"100 New Authors Project for the New Century of Our Literature" has begun
The opening of the "100 New Authors Project for the New Century of Our Literature," which aims to discover young talents who could illuminate the future of Turkish literature and pass on national and spiritual values to the new generation, has been held. The project will include the creation of the "Ben Yazarım" (I am an Author) portal, where students will upload short stories with the theme of "Family."
In the program, model and presenter Tuğba Özay read poems by her father, poet and author İlhan Özay. Additionally, there was a discussion on "Being a Conscious Youth" with Prof. Nevzat Tarhan.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan advised the students to “write for 10 minutes every day, but keep writing consistently." He said that “Use artificial intelligence extensively. We should aim to surpass artificial intelligence and produce new materials with it. In human history, the printing press was a turning point. Electricity was a turning point. Artificial intelligence will also be a turning point. Therefore, become an expert in artificial intelligence. Do not let the digital world use you; use the digital world to achieve your goals. If you do, the digital world will lead you to your goals.”
The project, which will be carried out in cooperation with Üsküdar University, the Black Sea Civil Society Organizations Confederation (KASTOB), and ÇATKON-Tekirdağ Federation, aims to discover young talents who can contribute to the future of Turkish literature. The opening of the project, which aims to transmit national and spiritual values to new generations, was held at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall at Üsküdar University’s Main Campus.
With the support of the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Civil Society Relations, the project aims to guide aspiring young authors and lay the foundation for new works. The opening ceremony, attended by prominent names from the art, literature, culture, and politics world, featured speeches by Nevzat Duyar, President of KASTOB; Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, Project Development Coordinator and Director of the Young Minds Academy Application and Research Center at Üsküdar University; and Yüksel Arslan, General Secretary of KASTOB, Trakya Regional President, and Project Coordinator.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "A Person Who Fears Criticism Cannot Be an Author"
A discussion on "Being a Conscious Youth" was held with Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, moderated by journalist Şaban Özdemir. The program, which was broadcast live on ÜÜ TV and Üsküdar University’s YouTube channel, included Prof. Tarhan’s remarks on the new project. He emphasized that this initiative could help produce figures like Sezai Karakoç and Necip Fazıl and that becoming an author requires not only talent but also extensive reading and hard work.
Prof. Tarhan explained, "Becoming an author requires mental effort and patience. It’s important to be open to criticism and not fear it. A person who fears criticism cannot be an author. You should view criticism as a gift. Although it might not be pleasant, if the criticism is constructive, it will contribute to you." He advised the students, “Write for 10 minutes every day, but keep writing. If you do this consistently, over time, mental and emotional associations will begin to form.”
Prof: Tarhan: "Focus on Societal Needs, Not Personal Ego Satisfaction."
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan advised young people to focus on fulfilling societal needs rather than seeking personal ego satisfaction. He emphasized, "If you focus on solving a societal problem and think, 'I should find a solution to this issue in society,' the talents or efforts you put forth will align with that need. When this alignment happens, it will lead to a lasting outcome. Smart investors do not chase money, they chase needs. Having goals is what it means to be a conscious young person."
"Comfort Disease: One of Modernity's Health Issues"
Prof. Tarhan highlighted that young people have been affected by what he called the "disease of comfort," or "comfort sickness," which has become one of the significant health problems brought on by modern life. He pointed out the psychological and physical health issues linked to comfort sickness, such as obesity, which has become a major concern for those who live a comfort-driven lifestyle. He said, "Obesity is a disease often faced by comfort-seeking individuals. Right now, there are 1 billion obese people in the world, while 2 billion people in Africa lack access to clean water. The United States is ranked first in obesity, Saudi Arabia second, and Türkiye is third. This situation shows how Türkiye is under the influence of modernism and rampant capitalism."
Prof. Tarhan also discussed the physical health issues related to a lack of movement, such as cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic problems, and other illnesses caused by insufficient physical activity. He advised that to prevent these issues, individuals should aim to walk at least 5,000 steps a day.
"True Victory Is Over Inner Laziness"
He explained that comfort sickness fosters laziness and inactivity, which negatively impacts physical health. "The underlying issue of comfort sickness is laziness and reluctance within the person. True victory is not about defeating others; however, it is about overcoming your own laziness," Prof. Tarhan said.
He also emphasized that one of the consequences of comfort sickness is loneliness, which often leads to problems in relationships and marriages. He explained, "Comfort-seeking individuals tend to say, 'I am important, others are not.' They avoid inconvenience and will not make sacrifices for their children or others, and even for their own lives. This type of person avoids any effort."
"Choose Conscious Learning Over Trial and Error"
Prof. Tarhan reflected on the learning methods discussed in Ali Fuat Başgil’s book “Gençlerle Baş Başa” (Alone with Youth) and shared that he believes there are three primary ways to learn. "The first is learning by trial and error. However, human life is not long enough to learn everything through trial and error. The second way is that a wise person learns from the mistakes of others and avoids repeating them. The third way is when a person repeatedly makes the same mistake and fails to learn. Instead of trial and error, individuals should choose a more conscious way of learning," Prof. Tarhan advised.
