The 'Green Transformation in the World of Science: Animal Rights and Veganism Summit' program was organized by the Üsküdar University Molecular Biology and Genetics Club, under the leadership of the Department of Health, Culture, and Sports. Animal rights and the philosophy of veganism were discussed from various perspectives by many experts.
The program, held at the Üsküdar University Central Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, saw significant participation.
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk: “The mucilage problem fundamentally stems from pollution stress in the marine ecosystem”
In the program where Üsküdar University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk delivered the opening speech, Konuk drew attention to the marine ecosystem and the roles of entities within the ecosystem, stating: “The underlying cause of the mucilage problem we experience in the marine ecosystem is actually pollution stress within the marine ecosystem. Stress doesn't mean something is too much or too little. Water is the most crucial substance for life. Water is life, but life is not water. If you give plants too much water, which is life, they enter water stress and die. If you realize that you are a part of the universe, then as a human, you become free from the feeling of doing harm to living beings. You completely eliminate that feeling. Even when stepping on an ant, you might change your direction so as not to step on it. Because every being has a role belonging to the ecosystem. If you remove one of them, it doesn't make much difference if it's the last link, but if a break occurs in the middle of the chain, then you face insurmountable problems.”
Melike Dirikoç: “Veganism is a freedom movement”
In her presentation titled ‘Making Connections,’ Melike Dirikoç stated that to remember the wrong, it's necessary to remember that animals are sentient beings. Dirikoç said: “In a study, 71% of people agreed with the statement that it is wrong to inflict pain and torment on animals. Even if we agree with this in thought, we do not demonstrate it in behavior. To remember the wrong, we must remember that animals are sentient beings. Animals are tortured and killed in experiments. Even when making cat and dog food, even if it seems like a well-intentioned act for them, experiments are conducted on cats and dogs. We are not obliged to do this. There are different methods. Such as cell and stem cell studies, 3D tissue culture, computer modeling, and clinical studies on humans. Animals are used in entertainment and enslaved. Unfortunately, today there is a norm like ‘Animals are machines’. Animals are considered property. Cats, dogs, fish, chickens are in the same status as a table. Unfortunately, for this reason, we cannot protect them. We say unscientific things. These become our normal. When you take something out of its context, it becomes easier to persuade. The more horrific a situation, the greater the manipulation and lies told about it. Veganism is not a trend or a movement to be marginal, but a freedom movement. Living vegan means rejecting animal slavery and opposing violence against animals. Veganism is a freedom movement for non-human animals, humans, and nature.” she stated.
Dr. Kaya Bilgüvar: “There are infinite possibilities we can use not to torture animals”
Dr. Kaya Bilgüvar, who stated that they conduct xeno-free applications devoid of animal products, delivered his presentation titled ‘Genetics and Modeling of Neurodevelopmental Diseases.’ Bilgüvar said: “We have started to model diseases directly with samples taken from patients, without using animal models. Since we take them directly from the patient, I think there is a very good correlation. To solve that patient's disease, we directly use that patient's cells. To completely eliminate animal testing, merely being technologically present is not enough. Certain political decisions are also involved in this. In some research, even though organoids are a much better model, animal experiments are still considered more essential. For this transformation, data accumulation and proof are needed. I believe the transformation of ego-centric and anthropocentric perception in society also needs to accelerate. Today, there are infinite possibilities we can use not to torture animals.”
Dietitian Bilge Sever: “What matters are not the foods, but the nutrients”
Highlighting that carbon emissions are higher in places with high consumption of animal products, Dietitian Bilge Sever delivered a presentation titled ‘Vegan Nutrition 101.’ Sever said: “Plant-based nutrition is the same as vegan nutrition. However, a plant-based diet involves the use of animal products. Human health cannot be considered separately from planetary health. Carbon emissions are dangerous for the planet. Carbon emissions are higher in places with high consumption of animal products. Vegan nutrition can be healthier than other forms of nutrition. We assume that we can only get calcium from animal milk. When consuming animal milk, we also consume dangerous saturated fat. In fact, contrary to popular belief, soy and soy-based products have a protective effect against breast cancer. Milk produced for human consumption is organic, while animal-produced milk is GMO. Due to the presence and high amounts of estrogen and other substances found in animal milk, it leads to more cancer. Those on a vegan diet have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, a lower risk of prostate cancer, and a lower total cancer risk. Plant-based nutrition increases the body's insulin sensitivity, facilitates easier weight loss, and ensures that the majority of lost weight is fat. Individuals on a vegan diet feel full more easily and get hungry less often. The risk of developing type-2 diabetes is 78% lower. When sufficient nutrients are consumed, plant-based nutrition is not harmful for infants and children. What matters are not the foods, but the nutrients.”
