At MAKÜ, on the second anniversary of October 7, 2023, the "Israel Issue" was discussed.

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) and Burdur Mufti's Office organized a panel discussing the destruction in Gaza, the human tragedy, the struggle of the Palestinian people who have become a symbol of resistance, and how Israel has become a problem for the entire world and humanity. 

The program, which started with the opening of a photo exhibition on Palestine and the Recitation of the Quran, was opened by MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar. In his speech, Rector Dalgar emphasized that academia should speak the language of conscience and humanity, not the language of hatred:

“The concept of genocide now includes not only the destruction of people but also cities, cultures, and civilizations. With the genocide happening in Gaza today, it is exactly an urban destruction.” he said.

Dalgar expressed that the inability of Muslim societies to unite paves the way for such tragedies, saying, “If the two billion Muslim world could unite, such oppression would not occur.”

Rector Dalgar highlighted that universities should not only train individuals for professions but also raise generations with a high sense of justice, conscience, and responsibility:

“Today, technologies that harm humanity are also produced with science. Therefore, we are obliged to raise a strong generation that will use science for the benefit of humanity and stand against oppression.” he said.

At the end of his speech, Dalgar also mentioned Gazan academician Asma Khader Mohammed Mutaır, saying, “We have opened the doors of our university to our teacher Asma, whose family still lives in tents. This is one of the most concrete examples of the Turkish academia's support for the oppressed Palestinian people.”

Mufti Çelik: “Gaza gave three great lessons to the world”

Burdur Provincial Mufti Ali Hayri Çelik also stated in his speech that the Gaza resistance is a turning point that has shaped world history.

Çelik said that Gaza has given three important lessons to humanity:

-Breaking the perception: “The myth of invincibility has collapsed. The Iron Dome has been pierced, and Israel's image of absolute power has been shattered.” 

-The rebirth of hope: “The courage of the people of Gaza has instilled hope in the hearts of humanity once again.” 

-The manifestation of divine truth: “The promise of Allah is true. Many small communities have prevailed over large armies. The Gaza resistance is a modern example of this.”

Mufti Çelik emphasized that Islam is not just about worship, saying, “Gaza reminded us what faith, patience, and submission mean.”

In-depth analyses from academicians

At the event, MAKÜ Faculty of Theology Dean Prof. Dr. Yasin Pişgin, in his speech titled ‘Thoughts on the Gaza Massacre’, stated that silence should no longer be maintained in the face of this genocide and emphasized that the Turkish people are united for Palestine.

Faculty member Prof. Dr. Orhan Gürsu, in his presentation titled ‘Genocide Psychology – An Analysis in the Context of the Gaza Genocide’, addressed the psychological dimensions of the atrocities experienced.

A voice from Gaza: Asmaa Khader Mohammed Mutaır

One of the most emotional moments of the event was the speech of Asmaa Khader Mohammed Mutaır, a lecturer at the Faculty of Theology from Gaza. In her presentation titled ‘A Voice from Gaza’, Mutaır described the drama of her people struggling to survive in the midst of war. She started her speech with the Recitation of the Quran and continued by saying;

“Gaza was once one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Now, it is a struggle for survival under the rubble. There is no home, no water, no medicine… Only pain and patience,” she said.

Mutaır stated that only a very small portion of the aid reaches Gaza; “Turkey supports Gaza before and during the war. Turkey sent humanitarian aid to Gaza; however, only a very small portion of it could reach Gaza. Because Israel controls everything and does not allow many things to enter Gaza. Turkey provides treatment and surgery opportunities for patients in Gaza.” she said.

Emphasizing that the people of Gaza continue to resist despite all these difficulties, Mutaır said, “Gaza is the road to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Hopefully, Jerusalem and Palestine will be free,” she concluded her speech with prayers for Gaza and Palestine.

The program ended with slogans and hymns sung by the students.