Heartbeats of Belt & Road

Heartbeats of Belt & Road*

HüseyIn Haydar Poet

Hüseyin Haydar was born in 1956 in Trabzon. He studied economics and finance. He worked as a member of the editorial board and as a technical director in YAZKO’s (Writers and Translators Cooperative) Literature and Translation magazines. His first poetry collection, Acı Türkücü, won the 1981 Academy’s First Prize for Poetry. Later, many of his books were published and won national awards. He served as a member and visual director of the Ulusal Kanal Broadcasting Board and as a member of the Turkish Writers’ Union (TYS) Board. He prepared and presented the TV program titled Literature Front at Ulusal Kanal. He is a member of Patriotic Party Central Ruling Board and National Science Strategy Center. He has been publishing his poems every week in his column titled Poet’s Toil in Aydınlık newspaper for ten years.

Email: hhaydar@hotmail.com

How to cite: Haydar, H. (2021). Heartbeats of Belt & Road. Belt & Road Initiative Quarterly, 2(4), 44-51.

*Translation: Ilgın Nehir Akfırat

In today’s world, humanity is going through a phase of social collapse and ascension like those we have encountered throughout history. While capitalism in the 21st century is collapsing in its globalist imperialist phase, the emerging Asian Civilization paves the way for humanity with publicist principles. In such a period, Yunus Emre’s teaching of love is much needed. This points to the need for revisiting his teaching in today’s light with the aim of producing solutions to countless spiritual problems arisen from Asia’s ascent.

If there are no heartbeats in your ideas, think again.

Introduction In today’s world, humanity is going through a WITH TODAY’S CONFLICTS AND TURBULENT phase of social collapse and ascension like those we environment, when humanity needs peace, toleranhave encountered throughout history. While capita-

ce, and love more than ever, the UNESCO Turkey lism in the 21st century is collapsing in its globalist

National Commission has fulfilled an important imperialist phase, the emerging Asian Civilization

responsibility by declaring 2021 as the Year of Yu- paves the way for humanity with publicist princip-

nus Emre, coinciding with the 700th anniversary les. In such a period, Yunus Emre’s teaching of love is

of his death. Thus, a multi-faceted contribution much needed. This points to the need for revisiting

has been made to the world’s spiritual and cultural his teaching in today’s light with the aim of produ-

accumulation and the expectations of universal cing solutions to countless spiritual problems arisen

rapprochement and solidarity. However, with these from Asia’s ascent.

activities being in the same scope as the decision In the meantime, the exploitative system led by

of the Presidency of the “World Language Turkish the USA and the solidaristic and sharing publicist

Year”, the roots of Turkey’s magnificent culture have system led by China have come to the front in the

been brought to the agenda by integrating with the lines of fire. The “Belt & Road Initiative” (BRI), built

love of Yunus Emre. against the Atlantic front, which is increasingly be-

With national and international celebrations, the coming aggressive with the mood of collapse, offers

universal values of Yunus Emre’s philosophy were a strong opportunity for resistance, solidarity, coo-

brought to the forefront. The blessed presence of peration, and liberation to nation-states targeted by

Yunus Emre, the great poet of our beautiful Turkish, imperialism. This great breakthrough has brought

who advises “to look at seventy-two nations with the the oppressed world together with immense hope.

same eye” and seeks salvation in developing the es- For the success of the BRI, Yunus Emre’s philo-

sence of man, once again had the opportunity to fill sophy of divine love, which also integrates with the

hearts with love, goodness, and virtue. people, comes to the rescue just in time:

“The heat is in the fire, not in the tin plate; death with life, anxiety with joy, absence with being,

The miracle is not in the cloak or headgear, darkness with light, bravery with cowardice, and

Whatever you are looking for, search it in yourself, more. Opposing emotions provide the inner mo-

It is not in Mecca, Jerusalem or in the pilgrimage.” vement with vitality through imagery in dialectical

unity. The power of his poetry should be sought in

In order to strengthen the social immune systems a spontaneously developing divine but human-subs-

of nations in their difficult days and create the will to tantive acceptance, where the material and spiritual

resist together, to survive together, they must resort worlds do not clash with each other.

to the universal legacies of great poets such as Yunus 700 years ago, endless Mongolian attacks were

Emre who re-enshrine these supreme values against decimating Anatolia, causing the material and spiri-

hostilities. More importantly, it is imperative to en- tual values of humanity to weaken and social life to

sure an Asian integration that will deter and repel turn upside down. Devoted to the struggle of the pe-

imperialist forces against the possibility of a nuclear ople for existence, Yunus nurtured the spiritual wor-

global war that threatens the survival of humanity ld of the Anatolian people with his love, philosophy,

itself. The full legacy of classical poetry, especially and poems. While sectarian conflicts, invasions, tri-