Dr. Ayşenur Çetinkaya Yıldırım: “Veganism is a philosophy”
Dr. Ayşenur Çetinkaya Yıldırım, who delivered her presentation titled ‘Vegan Nutrition in Children and Adolescents,’ said: “Veganism is not a form of nutrition, but a philosophy. With appropriate supplementation, a vegan diet can support normal growth and development. The vegan diet is recommended worldwide. No problems are observed. No deficiencies are experienced in children. Vegan children consume higher carbohydrates and lower saturated fat. More thinness and stunting are observed in vegan and vegetarian children. Omnivore families have low fiber intake. The possible reason for short stature may be related to inadequate nutrition. Milk contains growth factors. It stimulates growth, but it should not be forgotten that it is an anabolic hormone. Yes, milk contains calcium, but cow's milk is not absorbed from the intestines in children. Other proteins in milk damage the intestines and reduce absorption. 20% to 70% of antibiotics given to animals can pass into milk. It is also excreted with feces and urine, mixing with soil and spring waters. The antibiotics in milk show their effects as if the person has taken antibiotics themselves. Intestinal flora is disturbed, beneficial bacteria die, and the number of harmful bacteria increases. Antibiotic resistance develops and creates a basis for allergies. When you cut out animal protein, edema in the body is eliminated, and the absorption we get from the foods we eat increases. We cannot impose anything on children. They are individuals and need to make their own decisions. We need to sit at the same table with them, show them the truth, and explain it.”
Funda Uğraş: “Our food choices affect global warming at least as much as our transportation choices”
Funda Uğraş, who delivered her presentation on ‘The Ecological Destructive Impact of Animal Use,’ stated that half of the world's habitable land is destroyed by animal agriculture and the animal industry in terms of land use. Uğraş said: “Statistics in a list published by the UN showed that animals are in danger of extinction. It was declared a ‘Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’. Some ecosystems and species are no longer in a state where they can be protected. They need to be restored due to extensive destruction. A study by the University of Chicago revealed that our food choices affect global warming at least as much as our transportation choices. It is known that half of the world's habitable land, in terms of land use, is destroyed by animal agriculture and the animal industry. 91% of the world has been destroyed by the animal industry. The Amazon rainforests, habitats for over 2000 animal species, are being taken away from animals, and most species live in danger and under stress. It has been observed that waste from animal industries kills many underground animals. In research on the climate crisis, it has been observed that sheep produce methane, the most potent greenhouse gas, after cows. During the grazing of sheep herds raised by the wool industry, vegetation changes, soil erosion occurs, leading to the formation of areas known as barren land. Skins are sacrificed for the fashion industry. This is such an industry that people working in it have been observed to suffer from lung and respiratory diseases, infertility, DNA damage, cancer, and even gene transfer disorders.”
Gizem Kalak: “Every athlete's diet should be individualized”
Gizem Kalak, who delivered a presentation titled ‘Sports and Plant-Based Nutrition,’ noted that CrossFit is a special form of training. Kalak said: “It is a strength and conditioning workout consisting of functional movements at a high intensity level. Sports providing maximum performance within 30 minutes are performed. It is the fundamental strength based on muscle development, strength, and general endurance. Fitness and CrossFit are definitely not the same thing. CrossFit exercises consist of high-paced movements. For muscle development, it is necessary to continuously increase the load on muscles, take the necessary calories to support your development, and consume the protein required for muscle recovery. Athletes' nutritional needs vary from person to person and according to the sport performed. Therefore, every athlete's diet should be individualized. What matters is the nutritional value of the macro and micronutrients in the things we eat and drink. Instead of animal protein, we should consume foods beneficial for our body. Try to eat as many different things as possible.”
Dr. İlter Yenidede: “We continue our lives on the blue planet without considering other living beings”
Emphasizing that natural resources began to be depleted prematurely, Dr. İlter Yenidede delivered a presentation titled ‘The Nutrition and Health Enigma.’ Yenidede said: “Being healthy is not just about nutrition but also about movement, sleep, stress management, avoiding bad habits, happiness, and trustworthy connections. We should ensure regular sleep as much as possible. Unfortunately, today there are things that constantly trigger our brains, like alarms and warnings. Alcohol and cigarette use are very common today. It is necessary to stay away from these harmful uses as much as possible. People are becoming increasingly lonely day by day. Due to economic conditions, as we increase our working hours, we can drift away from our loved ones. Unfortunately, on the planet we live on, we think we deserve everything and continue our lives on this blue planet without considering other living beings. We started depleting our natural resources prematurely. We have begun to see the effect of this in the formation of climate change. Let's not forget that everything we do in our lives is carbon-based. What we call genetics are actually chemicals we carry from the genes inherited from our families. Genetic diseases actually guide our lives so much that someone having an early heart attack is also linked to this. No, this has nothing to do with genes. If one pays attention to healthy eating and exercise, the likelihood of experiencing this decreases.”
The program concluded after a group photo session.