIDED IN TWO"

Stating that "the nation is divided in two," Şengör added, "The society is being deceived by hoaxes that are long outdated and have clearly caused great harm in history. Because Anatolia has accepted these hoaxes as truth for a thousand years, it is easy to deceive. That is why it goes to the people who leave themselves open and votes for them. This is a very dangerous situation. We must get rid of this as soon as possible."

"THIS IS THROWING DYNAMITE AT THE FOUNDATION OF THE ARMY"

Pointing out that there are attempts to build prayer rooms (masjids) in kindergartens, Şengör said, "Build a library instead of building that. What is the point of building a mosque in the garden of the Air Force Academy when there is a mosque 100 meters away? They say cadets belonging to different sects go to different mosques. Can you imagine? This is throwing dynamite at the foundation of the army."

REACTION TO TRT: ABSURD; WHAT IS IT TO YOU, BROTHER?

Reacting to TRT canceling the celebrations, Şengör said:

"TRT saying, 'We cannot celebrate the republic with noise and fanfare on its centenary because we are saddened for Palestine' is absurd. What is it to you, brother? What does this have to do with this nation? Yes, let's help, let's do what we can. This is important. But we also have our national identity."

"WE ARE ATATÜRK'S DREAM, LET US REALIZE THAT DREAM SO WE CAN BE HUMAN"

"Let us get rid of these and say, 'Everyone is free in their faith. They believe in what they want.' But we are obliged to prevent them from imposing this faith on others. Otherwise, social peace will be disrupted. Therefore, we will fall apart as a nation. We are Atatürk's dream, as a nation. Let us realize that dream so we can be human. Let us not devour each other."

"TURKEY WILL EMERGE FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT BY RETURNING TO ATATÜRK'S PROGRAM"

Şengör answered the question, "How will Turkey emerge from darkness into light?" as follows:

"It has a very simple answer: By returning to Atatürk's program. Everything you do for your country, everything you do for humanity, must be on the path Atatürk showed you. The Turkish Nation must be a nation useful to humanity. Unlike other nations, we have a magnificent guide. Let us try to be worthy of that guide, all together. We are all responsible for fulfilling Atatürk's ideals, do not forget this. No one should run away from this duty. Believe me, if we run away, we will not be respected in the world."

News Source: 12punto