ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - November 2010
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SYMPOSIUM IDEA
In response to the idea of organizing the Elazığ City Symposium mentioned in last week’s column, we received very positive feedback. Our valued readers contacted us via phone and email, sharing their questions and contributions. I would like to thank all of our readers from Günışığı for their valuable input.
It is a fact that many valuable works have been done for Elazığ. However, unless these efforts are gathered under one roof and made continuous, their impact will not reach the desired level (Unfortunately, this has been the case…). It is not possible to bring Elazığ to the forefront through local efforts alone. The future of our city will be determined by how it integrates into the national agenda. To achieve this, promotional activities must be carried out through collaborative work created by different disciplines. The most effective way of sharing this information and expertise is through congresses and symposiums, both in Turkey and internationally.
The common opinion of our valued readers who contributed to last week's article can be summarized in one sentence: "The idea is great, but how will it be implemented?" This idea will be realized through joint efforts, cooperation, consensus, and unity of heart.
In our city, our university and many professional organizations have substantial knowledge and experience in organizing symposiums. I am confident that institutions such as the Governorship, Municipality, University, Provincial Special Administration, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will provide great support for such an initiative.
Many institutions that have made significant contributions to our province, including regional directorates such as the Directorate of Highways, the Directorate of State Hydraulic Works, the Directorate of the Provincial Bank, the Directorate of Public Works and Settlement, the Directorate of Disaster Affairs, the Directorate of Forests, the Directorate of Agriculture, the Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and many other public organizations, will support any effort that serves Elazığ.
One of the important contributors to our city is the civil society organizations. The Fırat Basin Journalists Association, Elazığ Young Entrepreneurs Association, Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association, Elazığ Industrialists and Businessmen Association, the Muhtar Association, the Marble and Mining Association, the Women Entrepreneurs Association, the Fırat Assembly Association, and the Fırat Construction Engineers Association (FİMDER) are all organizations dedicated to Elazığ, with individuals who will do their best for the city.
The Union of Turkish Architects and Engineers (TMMOB) encompasses 23 chambers. These chambers have branches or representatives in our city. I believe that these organizations, with their hundreds of members, will not only support the symposium but can also take a leading role in organizing it.
In addition to public and civil institutions, I am confident that political party representatives will also make significant contributions to such an event dedicated to Elazığ.
It is clear that Elazığ is a city with strong public, civil, and political influence. This power gains meaning with the principle of "Everything for Elazığ." A project that is not owned by anyone but contributes to everyone will find its goal.
We have talked about unity, cooperation, consensus, and solidarity. I hope we will all celebrate these values together in a future celebration. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a blessed Sacrifice Feast today...
On the occasion of November 10th, we once again commemorate Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the guarantor of our future, with respect and gratitude...