Bilal Erdoğan: “We Feel Safer and More Secure with Our President”
Istanbul, March 18 – Bilal Erdoğan, a member of the Darülaceze Administrative Board, stated at an iftar program organized by the Darülaceze Presidency that “we feel safer and more secure because our President is there.” He emphasized that President Erdoğan’s leadership enables Turkey to advocate for peace, fairness, and justice globally, especially in the face of regional conflicts and injustices.
Erdoğan highlighted that while the United Nations system proves insufficient in resolving conflicts, President Erdoğan’s calls for “the world is bigger than five” and “a more just world is possible” keep hope alive.
Distinguished Guests Attend Darülaceze Iftar Program
The iftar program, hosted by the Darülaceze Presidency, saw the participation of numerous prominent figures alongside Bilal Erdoğan. Attendees included Mustafa Varank, Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information, and Technology Commission and AK Party Bursa Deputy; Davut Gül, Governor of Istanbul; Esra Ceceli İslam, President of Darülaceze; Sadettin Saran, President of Fenerbahçe; artists Hülya Avşar, Burç Kümbetlioğlu, and Özgür Ozan; singer Sinan Akçıl; footballers İrfan Can Kahveci, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Mert Günok, İsmail Yüksek, and Çağlar Söyüncü; Acun Ilıcalı; Kasımpaşa Technical Director Emre Belözoğlu; chefs Danilo Zanna and Mehmet Yalçınkaya; and volleyball player Zehra Güneş, among many other celebrities.
During the event, Bilal Erdoğan toured various sections of Darülaceze, an institution founded in 1895 by Sultan Abdülhamid II with contributions from citizens. Erdoğan described Darülaceze as one of the world’s significant pillars of compassion, representing the nation’s civilization of mercy in the heart of Istanbul. He noted that the program aimed to introduce the institution to attendees.
Reflecting on Ramadan and Regional Stability
In his speech, Bilal Erdoğan reflected on the approaching end of Ramadan, expressing a sense of wistfulness that often accompanies the conclusion of the holy month. He remarked that as Muslims born and raised in a Muslim country, people sometimes overlook the true value of Ramadan and the blessing of fasting. He recalled instances during his nearly 15 years abroad where non-Muslims expressed admiration and envy when he explained Ramadan and fasting, particularly regarding the communal spirit of aid and support for those in need.
Erdoğan also touched upon the conflicts in the region, including the war in Gaza and the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. He emphasized Turkey’s enduring role as an “island of stability” amidst regional turmoil. “Our country has been tested by regional instabilities for 50 years. We are directly affected by all of them,” he stated, citing past crises such as the 1970s oil crisis, the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, and conflicts in Iraq and Syria in the 2000s, as well as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
He underscored the importance of national strength and unity to maintain stability and fulfill Turkey’s responsibility to bring order to the region. “We do not have the luxury of saying ‘what is Syria, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria to us.’ With our power and compassion, Turkey needs to be stronger, united, and further strengthen its unity for the well-being of all these regional countries,” Erdoğan asserted.
Turkey’s Role in Peace and Compassion
Erdoğan reiterated that just as Darülaceze was built during times of war to shelter those displaced, Turkey continues this tradition by striving for peace and aiding victims of conflicts. “Today, in the Russia-Ukraine War, the genocide in Gaza, and the ongoing war in Iran, Turkey continues its efforts to be on the side of peace while also endeavoring to heal the wounds of those affected and suffering from these wars,” he explained.
He concluded by emphasizing that if we speak of the “Century of Turkey,” it must also signify a Turkey that fosters peace and stability in its region. He believes that institutions like Darülaceze play a crucial role in keeping this hope alive as Turkey continues its efforts in this direction.
Hülya Avşar Emphasizes Family Values
Artist Hülya Avşar, also speaking at the program, stated, “The first thing I prioritize in my life is family. If the family is always strong and accepts and loves each other with their flaws, then everything becomes very beautiful.”
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/istanbul/istanbul-bilal-erdogan-cumhurbaskanimiz-oldu-2839155
