Batı Platformu, on October 4, 2017, with the participation of Retired Ambassador Mr. Ender Arat, held a meeting titled "Those Who Took Refuge in Turkish Lands Throughout History". 

In his book titled "They Trusted the Turks", Ambassador Arat shared anecdotes with the participants, emphasizing that the recent refugees seeking asylum in Turkey are not the first, and that the Turkish people have always opened their doors to those in need.

“We Are Giving the World a Lesson in Humanity”

Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that the Turkish people have given the world a lesson in humanity regarding refugees, saying: “Our tradition of welcoming everyone since history can indeed be described as giving the world a lesson in humanity. Even today, while Europe hesitates to accept 50 refugees, our lands are hosting millions of Syrians. This shows that not only today but throughout history, we have prioritized humanity and brotherhood. We are learning many things here anew. For years, we have always opened our arms to people from different countries. We have hosted kings, prime ministers, and served them under the understanding that ‘those who take refuge in us are entrusted to us.’ Many have returned to their countries leaving debts behind, which we even took on. The work titled ‘They Trusted the Turks’ is proof that this country has always opened its doors to everyone who has come.”

“Embracing Refugees Is a Requirement of Our Genetic Code”

Egemen Bağış said, “What we are doing today for refugees is actually a requirement of our genetic code,” adding: “Mr. Ender wrote a very interesting book titled ‘They Trusted the Turks,’ recounting anecdotes about how people from different cultures, nationalities, and countries who sought refuge in these lands found peace, prosperity, and freedom here. Just as Jews fleeing the Spanish once took refuge here, so did Khomeini fleeing Iran, academics escaping the Nazis during World War II, and those suffering persecution in Poland who established the district of ‘Polonezköy’ in Istanbul. Hosting nearly 4 million Syrians and Iraqis today is simply fulfilling our genetic code. Turkey is not doing this for the first time. Throughout history, this nation has alw