Yunus Emre Institute President Prof. Dr. Şeref ATEŞ
Covid-19 hub Raises the Awareness of the Entire World
Against the Corona Pandemic 1
Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş was born in Malatya in 1964. His teenager years passed both in Turkey and in Germany. After completing his undergraduate degree at Selçuk University, he started his academic career at Gazi University. Ateş completed his master and PhD in Ankara Uni-
versity, Faculty of Language and History-Geography, Western Languages and Literatures. He
then completed his second PhD at Marburg University in Germany. His academic career continues in various universities and research institutions both in Turkey and abroad. Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş has participated in several national and international projects. After becoming professor in 2011, he continued his professional career at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Sakarya University. Moreover, he serves as the President of Yunus Emre Institute since 2016. Professor Dr. Seref Ateş's areas of expertise include international relations, cultural diplomacy science diplomacy, civilization and art, media communication, multiculturalism, cultural politics Turkish language education and non-governmental organizations (NGO). He has published several articles in the national and international arena. He also plays an active role in numerous scientific and social institutions. He is married and the father of four children.
1 This interview (by Deniz Renkveren from trdergisi.com) was retrieved from https://covid19.tabipacademy. com/2020/04/28/covid-19-hub-raises-the-awareness-of-the-entire-world-against-corona-pandemic/ and published with the approval of the Yunus Emre Institute.
Yunus Emre Institute has established a site called COVID-19 HUB in order to support the fight against the corona pandemic affecting the entire world within the scope of the Academic and Scientific Cooperation Project of Turkey (TABIP) executed by the Institute under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey. Conveying the developments regarding the measures taken against the coronavirus and the treatment methods used, the site is uniting the experiences of scientists and technology developers from all over the world. Thus, the enriched pool of knowledge is presented to the benefit of the world. COVID-19 HUB incorporates not only medicine and sciences but also the perspective of human sciences such as psychology and sociology and administrative and economic sciences such as economics into its solution-oriented approach. Being one of the best examples of the helping hand extended by Turkey to the entire world in the fight against the coronavirus, COVID-19 HUB is proving that the only way of sorting out global problems affecting the entire world such as pandemics is unconditional mutual assistance.
Yunus Emre Institute has established a cal equipment manufacturers and all people rac-
portal named COVID-19 HUB in the wake of ing against time to save the lives of patients, and
the coronavirus pandemic. What is the aim of to accelerate their studies. Considering the in-
this portal? Who is the target audience of the formation pollution on the internet, COVID 19
site? What is the content thereof? HUB has been positioned as a site replete with
academic and scientific publications and news As Yunus Emre Institute, we have launched articles to contain no baseless, false or speculaa website called covid19.tabipacademy.com in tive elements. order to support Turkish and foreign scientists fighting against the new type coronavirus pan- Culture Asks Why While demic threatening our country and the world Science Asks How alike. The site has different categories such as
medicine, vaccine development, drug use, the We are rather used to hearing Turkish lan-
use of artificial intelligence, test kits, respirators, guage and culture-art projects from Yunus Emre
face masks, biology, chemistry, technology, so- Institute. A project related to COVID-19 HUB is
ciology, and economics. Under these categories, actually a project beyond expectations. Why is
we are publishing the latest developments on the Yunus Emre Institute executing such a project?
corona pandemic. We have also built an ecosys- As Yunus Emre Institute, we are generat-
tem. In this way, we would like to reach engi- ing culture and science. We are connecting with
neers, pharmacists, scientists as well as those people around the world through culture and
who want to invest in medical equipment. In or- science. Culture has more than 850 definitions.
der to be a part of the solution, we aim to convey One of these definitions draws attention to the
the most accurate information assembled from role of culture in making sense of incidents and
the best sources to the doctors, scientists, medi- processes. More importantly, culture seeks the
answer to the question of why. Science looks for A Disaster Gave A Great Lesson
the answer to the question of how. Considering to the World
the example of coronavirus, science asks ques- The current system of the world is a power-based
tions such as “How did the virus appear?”, “How system. Accordingly, a power-based hierarchy
many days does it take to complete its devel- was established in international and intrana-
opment?”, and “Where does it spread?”. In othtional relations. Generations raised within this er words, it usually looks for the answer to the hierarchy are shaped according to this hierarchy question of how. during their socialization processes. This criterion of social hierarchy, which is prevalent all
While launching such a site within over the world, does not consider and question
the framework of TABIP, we are the nature and reason of power. Even if it is dis-
focusing on how we respond to turbed, it accepts this as data. Education systems
this universal problem faced by also strive to train people accordingly. The role
humanity and why we respond of science here is mostly to reveal only the ways
in that particular way instead of of achieving the assigned goal or, in other words,
another one. embracing the power and to devise appropriate technologies. So, “why” will we achieve this On the other hand, culture is a much broadpower? What will we do with this “power”? The er concept and takes on a much broader meananswer to this question is usually explained by ing considering humanity as a whole. The ques-
tion “What does this virus pandemic mean?” is competition, which is decisive in international
important for the culture. This question con- relations. There is a famous saying: “If you pity
cerns us directly as a cultural institution. While others or show compassion, you will fall into a
launching such a site within the framework of state of pity and compassion.”