Yunus Emre’s, as well as today’s patriotic and revolu- bal clashes, and throne struggles shattered the unity

tionary poets are assigned the urgent task of helping and integrity of the society, Yunus Emre, like other

to prevent war and work towards the great victory great poets of classical Turkish poetry, resisted these

of humanity. Hearing human heartbeats in the ideas threats with his immortal work and life. Anatolian

Yunus Emre puts forward in society will ensure unity Erens1 dedicated their entire selves and assets to the

of heart and make things easier. unity and survival of man on the path of truth. They

encouraged fraternity against enmity and unity aga- Wise Poet of All Times inst segregation in order to ensure peace and secu-

Yunus Emre’s work was created amidst the difficult ti- rity. For this purpose, they wore the power of the

mes that spanned the 13th and 14th centuries, when word like swords as they went on the roads. The vir-

peace was disturbed by great wars, destructions, and tuous word, with the deep knowledge and emotion

rebellions. Our great poet, who originated from Asian it carries, showed its constructive spiritual influence

traditions and was connected to the climate of Turkish and directed the development of events on the path

and Islamic thought, formed his own philosophy that of reality.

always fought for the unity and integrity of the people

through the turbulence of his time. “There is word which cease a war,

The primary influence of the hymns of Yunus There is word which causes decapitation,

Emre is the idea of Universal Love, which comp- There is word which is like posinous food.

rehends the truth fundamentally. In his poems, he And there is word which makes thing smooth and

addresses good with evil, cruelness with oppression, sweet”

1 The words “er” and “eren” are used in the sense of “saint and wise-men” in Turkish mysticism and folklore. In this sense, er and eren

are virtuous, self-sacrificing and generous people who have gained the friendship of Allah and can guide people. These people, who are sometimes referred to as “Horasan saints, Anatolian saints” according to the regions they belong to, are considered to be perfect human beings and are respected with great respect. In his poems, Yunus Emre describes them as perfect mentors who guide people, meet their needs and strive to achieve happiness.Email:u0559410@uofutah.onmicroso.com https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1571-9387

President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is at the opening ceremony of “Our Yunus” Year. (Presidency of the Republic of Turkey website, 2021Presidency of the Republic of Turkey website (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

Deadly Struggles between Those in Decline those on the rise.

and Those on the Rise Undoubtedly, for this to happen, the unity of the

leading Asian nations is necessary, regardless of lan- As the globalist imperialist system collapses, it seguage, religion, race, or colour. We must roll up our ems intent on inflicting more destruction and deadsleeves with Yunus’ words of wisdom to build unity ly troubles on humanity. Such a “bloody force” that in the face of this destructive force that will lead our has lost its share of humanity and is hostile to society

and nature can only be stopped by the combination planet to total disaster.

of spiritual forces in the rising Asian civilization. A Century of Walking with

The tyrants of this imperialist system, who have Love on the Belt & Road

always ended up withdrawing from the stage of his- In the present century, humanity is faced with a glotory, do not feel any responsibility towards humanity bal collapse and upheaval of greater scale than what and never hesitate to drag even their own nation into

poverty and disasters. happened in the era of Yunus. As the Atlantic explo-

Today, the BRI emerged at a time when huma- itation period ended and the Asian sharing period

nity is under existential threat faced with uncertain began, the threat to humanity is still increasing.

disasters. Global imperialism, which colonized the At a time when the oppressed of the world are

world for 200 years and then turned the free mar- looking for ways to escape from the brutal grip of

ket system into a “free oppression” system, will not US imperialism, which is rapidly collapsing, Chi-

hesitate to endanger the whole humanity and the na, as a pioneer of Emerging Asia, launched the

Earth itself. BRI. This initiative is the largest and most comp-

On the other hand, we see that Asian civilization rehensive civilization project of the last 70 years

is gradually uniting the oppressed and developing led by a community of nations. It presents a sound

countries to challenge US global hegemony. All our solution to the economic, political, social, and cul-

efforts are to reduce the suffering that will be caused tural problems of the world that has reached a dead

by the deadly struggle between those in decline and end on a global scale.