Projects Require Effort and Patience
Prof. Tarhan emphasized that project work requires effort and patience, saying, "One should not be afraid of mistakes, criticism, or obstacles. If a task is difficult, it should be done; if it is impossible, a way out must be found. Therefore, you should not give up by saying it is impossible. You must find a way out."
Responding to questions from participants, Tarhan mentioned that the education system is shifting from a memorization and test-oriented system to a project-based one. Prof. Tarhan explained that "In this new model, students are given projects in the classroom, these projects are discussed, and students form groups to work together. All lessons are taught with active participation and collaboration in this way. We must take new steps without giving up and find new ways out. This project is an inevitable and valuable step to improve the quality of education."
Master Artificial Intelligence!
Prof. Tarhan stated that when setting goals, one must always base them on logical foundations. "A person who combines idealism, realism, and activism can successfully manage their goals and draw an effective roadmap to achieve them," he said.
He also clarified that writing is not only about putting words on paper or expressing emotions, adding, "Use artificial intelligence extensively here. Artificial intelligence has greatly facilitated the writing process. AI can offer you main ideas, and you can build on them. However, using ideas from AI with a cut-paste method would be deceiving ourselves. We should aim to surpass AI and produce new material for it. The printing press was a turning point in human history. Electricity was a turning point. Artificial intelligence will be a turning point. For this reason, become a master of artificial intelligence. Do not let the digital world use you; use the digital world for your goals. If you do so, the digital world will take you to your goal. Conscious digital usage is a major issue, especially for families. Becoming an object of the digital world without purpose is one of the most significant problems today. Therefore, we must view the digital world as a tool and use it correctly to achieve our goals."
“I am an Author” Portal Will Be Created
The project was presented by Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Sami Mencet. The "100 New Authors for the New Century of Our Literature" project is designed to cultivate young authors who will carry national and spiritual values into the new century of Turkish literature, meet the needs of the age, reduce the harm caused by uncontrolled electronic authors and blogs on the younger generation, provide opportunities for education and careers to young authors who have not had access, and ensure that their works reach young people on popular platforms.
The "100 New Authors for the New Century of Our Literature" project aims to raise awareness in middle school students about literature and art, discover new talents, train future authors through the National Authors Academy, present high-quality and popular content to the community in digital environments, create printed work collections, and motivate young people to become qualified authors. As part of this project, the "I am an Author" portal will also be created.
The project, which will start at the Ilim and Fazilet Foundation schools, will evaluate the stories uploaded by students to the portal through a preliminary jury, and they will be published on the digital platform. The students' "Family" themed stories will be uploaded to the portal, and selected works will be published by publishing houses. The project also aims to publish the stories as animated films, and it is expected to conclude by December 31, 2025.
A Memorial Forest to Be Created with Üsküdar University and the Black Sea Confederation
Nevzat Duyar, the President of the Black Sea Civil Society Organizations Confederation (KASTOB), referred to Nevzat Tarhan’s words, “I do not want an academician without a project,” and stated, “I also took inspiration from this. I said, ‘I do not want a federation without a project.’ One of these projects we are launching today. While we are doing 100 books, 100 authors, and 100 works, I also added, ‘100 trees.’ We will create a large memorial forest with Üsküdar University and the Black Sea Confederation,” he said.
Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, the Project Development Coordinator and Director of the Young Brains Academy Application and Research Center, shared, “Our project is ‘100 New Authors for the New Century of Our Literature.’ Dear young people, we will continue into our new century with your pens, your imaginations, and the beautiful melodies that flow from your hearts and minds. You will be the ones writing the cultural heritage of the future.”
The Project Will Bring Together Young Talents from All Over Türkiye
Yüksel Arslan, KASTOB Secretary General, Trakya Region President, and Project Coordinator, stated, “The primary purpose of us coming together here today is to ensure that our new authors leave meaningful marks on the future with their pens. Our project will bring together young talents from all over Türkiye, introduce them to the deep literary heritage, and equip them with modern writing techniques. In this process, they will not only develop their writing skills but also discover the deep meaning, responsibility, and transformative power of writing.”
Young Authors Participating in the Project Were Given the Book "Being a Conscious Youth"
During the program, 50 students from the pilot school were given Prof. Nevzat Tarhan’s book “Being a Conscious Young Person,” and a group photo was taken. Tarhan signed the books for the students.
Additionally, KASTOB members and Federation Presidents were presented with Tree Planting Certificates for the memorial forest to be created in Şile.
Model and Presenter Tuğba Özay Also Read Poems
Model and presenter Tuğba Özay, who participated in the event, also read poems from her father, the poet and author İlhan Özay.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)