TABIP, we are focusing on how we respond to In this international system created and
this universal problem faced by humanity and designed depending on the concept of power,
why we respond in that particular way instead of it does not matter what your religion, race, or
another one. Therefore, instead of telling people, gender is, whether you are Western or Eastern
“read this, read that”, we are acting in a particu- or what your ideological or political priorities
lar manner. Maybe this may sound surprising and colors are. Any means devised for achiev-
but how we act against and how we respond to ing power follow a rising trend within national
difficulties is the most important mental herit- boundaries or in international communities.
age that we leave to future generations and our To achieve such power, it is legitimate and nec-
cultural memory shapes it. In other words, our essary to use any means from the arms industry
current behaviors and emotions will be a part to building an energy corridor, from monop-
of our future cultural heritage. For this reason, olizing in certain sectors to media campaigns
we are trying to contribute to the solution of this you will develop to defeat your opponents,
problem for the benefit of humanity by using from unethical behaviors to surrounding your
the TABIP portal, the TABIP team, and the 58 borders with walls or wire fences and establish-
centers of Yunus Emre Institute. ing diplomatic alliances.
In this equation, the opposite of power is The greatest freedom is to get rid of pow-
always defined as a weakness. However, power er. Power gives its holder a sense of ownership.
is questioned in our cultural codes. We are con- Mercy naturalizes man and makes him/her feel
sidering the adventure of becoming a person as a that s/he is part of the universe s/he lives in. In
process leading to embarking on the world from our culture, whether a person remains human
the womb. We know that human beings must be or whether s/he is born out of himself/herself
born out of themselves in order to have a smooth and turns into a human being is concluded by
transition from becoming a person to humanity. whether power or mercy outweighs in his/her
Our greatest test is the assumption that power relations with three different factors.
belongs to us. Therefore, we constantly say “lā
hawla wa-lā quwwata illā bi-llāh – There is no What are these three relations?
power nor strength except by Allah”. The purpose The first of these three relations is the rela-
of this is to purge one of “power” and to put him/ tion of man with himself/herself. How does one
her in his/her place. The freest people are those see his/her own body, soul, and essence and how
who can purify their minds from power. They does s/he act? What is the predominant factor:
always put weakness against or to the opposite mercy or power? Secondly, what is prevalent in
of power in order to legitimize power. However, the relation of man with other people? Is it pow-
this is a big mistake. There is compassion, not er or mercy? Finally, is there mercy or power in
weakness, in the face of power because power the relation of man with nature and the environ-
enslaves its holder. S/he sacrifices everything ment? In order to know and differentiate a per-
in order not to lose it. In the universe, there is son, one must look at these three relations. What
power at the heart of every movement, every oc- is decisive in all relations, irrespective of being
currence, and change. It is not possible to move horizontal or vertical is how we make use of the
on without power. But this power is not ours, its power that we think belongs to us.
holder is the great will also covering us. Power If you approach things only from the per-
is also granted to us within causality. Just as a spective of science, the collective consciousness
woman suffers great distress and difficulties and of humanity cannot make any progress at all be-
brings a human being to the world from her cause science does not ask “why”. When faced
womb, and yet does not carry any power in her- with a problem, science only asks this question:
self, one should also use the power entrusted to “How can I sort it out?” Science also produces
him/her mercifully. Having knowledge, money, weapons that are capable of destroying people.
or authority, all of them, make us powerful. Science can produce both the coronavirus and
its drug because science only asks “how” while solving the problems. Science generates whatever its ruler – employer – wants. The level of consciousness that will make science ask “why” to its employer is culture. Consciousness is the subject of culture. Culture always raises the question of “why” when building consciousness. Purge is not rejecting power or putting weakness against
it, but placing “mercy” against power. Mercy is the people s/he lives with because internation-
what it takes to understand that every creature is al relations have always been considered to be
connected with each other and unique. Culture power-centered up to now. What Yunus Emre
gives meaning to incidents, situations, attitudes, Institute is doing is called “soft power”. In fact,
and processes. It seeks the reason for everything. power is impure or, in other words, not humane.