At the same time, this historical departure, which “Come, let us all be friends for once,

declared the end of imperialist hegemony, has gene- Let us make life easy on us,

rated hope for the oppressed and developing nations Let us be lovers and loved ones,

with its material and spiritual dimensions. The BRI The earth shall be left to no one.”

will be strengthened primarily by the convergence of

Asian nations with the love, tolerance, and peaceful Evidently, the CCP’s success is primarily based

feeling that they have accumulated throughout his- on its trust in the people, its integration with the

tory. people, and its commitment to popular culture. As

This initiative, which forms the basis for the rise in the case of the CCP, great revolutionary struggles

of civilization in Asia and takes development by sha- are also great self-organizations in themselves. In the

ring as a model, has been advancing rapidly despite bloody, dark days of the age of Yunus Emre, he calls

many difficulties over the last couple of years. Un- out to the public as follows:

doubtedly, despite the deterioration of material life,

we need humanity’s spiritual heritage to ensure the “Yunus Emre says to you, pharisee,

success of the Asian new civilization. Yunus Emre Make the holy pilgrimage if need be

shows us the right direction, the right path, and calls A hundred times-but if you ask me,

for friendship for all. The visit to a heart is best of all.”

“Yunus Emre tells wisdom The great revolutionary leaders of humanity exp-

To the wise one. ressed this fact at every opportunity. For example,

He is on the path with the initiated Chairman Mao Zedong stresses the need for litera-

Not with the one without the path.” ture and poetry for the success of the revolution: “To

defeat the enemy, we must first rely on the armed

It is an urgent task to bring together the Belt & army. But this army alone is not enough. In order to

Road community with the same spiritual values as unite our ranks and defeat the enemy, we must ne-

the ancient road paved by the great prophets who cessarily have an army of culture.”

spoke to so many hearts throughout history. All the “Let us spread righteousness, goodness and hu-

artists, writers, and poets of today should take on this mility,” says President Xi Jinping, a pioneer of the

responsibility. Making this path of love a path of so- generational Road Initiative. Can Xi’s ideas hear the

lidarity and love to be entered voluntarily should be heartbeat of unification? Yes. The Chinese leader

the goal of all poets. says that, for success, it is necessary to win the pe-

ople first. Heartbeats in Ideas

If your ideas do not have heartbeats, think again! Yunus Emre, from centuries ago, sends the fol-

Ideas that do not have the warmth of heart and do lowing message of support to President Xi with wise

not stimulate emotions will have a weak effect on ac- words:

tion processes. It is only possible to hear a heartbeat

when people get closer. See how Yunus Emre expres- “Leave the duality and come to the unity.

ses this fact in wise words: The united souls do not wander in separation.”

Evidently, the CCP’s success is primarily based on its trust in the people, its integration with the people, and its commitment to popular culture. (CGTN, 2019CGTN (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

Dreaming of a “common future for all living bein- increased and I was filled with the joy of living:

gs”, Xi Jinping decries the virtues of unification ins-

tilled by Deep Chinese culture, saying, “the sublime “This world is a young bride

mountains are the piling of Earth grains on top of each dressed in bright red and green;

other, the raging rivers the gathering of drops.” Xi, the Look on and on,

son of China, who describes his troubles to humanity you can’t have enough of that lass”

in this form, feeds on 4,000 years of Chinese wisdom. Heart Leads Ways to Unity, Unity to

Revolutionary politics throughout history have Liveness

achieved success commensurate with the strength

of their bond with spiritual culture, especially in “I love you in depths beyond my soul” said Yunus

literature and poetry. Today, a revolutionary devo- Emre. “Whoever breaks a heart, breaks Allah” said

id of the spiritual energy created by art, literature, Ahmet Yesevi. “Come, come again, whoever, wha-

poetry, and music is unthinkable. The masses get tever you may be, come!” said Mevlana Jalaleddin

their strength to stand and walk on the road from Rumi. “Do not condemn any human being or any

Yunus Emre. nation” said Hadji Bektash Veli. “My Kaaba is the

The heartbeats in our thoughts are fed by our joy human!” said Pir Sultan Abdal. Like many others,

of living, our revolutionary simple life, and a vast poet Erens and today’s revolutionary poets walk

world of love. At the age of 19, while giving “Revo- the same path of love, the same reality, and the

lutionary Culture and Art Seminars” to the youth, I same struggle that humanity is heading towards.

used to talk about Yunus Emre as well as Nazım Hik- Like all the sages, Erens, dervishes of Anatolia, Yu-

met. As I read the following lines of Yunus, which I nus Emre finds the Salvation he seeks and the cure

wrote on the wall of my study room among the rug for the problems of society in the possibilities of

patterns, my admiration for the beauties of the world humankind in great humanity itself:

“I searched and yearned a lot. cult and the obstacles laid between people in the past

I sought the land and the sky. will block the path. To prevent this, Yunus’ poems

I looked for and could not find, will go on an expedition in the Belt Road:

I found it within the human soul.” “Come, o my brother, emulate the unity.

