An event titled “1694th Anniversary of Istanbul’s Foundation” was organized by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Üsküdar University Strategic Research Application and Research Center (ÜSSAM). The event, which attracted great interest, was attended by Dr. Mimar Sinan Genim, Researcher and Author İsmail Tokalak, Mert Aysoysal, and Turkish Miniature Artist and Painter Günseli Kato. Information about the history and culture of Istanbul was provided at the event.
The event, held in the Socrates Hall of Üsküdar University South Campus, was moderated by Prof. Dr. Mahmut Arslan, a faculty member in the Business Administration Department of Ibn Haldun University's Faculty of Management Sciences.
Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk also attended the event.
Dr. Mimar Sinan Genim: “Living in this city is a privilege”
Dr. Mimar Sinan Genim, speaking about Istanbul's past history and historical settlements found in Istanbul, stated; “Living in this city is a privilege. Many people complain, but the culture of complaint, criticism, and denigration is unfortunately widespread in our country. I would particularly like most young people in our country to stay away from these matters. It's an easy job because everyone does it, and it has no permanence.”
Researcher and Author İsmail Tokalak: “One culture does not die with another”
Emphasizing that every civilization needs to be built upon another, Researcher and Author İsmail Tokalak stated; “Every civilization needs to be built upon another. It is nourished from below, and nothing happens out of the blue; it's not even possible. There must be a past. One culture does not die with another. The Hittites did not disappear; after the Hittites, the Lydians always influenced each other. They influenced each other in writing, in culture, in religion. Life continues this way, along with the Sumerians.”
Mert Aysoysal: “Knowing our Istanbul is a civic duty”
Mert Aysoysal, drawing attention to the ongoing cultural continuity in Istanbul, said; “Istanbul is a subject we need to raise awareness about. Why do I say it's a topic we need to raise awareness about? Because we live in this geography, and knowing these things to at least a certain level is actually a duty. It is a civic duty; therefore, I believe it should be approached not as an accumulation of intellectual knowledge but as a person, a citizen living on these lands, and I also think it should be addressed more extensively in schools and universities.”
Painter Günseli Kato: “Istanbul means Turkey…”
Turkish Miniature Artist and Painter Günseli Kato spoke about Istanbul's aesthetics and beauty. Kato stated; “Being an Istanbulite is not an easy thing. We currently strive to live with this grace. I don't quarrel with anyone because we were given such an upbringing, but let me tell you this. Istanbul means an empire, Istanbul means the palace of society, Istanbul means Mimar Sinan. Do not forget this, and if you delve into these topics and strive to learn, you will become an Istanbulite. Istanbul means Turkey, Istanbul means Anatolia, Istanbul means the focal point of the world; let's not forget this.”
The event concluded with a group photo session.