14.05.2015 İstanbul
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they will turn Yassıada into a monument to Turkey’s democratization process where domestic and foreign guests will be hosted, “From now on, Yassıada will be remembered for hope instead of sorrow. Those who visit here will know what difficulties we had to overcome as a country to get where we are.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu, during his speech at the foundation laying ceremony of
the “Islands of Democracy and Liberty” project held on Yassıada, stated that
the Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has always given priority to the Turkish
private sector, consulting with the private sector in order to open the way for
it.
Quoting Necip Fazıl Kısakürek’s poetry, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that
Yassıada rests the memories of Adnan Menderes and three martyrs for democracy
who served their homeland greatly.
Stating that Yassıada signifies sorrow for everyone who has adopted
democracy, Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “At the same time, it is a symbol of all
patriotic desires even when facing death. We did not get where we are today
easily. Our country has undergone a long and painful democratic struggle. This
should never be forgotten and should be related to future generation.”
Touching on the fact that TOBB was established during Adnan Menderes’
term as Prime Ministry in 1952, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This was one of the most
concrete steps towards a more robust democracy in Turkey, the organizational
structuring of the private sector under a single roof. This is because economy
and democracy are inseparable. Without democracy and the rule of the people,
there can be no religious or conscientious freedom, no freedom of thought, no
freedom of enterprise. Without these,
there can be no economy, no prosperity. Those who paid the price in the
struggle for democracy dreamed of a freer and more prosperous Turkey. As
democracy gains strength, this dream became a reality. Seeds sown in 1952 grew
rapidly, becoming a giant sycamore. We had 500 members 63 years ago, today we
have 1.5 million. Per capita income was 200 USD; it has exceeded 10,000 USD. We
exported 260 million USD worth of goods; this has increased to 160 billion USD.
The share of goods of industrial nature in our total exports used to be 1%,
whereas today it has increased to 94%. Turkey has become the strongest industry
between Italy and China. Receiving foreign aid 63 years ago, today we are one
of the countries with the most aid provided to poorer regions, providing aid to
every part of the world.”
- “We are repaying a debt of
gratitude”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Customs and Tourism Enterprises Inc.,
established by TOBB with the partnership of 137 chambers and exchanges, has
undertaken important endeavors to date including the modernization of customs
gates, taking on the role of caretaker for the Selimiye Mosque as well as
founding the Selimiye Foundation.
TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are repaying their
debt to Adnan Menderes and all martyrs for democracy, “Appointed by our
government, we are taking a step to transform Yassıada, an island remembered as
a strike against democratization in Turkey, into Democracy Island. The project
we’ve been given will see the rebuilding of Yassıada, turning this island which
no one visits into an island where domestic and foreign guests will be hosted
to witness the democratization process of Turkey. From now on, Yassıada will be
remembered for hope instead of sorrow. Those who visit here will know what
difficulties we had to overcome as a country to get where we are. Yassıada will
be remembered for democracy and liberty; becoming a symbol for national will
and democracy. It will be a milestone on the path to greater goals.
- Prime Minister Davutoğlu
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu stated that the court in Yassıada would
be preserved as is for posterity. Davutoğlu stressed four major points. He
stated that Yassıada and Sivriada should be preserved with their memories for
posterity, forming a warning.
Secondly, the Prime Minister stated that the residence of the English
Legate Bulwer in 1856 would also be preserved.
Thirdly, the renovation and repurposing of the area would not see trees
cut down, and even if it was unavoidable, these trees would be replaced.
Fourthly, the endeavors which they undertake to realize this project
will be based on democracy and liberty.
PM Davutoğlu reported that there would be place for entertainment to
preserve the gravitas of the location, planned to become a location for
congress, arbitration and consultation akin to Camp David.
Thanking the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,
Minister of Culture and Tourism Ömer Çelik and the Minister for Environment and
Urbanism İdris Güllüce, TOBB officials and other organizations for their
contributions to the project, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu stated that this auspicious
beginning would provide lessons for future generations.
- Culture and Tourism Minister
Çelik
Culture and Tourism Minister Ömer Çelik said, “The lighthouse we build
on Yassıada Democracy and Liberty Island will inspire the nations of the world
and show them the way.”
Çelik went on to provide details for the museum and facilities planned
to be built on the island as a memorial, stating that the lessons learned here
by our nation would provide vision for the future.
Çelik thanked the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip
Erdoğan, the Minister for Environment and Urbanism İdris Güllüce, TOBB
President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, AK Party Vice President Süleyman Soylu, AK
Party PM Candidates Mücahit Arslan and Çiğdem Karaaslan for their contributions
to the project.