The essence of man is formed in the integrity of This unity breaks all the ill yearnings.

the material and spiritual existence of society. In this Could a cauldron boil by itself,

way, humanity transcends the difficulties of the ma- Unless there is fire all around it?”

terial world through its feelings of solidarity, based

on its spiritual world. The great spiritual values that No matter how strong the intellectual dimensi-

societies need in difficult times are created by their on of the Belt Road breakthrough is, the emotio-

own wise poets. nal dimension must also be strong. This, in turn,

As I felt the light rising from Asia in my travels necessarily requires the convergence of nations in

from Baku to China, and to the Philippines, I kept literature, fine arts, and all other cultural areas.

our Yunus Emre in mind. I had his dervish shadow Yunus’ Walk Together on the Belt & Road everywhere. His wisdom and advice rang in my ears: It is the responsibility of the bearers of humanity’s

“Whatever you wish for yourself, spiritual heritage to ensure that things go smoothly

You wish the same for the strangers. against all kinds of strife that can cause confusion,

If there is any meaning in the four books, chaos, unrest, and divergence between leaders and

This is what they denote.” countries in the Belt Road.

Yunus’ philosophy is robust enough to give no

No matter how solid the economic and political opportunity to those who target completely diffe-

foundations of this great initiative of the 21st cen- rent religions and beliefs, those who work to dis-

tury are, the established structure will not be strong rupt peace and security, those who despise the be-

enough unless there are strong artistic and cultural auty of the world and the wealth of the source of

values in its mortar. Due to this necessity, there is a life, and those who provoke imperialist aggression.

vital need for the art of Yunus Emre, the greatest poet Yunus’ teachings are a cure for all kinds of corrup-

of the Turkish language, which appeals to the hearts tion in the Belt Road. For this reason, Yunus Emre

today as it was yesterday: will always be needed on the long path of humanity

towards a classless society. “I didn’t come to create any problems,

I’m only here to love. “Our name is ‘squalid’,

A Heart makes a good home for the Friend. Our enemy is hatred,

I’ve come to build some hearts.” We hold no hate for anyone,

All the people are the same to us!” In this area of great struggle, if the feelings of love

in hearts, tolerance in consciousness, and solidarity Yunus Emre addresses and warns humanity from

in society are decimated, the work will become diffi- within the deep culture of the Islamic religion against

the loveless, the disrespectful, the darkened, the selfish, the separatists, the despised, and the alienating:

“Work, earn, eat and give away, Reach a soul for yourself, Since visiting a soul, is preferable to a hundred visit to Kaaba.”

Yunus knocks down the selfishness that capitalism has turned into a “virtue” with an ingenious move of words. Yunus, the poet of immortal verbal wisdom that embraces human beings with human beings, reconciles humanity with nature, and brings human beings to universal justice, expresses with a high mo-

rality on how to share the worldly life and worldly Fortunately, this heartbeat is Yunus Emre’s. Let our path be

clear with poems, folk songs, and hymns. (CGTN, 2021CGTN (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.) blessings with all. Yunus reclaims the world and hu-

manity as a whole: its economic development feature.

It is clear that globalist imperialism, led by the

“The world is my true ration United States, is trying to overturn the tables since

Its people are my nation” it is the losing party in the global economy. For this

reason, the oppressed and developing states must pile

“Here we are leaving this world: together with the combined material and spiritual

To all who stay there, greetings” power necessary to deter the aggressor. Our duty will

be to postpone or stop this great danger of war in the

Look how kindly Yunus chooses his words: he name of humanity.

does not say, “The world is my property,” he says, As the world shakes violently in the process of col-

“The world is my sustenance,” and integrates the lapse and ascension, it is imperative that humanity

personal share of sustenance offered to him with the sticks together to stay afloat. Nations that hold on to

public share. In his worldview, no one has superiority each other will not be destroyed; they will survive. On

over anyone. In a way, this is the message of the future the BRI’s paths that cross Asia and Eurasia, yesterday’s

classless society. Yunus and today’s Yunus should set out arm in arm.

On this path, there is cooperation, sharing, and so- Conclusion: Let’s Hug Each Other lidarity. This is the path of permanent revolutions in

In this fiery process, the vital importance of the gene- the Asian Age. In this way, the language of tolerance,

rational Path Initiative, which China offers to huma- love, and heart is being spoken. It is the path towar-

nity, stems from the need for unification. If the ma- ds the salvation of great humanity. Listen with your

terial and spiritual energy of the Belt and Road is to heart and you will hear the heartbeat of the Belt &

be active for the oppressed and developing countries, Road. Fortunately, this heartbeat is Yunus Emre’s. Let

this initiative should also have a spiritual pile beyond our path be clear with poems, folk songs, and hymns.