Seventeen months have passed since a strong earthquake struck the city, the wounds have mostly been healed; however, it is still possible to see traces of destruction in some buildings. For instance, the minaret tops do not exist, I asked the reason. The answer was: "A master workman came from Nevsehir, repair work has begun. The height will be shortened by demolishing the upper part." New and elegant buildings rising from the earthquake debris attract attention.
I arrived in Bingol with Education Minister Huseyin Celik, for a meeting. The aim was to inform the public about new developments on the 100-million euro budget secured from the European Union (EU) so far, in the context of "Support for Formal Education Program."
There are many reasons for preferring Bingol as the meeting place. Bingol has made giant strides in the field of education recently. It is Turkish champion in the "Come on Girls, Let's Go to School" campaign, with an increase of 230 percent. This is indeed an extraordinary figure.
The number one priority of the project, supported financially by the EU, is to strengthen infrastructures in buildings as well as education at institutions. In this respect, increasing the quality of mass and formal education for girls and women, is especially aimed at improving the standard of education as well as access to education. The studies began in 2002 and have been spread over a five-year period. EU Ambassador Hansjörg Kretschmer was also in Bingol as a result of this.
The [public] information meeting was held in a Science High School built by the Turkish Great National Assembly (TBMM) Charity Foundation. The building, constructed with materials designed to withstand earthquakes, befits Bingol with its wonderful appearance. Celik and Kretschmer, at the meeting, gave detailed information about the project, that has been in progress for three years.
The education line is now being constructed with Brussels. Besides the political criteria, the education criteria are also on Turkey's agenda now. From Brussels to Bingol, steps are being taken to raise the standard of education. Celik also emphasizes this reality all the time. Now, every issue has an EU dimension. Is it possible for education to harmonize with EU standards? Of course not. From the expansion of projects to funding, Turkey lags behind Europe in the field of education, Celik says.
During the visit, I talked with Celik on recent issues, whenever I had the chance. The minister responded by taking the EU dimension into consideration. The Council of Higher Education (YOK) reform, which had previously been taken up and had caused heated debates, was the main issue. As it is known, YOK is included in the Progress Peport as its current structure is heavily criticized : "YOK cannot continue like this. YOK is not an issue that can be shelved," Celik said, using the Progress Report as a reference, adding,"A solution has to be found. When the time comes, we will find a solution through compromise, without causing tension." The message derived from Celik's remarks points to the fact that a more favorable condition is being sought to take up the YOK reform issue once again.
I asked the minister about the final situation of the student amnesty: "I have given instructions to officials at the ministry. They will investigate, we will see the picture and then act accordingly," he said. As far as I have learned, a decision on the amnesty issue has been made. The debates will be mostly on the scope and content. It is likely it will be ready at the beginning of the new year.
As Celik said, by coming to Bingol, we had the opportunity to closely observe that good deeds are also being accomplished in the other Turkey.
October 15, 2004