According to the understanding of power, what As Yunus Emre Institute, we have always told
is small does not matter. However, we have ob- about it but how real it manifests itself now. In
served through the outbreak of this virus that my opinion, this pandemic is eliminating the
even the most powerful weapons cannot elimi- concept of the power of international relations.
nate such a small impact. The breath we inhale Neither the USA nor China, the superpowers of
24 thousand times every day on average is the the world, can solve this problem because there
most important power as we clearly see today. used to be a power-centered order of interna-
tional relations. In this respect, the virus stopped
The Concept of Power Replaced by all these powers.
Fellowship in International Relations Does COVID-19 HUB only deal with peo-
ple’s survival against the coronavirus or does it This virus eliminated both
also address economic, political, psychological, international and interpersonal competition. In other words, we and sociological problems that occur or may ochave turned into follows, not rivals.
cur worldwide after the pandemic? We actually accompany each other
These issues are also among our categories in this fight because “I can live
and especially developments regarding the so- when I protect you”.
cial and individual impacts of the coronavirus
will be present on our site. What we call as cul- In other words, this whole system of rela-
ture comes into play here. As a cultural institu- tionships with people is being redefined. There
tion, the Yunus Emre Institute is directly inter- was a mentality of competition in international
ested in the question of how these developments relations. Following World War II, international
will be reflected in international relations. Will relations were based on a completely hard-fea-
power-centered relations prevail in international tured competition. In order to adapt to this com-
relations? Unfortunately, the coronavirus is do- petition, each individual was seen as an oppo-
ing what people cannot do and uniting all people nent to another one. This virus eliminated both
regardless of religion, language and race because international and interpersonal competition. In
this virus is “opening the eye of the heart” just other words, we have turned into follows, not ri-
like old people used to say or, in other words, vals. We actually accompany each other in this
creating the eye of contemplation. In this sense, fight because “I can live when I protect you”.
the little virus is making us question our rela- States are at this stage now. As an initial response,
tionship with ourselves. It allows you to listen all states closed their borders, but they will have
to yourself and turn into yourself. Thirdly, it to open them 6 months later. Enemies will have
makes one question his/her relationship with to protect each other. In this regard, the virus
requires a holistic approach. From a cultural We have an ecosystem within the COVID-19
point of view, all of our routines have turned HUB: The site brings together technology de-
upside down. Everything based on show-off and velopers and scientists. Thus, we are looking for
all our showcases has been destroyed. Therefore, a solution together with the stakeholders in our
the phrase “Memento mori” (“remember that country and abroad because a single developer
you must die”) commonly used in Europe once cannot achieve it by itself. This is the most ba-
upon a time when faced with major difficulties is sic modus operandi in this ecosystem. In other
reminding one of the holism of life. Right now, words, Turkey can be certainly a part or a stake-
people are facing their inner worlds they never holder of the solution. COVID-19 HUB is a site
want to meet. We must understand this as re- bringing together not only scientists but also
gards the cultural aspect of the problem. stakeholders.
We are sharing all our experiences with the world and we are also sharing experiences in other countries such as the USA and China. We are sharing experiences in different countries. As the coronavirus spreads quickly, the solution must also be a rapid one. By ensuring quick information flow, we are supporting both practitioners and those treating the disease. We are offering this opportunity to scientists, researchers, manufacturers, and engineers in a freeway.
Every country across the world is using Our second social contribution can be sum-
different methods in tackling the coronavirus. marized as follows: We are receiving electronic
There are also some disagreements among phy- mails from the individuals infected with this dis-
sicians because there is no clear-cut treatment ease or treated for this disease from all around the
for this disease yet. Different drugs and meth- world through which they are sharing their expe-
riences. ods may be used in both the prevention of trans- In the second stage, we will also share them if mission and the treatment of the disease. Will they give consent. This subjective experience and COVID-19 HUB help with comparing these perception are very precious. Each individual can methods and finding the most accurate methhave a tackling method against the disease deods? How will this contribute to combating the veloped with both his/her personal and cultural pandemic worldwide, especially technology derichness and perspective. These experiences can velopment and drug development processes? inspire other people. When they see that they are
As Yunus Emre Institute, our particular fighting against the same enemy, the thought and
goal is to show that Turkey, the Turkish culture belief of coexistence crossing borders and lan-
and, especially, Turkish people are working for guages can develop among people. In this respect,
all people. While doing that, we must share this we believe that those who want to share their in-
knowledge with each other. Scientists can gener- dividual experiences will make an ethical contri-
ate solutions if everyone shares their knowledge. bution to common human knowledge. We also
think that these experiences will help all patients over the world. At the moment, lots of promo-
see what must be taken into consideration. tional materials are being published in many
countries especially including those in both
Are there any special teams working for the the western world and Arab geography. We are
COVID-19 HUB? also planning to launch concrete collaborations
8-10 of our own staff are working for the with research institutes and universities in the
COVID-19 HUB. Apart from that, we are in con- upcoming period.
stant contact with both scientists and the mem-
bers of TABIP scientific committee. There are Is it planned to develop a mobile applica-
also people who support us on a voluntary basis. tion for the COVID-19 HUB?
