As underlined by the prime minister and foreign minister, the newly launched English paper will contribute a great deal to overcome prejudices against Turks and give proper recognition and additional strength to Turkey, whose presence in the global arena is continually growing. While its parent publication Zaman has been a pioneer of dialogue by featuring writers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, Today’s Zaman is moving one step further. Its columnists and editors envision creating a meeting ground of universal humanitarian values. And this is a first in our media history, possibly the world’s. My conviction is that Today’s Zaman is not merely an English paper. True, with its broad perspective, this paper endeavors to ensure Turkey is fully understood. Today’s Zaman, which literally means “time of today,” also invites the readers to read into the spirit of the times. However, the unique excitement that I saw at Monday’s promotional gala made me wonder what it was leading itself to. Why was there such excitement here?
There was excitement because this paper, just its parent publication, has a deep affection for Turkey. Its excitement invites all to try mutual understanding instead of conflict, and it’s exciting to see this excitement fostered through Today’s Zaman. Zaman and Today’s Zaman are two brilliant examples of the alternative media in this country. I think that Today’s Zaman is a meaningful and invaluable milestone amidst the severe media wars between Turkey’s two big media groups under the command of their respective editors-in-chief. By the alternative media, I mean the media sensitive to the deep-rooted values of Turkey. This media reflects our values, tolerance, integrity, honesty and beauty of our beliefs system. The colors of our culture will become even brighter amidst contemporary technological advancements. And despite cultural erosion and the problems all humanity has to face, those colors will not fade away. The biggest benefactor Today’s Zaman, however, will be Turkey’s dialogue and education endeavors. Marked by the tireless efforts of altruistic teachers who left their homes to serve the peoples of other nations, this endeavor is also marked by dialogue centers in five continents and islands of peace built by those who attempted to erect bulwarks before the destructive impact of the so-called clash of civilizations. Today’s Zaman will inform us of the beauty associated with this endeavor. I believe it will present new information, new perspectives and new horizons to those who are eager to properly understand Turkey. Today’s Zaman will open up new frontiers in the Turkic republics and in the Islamic world. This paper is a bridge that assumes the responsibilities of the media: a bridge that needs to be established in our increasingly shrinking world.
