ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - January 2011
PROJECT-ADVERTISEMENT HABITS
Some political promises have even become the subject of old Turkish films. For instance, the promise of building a dam in a place with no water was something that both amused and made people think. Today, it seems that promises are more consistent. However, I believe a new habit has developed: the Project-Advertisement Habit. It seems like all of us have shared in this habit.
People unfortunately take pride in things they have expressed as if they have already done them. Of course, people will express their ideas and projects. However, acting as though these projects have already been realized may hinder the actual services from being delivered.
This situation has reached an alarming level both for our country and for our city. The "I did it, it’s done" attitude is one that harms unity and togetherness. Projects should be developed in collaboration with all relevant institutions and organizations. If these projects are implemented and yield positive results, there should be a sense of joy from having made progress in serving the country and the people.
Everyone emphasizes the importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) and speaks about unity. According to the data from the website ildernekler.com, there are 464 associations in Elazığ. However, it can be observed that the number of platforms formed by these associations is quite small compared to the total number.
Doesn’t this situation call for some self-criticism? It seems that the unity and togetherness we assumed to have is not truly in place. Recently, the gathering of the Elazığ Civil Society Organizations Platform was an important step. This was also acknowledged in the media. However, if the platform's name is ELAZIĞ, shouldn’t all associations have been invited? If only associations representing certain views were brought together, then wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to give it a different name, rather than calling it the Elazığ platform?
The reason I have waited some time before expressing my opinion on this issue is to observe the reactions of columnists and media personnel. However, since no one made this self-criticism, I wanted to write a few lines, with the goal of not blaming anyone.
Information can also be obtained from our university on this matter. However, as far as I know from my professors, the establishment of a second university in Elazığ has been a matter for at least 15 years. Before the recent establishment of universities in other regions, the issue of a second university had already been on the agenda of Fırat University and its administration.
I believe it is not accurate for this issue to be understood as just another "project" in the public mind. Of course, it will be discussed and should remain on the agenda, but it is not a new project. If civil society organizations unite under the shared love for Elazığ, free from political affiliations, I believe the service in the hearts of people will be realized.
I want to make it clear that this article does not target any individual or organization. However, no one has the authority to speak on behalf of all civil society organizations, because such an organization does not exist in Elazığ. Additionally, there is no point in constantly blaming civil society organizations. The executive power lies with political authority. The role of civil society organizations is to generate ideas and projects (and I must stress again, every project should not be advertised as if it has already been accomplished). Ideas become valuable when they are listened to, and projects become valuable when they are implemented and bring positive results.
Not every civil society organization has a strong backing. We should also remember those who derive their power from their members and projects. These organizations are not driven by politics but by their goal to serve the country and the people. I believe important steps will be taken when we give respect to those who do their work, not to advertisements.
Do all civil society organizations in Elazığ know each other? Are they aware of what other associations are doing? I believe that one of the larger, more resourceful associations in Elazığ should take the first step towards creating the real Elazığ CSO Platform. Moreover, not only associations but also representatives of chambers should be included in such an initiative.
When it comes to Elazığ, there is much to say. However, as you know, what is understood is more important than what is said. I hope to be understood correctly.
Poetry by Yunus Emre:
The wanderer who comes to the world,
Drinks the sherbet one by one,
This is a bridge to cross,
The ignorant will never know.
Let's come, let's get acquainted,
Let's make things easier,
Let’s love and be loved,
No one stays in this world.