We are also talking to people working in the field COVID-19 HUB has been renewed every
of medicine and drug development. We would day and new developments have been added to
like to make a contribution to all people across the site since it was released about 10 days ago. the world even if it is the slightest one. Culture Data is being updated on an hourly basis. Of is identified by the intention forming the basis of course, both its design and technological infraeach behavior especially from how we respond structure are being constantly developed. Work in the face of the most difficult times to how we
manage the relevant processes. Therefore, cul- on the mobile platform is going on.
ture is a way of doing things. At this stage, we
consider COVID-19, which is a problem for all When the corona pandemic loses its sig-
humanity, as a case study within the framework nificance, will the COVID-19 HUB be used to
of TABIP because we, as TABIP, see the science tackle other pandemics? What is the broader
generated in Turkey as the common heritage of function and purpose of this site?
humanity. For this reason, we are sharing our The peculiarity of COVID-19 is that it
knowledge with all people without considering threatens the whole world. The mortality rates
any of them as a rival. Likewise, we also believe of former pandemics such as Ebola and SARS
that the knowledge and experiences in the world affecting some countries were much high-
should be shared with other nations. er. Since the balance in nature is constantly
changing from a cultural perspective, I always
Do you foresee any collaboration with in- express this phrase in parentheses: science an-
ternational organizations for the COVID-19 swers the question “how” while culture answers
HUB? the question “why”. If the question of why is not
As the entire world is tackling with this answered, new viruses come up because nature
virus, these collaborations are only going on encompasses such imbalances. The internation-
through the digital environment as institutions al system is a part of the universe so we have to
in western countries and our Institute have in- strive to read this book of the universe. In other
troduced the working from home model. We words, unless we read the message of the uni-
are still discussing these collaborations. We verse, new viruses will emerge in the future in
will continue to maintain our collaborations all the long or short run. Maybe there will be more
dangerous viruses than this because we must pidly generate medical solutions to any problem.
answer the question “why”. In this respect, un- This is our biggest advantage. We may not have
fortunately, we will have to continue operating been so successful in any other field or sector.
this site, and even now, it is assumed that it will The number of deaths has escalated in European
take 18 months to complete vaccination devel- countries due to the lack of respirators. As long
opment studies. Therefore, we will continue to as the number of intubated patients does not go
meet this need. over a certain threshold, we have no problem
in terms of respirators. In other words, we are
No Discrimination in Turkish self-sufficient. Therefore, the number of patients
Healthcare System should not increase anymore. Again, culture is
What is the place of Turkey in the fight very important: Our nation has a great advanta-
against the coronavirus across the world? How ge as individuals support and helps each other.
do you evaluate the work done by authorities,
especially the Ministry of Health? If Man Flourishes, the State
Will Also Flourish Turkey has taken it seriously since its in-
ception. We have had the great advantage of As you have mentioned, we see that Turkey
Turkey’s very advanced healthcare system. Be- is in a good position especially in terms of me-
sides, the social nature of the state has become dical equipment and hospitals. Likewise, this is
prominent in Turkey’s healthcare sector. The also reflected abroad in the form of medical aid.
procedures intended for diagnosing and treating How do you comment on the helping hand ex-
the coronavirus are free of charge, unlike most tended by Turkey to Spain, Israel, the UK, and
developed countries. In this sense, Turkey has a Balkans at a time where humanity is in a dire
social security system open to not a certain seg- situation as a whole?
ment of the society, but the entire society. This is This is very valuable for us and it is the most
the biggest advantage for Turkey. Secondly, we important feature that distinguishes us from ot-
do not seem to have any problems with preven- her cultures. We do not do this for showing off,
tive healthcare equipment, respirators and the we do it since we believe in it because we have
intensive care units of hospitals. Another im- a saying “Either exists as you are, or be as you
portant aspect is that all healthcare professionals look” and this thought summarizes our basic
in Turkey are composed of the top quality and approach. If we have an essential material that
intelligent individuals of Turkey. This is also a can be useful for humanity, we always share it.
huge advantage. For around 40 years, Turkey has This is the basic approach of the state because if
directed its high-achieving individuals towards man flourishes, the state will also flourish. This
the healthcare system depending on its univer- person may be Turkish, Arab, or English, which
sity admission exams through which a social makes no difference. We see all humanity as a
screening and filtering is performed. Thus, we single entity in this sense. For this reason, we are
have a highly-qualified human resource base very pleased to see many positive feedbacks for
that can quickly adapt to any emerging situati- our colleagues from a myriad of countries from
on, build networks among themselves and ra- the UK to Poland.