Üsküdar University Founding Rector and Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan answered questions for Haber 7 about how the atrocities in Palestine reflect on society and the role of Eastern societies.
Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan answered questions for Haber 7 about how the atrocities in Palestine reflect on society and the role of Eastern societies.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan pointed out that as the whole world witnesses the crime against humanity in Gaza, people's prejudices may be broken. He stated that a calm stance in the face of death and disaster has attracted attention worldwide. Tarhan conveyed that the Palestinian people are exhibiting prophetic morality, and this is an example of the “Age of Bliss.” He added that this situation has initiated a serious questioning among well-intentioned people who seek the truth, and its effects will be seen in the coming years.
Tarhan stated that previously, Western society avoided Islam, expressing that Islamophobia is being seriously questioned and that these events have led to sympathy for Islam.
There is a culture of oppression in Eastern societies
Tarhan stated that people in this era have an act of seeking truth and that only those who seek it will find it, adding, “In Muslim countries, there is not weakness, but indifference.” Tarhan, underlining that Turkey is also included when speaking of Muslim countries, summarized the situation in these countries by saying, “Due to the diseases of comfort-seeking, worldliness, and selfishness, the new generation is raised with Western culture and values, but while the West is already within these values, it can research new values and look at the situation from a broader perspective.”
Tarhan, speaking about cultures of oppression being the second illness in Eastern societies and their governance by authoritarian regimes, drew attention to governance through pressure and fear, giving the family structure as an example. He stated that in his example, a child governed by pressure, fear, and bullying might adopt the perception of “obey and be comfortable.” He also noted that the issue of “indifference” leads to failing the test.
Tarhan pointed out the necessity of awareness campaigns, explaining that the perception of “something will happen to me if I speak” results in carelessness and indifference. According to Tarhan, this situation is the illness of all Eastern societies.
What happened in Gaza must not be forgotten
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that with the support of society, the wounds of those in Palestine will be healed, saying, “Hopefully, this atrocity will end as soon as possible. Healing the wounds is not difficult at all; it's very easy. I believe our societies will quickly provide support and close the wound.”
Tarhan stated that it is necessary to know that political solutions are not easy at all, and he used the expression, “If there is a serious societal reaction, healing the wounds will be easier.” In response to those who say the wounds cannot be healed in the long term, Tarhan used the phrases, “They say it can't be fixed in 80 years, etc., but everything can very easily be done in 3-5 years. What's important is ensuring a safe and peaceful environment.”
Underlining the issue of sensitivity and awareness, Tarhan stated that to empathize with the oppressed in Gaza, one must first not forget what has happened, saying, “Humans tend to forget and ignore pain that is beyond their power. They protect themselves in that way. Weak people are like this. A weak person tries to suppress their fear by ignoring and forgetting the event. Strong people inevitably confront the event and produce solutions.” Tarhan also stated that people who produce solutions will make a difference, and those who say, “What falls to me, what can I do?” will take action.
Tarhan, speaking about the manifesto they published, conveyed that it would be beneficial for everyone to question themselves and take action to turn these events into an opportunity.