TURKEY
On November 29th, 2023, the International School Network visited the embassy of Turkey to interview the Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Korkut GÜNGEN.
National dishes
His Excellency shared a Turkish dessert, baklava with pistachios. Traditionally, they are made with either pistachios or walnuts, but nowadays, there are more variations, such as serving it cold with chocolate. Alongside this dessert, H.E. also shared black tea served in beautiful Turkish glassware.
Education
The Turkish education system follows a structure comprising primary, elementary, and secondary levels together for 12 years, as well as university level. All levels are supported by the government, ensuring free education for all. Alongside public schools, Turkey offers alternative paths with private schools. To enter university, students must take a non-separate general examination and apply to universities according to their marks. Some universities have additional levels of assessment.
The Turkish education system focuses and works on the principles of equal opportunity, providing education regardless of ethnicity or gender. Moreover, Turkey provides education for the refugees in the country which adds up to almost 4 million, predominantly from Syria.
Similarities and Differences
In terms of differences, the Japanese education system involves certain responsibilities for students, like maintaining cleanliness and serving lunch, creating a sense of community and solidarity. Additionally, Japanese schools commonly have club systems with social, sports, and cultural activities, which differs from Turkey where such activities are intaken individually outside of school.
As for similarities, both Japan and Turkey share government financial support for their education systems. H.E. points out that not all countries have this kind of support for education.
Unites the Nation
What unites the nation is its rich history, culture, language and religion. Religion, especially Islam, holds significant importance in Turkish identity, with around 98% of the population being Muslim. Moreover, it is important to note the presence of various other religious beliefs within the country.
Views on Globalization
Globalization is an effect of life, having been present throughout human history. It has only come out in the light because the process has sped up recently. In Turkey, as in other nations, globalization brings about change in the traditional ways of life.
Qualities of Turkey
Turkey has a long history, with various influential states like the Ottoman and Seljuk empires shaping its past. The Turkish flag’s emblem features a large star and 16 surrounding stars each symbolizing the nation’s historical states. Thus, in global affairs, Turkey can be a significant player having the ability to influence and contribute to global issues, like climate change. Given Turkey’s experience in international affairs, Turkey can be a reliable and valuable partner to collaborate with.
Achieving World Peace
To achieve world peace one must learn about different cultures and people. Understanding diverse perspectives and striving for collaboration is crucial. While it requires effort to understand others, it is important to persuade others that cooperation is far more beneficial than destroying for achieving world peace.
Surprise in Japan
His Excellency arrived in Japan three years ago and was immediately impressed by its remarkable development. H.E. enjoyed the rich Japanese culture through visiting temples, shrines, other natural and beautiful cites, and having conversations with the locals, gaining diverse perspectives. H.E. found Japanese traditions like Hanami and their cuisine fascinating. H.E. mentioned the experience of Japanese cuisine, especially tasting raw fish, which is uncommon in Turkey where fish is usually cooked. Moreover, H.E. was surprised at how small dogs are carried in baby carriages in Japan.
Gender Equality
H.E. emphasizes the importance of gender equality as it has been a persisting global issue, evident in limited educational opportunities, job opportunities, and unequal wages for women worldwide. Additionally, women often encounter violence within their families, making the issue even more crucial. It is important to acknowledge that these challenges are not solely women’s issues and we must gather support from men as well to recognize that gender equality is a shared issue that impacts both men and women.
Tourist Areas
H.E. suggests starting the tour from Istanbul. While Istanbul is not the country’s capital, it holds significance as the largest city and the former capital of three empires: the Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium), and the Ottoman Empire. Turkey’s history has had numerous civilizations with diverse ethnic backgrounds. Being a land where people come and go, Turkey has various rich and beautiful places beyond Istanbul that are worth exploring.
Goals as an Ambassador
His Excellency aspires to strengthen the relationship between Turkey and Japan through solid projects. H.E. aims to enhance Turkey’s situation through cooperating with Japan, encouraging communication between the authorities of both nations.
Message to Japanese
Over the past 200 years, Turkey and Japan have established relations with respect and solidarity. H.E. emphasized the importance of working together to preserve the strong relations since friendship and trust is challenging to build.
TURKEY
In November 2012, the International School Network prepared an interview with Mr. Atakcan, the Turkish embassy counselor, at the Turkish Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. The embassy walls were delicately designed with elaborate Turkish tiles.
links to their websites
Japan-Turkey relations
The relations between Japan and Turkey started in the 19th century. In 1890, the Turkish Ertugrul frigate had sank off the coast of Wakayama, Japan. The surviving sailors were treated with care by the Japanese villagers, and they were safely brought back to Istanbul. When the Republic of Turkey was founded, diplomatic relations were established, and the first embassies opened in 1925. 2010 marked the 120th anniversary of Turko-Japanese relations, which had been great celebration.
Japanese-Ottoman relations
In October 1887, Prince Akihito of Japan had visited Istanbul and presented the Order of Chrysanthemum to the Turkish sultan, which was Japan's highest order. The government of the Ottoman Empire was very delighted by this order, and they decided to send a ship for a goodwill voyage to Japan in return.
The Accident
It was at noon on September 15, 1890, when the Ship Ertugrul set off from Yokohama to return to Istanbul. The weather was in good condition during departure. However, from the next morning, a reverse wind started to blow against the ship, which grew stronger towards the evening.The crew attempted to stop the ship by emergency anchoring right before it hit the rocks, but unfortunately, the ship did not stop, and it hit the reefs and fell apart. This happened at around midnight on September 18, 1890. Because of this accident, about 533 sailors, including 50 officers and Admiral Ali Osman Pasha, had lost their lives. Six officers and sixty-three sailors survived; Six of them were uninjured, and nine were severely wounded, and the rest had light injuries. After the rescue operation by the Japanese villagers, two survivors were taken to Kobe by Japanese ships, two by a Japanese battleship, and sixty-five by German gunboats. In October 1890, all of the sixty-nine survivors were taken back to Istanbul from Shinagawa, Tokyo. The Ottoman sultan let in the Japanese battleships on January 5, 1892. He was very pleased with the arrival, and so expressed his appreciation by presenting medals to the Japanese crew.
Our bond
This had created a bond between the Turkish and Japanese people, establishing a strong friendship basis.
A cemetery was made for 150 people found in the sea from the sunken ship, in February 1891. A memorial was also built near the lighthouse located in the town of Kushimoto, Wakayama.
On 3 June 1929, Emperor Hirohito visited the cemetery, and Turkey repaired it in 1939.
In 1974, the "Turkish Museum" was established in Japan. It consisted of a scale model of the ship, with photographs and statues of the sailors.
Every Five years of the anniversary day of the accident in Kushimoto is celebrated as the starting day of friendship between Turkey and Japan.
Book
The Turkish children had wrote heartwarming letters and drew caring pictures for the children of Japan who have suffered from the tsunami and earthquake on March 11, 2011. These letters and drawings were collected into a book called “Bridge of Love”.
(Reported by Madoka Nishina)
Participants
Madoka Nishina 9th Saint Maur International School
Karen Nishina 3th Saint Maur International School