Mardinliler Education and Solidarity Foundation, which started its activities in 1990 with the aim of supporting education, solidarity between citizens and contributing to Mardin in social, cultural and economic fields, supports approximately 600 young people from Mardin, Nobel Prize-winning Turkish doctors and academicians, and supports university education all over Turkey. Prof. Dr. He brought him together with Aziz Sancar. Some of the students participated in the organization by coming to the foundation’s facility in Istanbul, and some by connecting online. The event, which started with the Istanbul Culture and Arts Association Contemporary Symphony Orchestra concert, was attended by MAREV Chairman Atty. After M. Haluk Eldem’s opening speech, Prof. Dr. It continued with the online connection with Aziz Sancar. Sancar also sincerely answered the questions of MAREV scholars.
“WE NEED TO KEEP RELIGION AND SCIENCE ABSOLUTELY SEPARATE. OTHERWISE, RELIGION WILL LOSE ITS RESPECT AND SCIENCE WILL BECOME BLIND.”
In his speech, Prof. reminded the guests of Atatürk’s words, “The truest guide in life is science.” Dr. Aziz Sancar “Mardin has hosted different religions and sects over the years. However, religion does not include the laws of nature, technological research and technological developments. For this reason, we must keep religion and science strictly separate. Otherwise, religion will lose its dignity and science will become blind.” said.
“WE SHOULD PRODUCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY”
Nobel Prize-winning scientist stated that it is essential for Turkey to produce science and technology in order to be among the powerful and leading countries of the world. “Look, I would like to underline that I say “produce”. Real independence and development cannot be achieved by importing science and technology from the West. In this sense, production is essential. Globalization has been talked about in recent years. But the West’s understanding of globalization means ‘they produce technology and science and we use them’. This is not a situation we can accept. We can accept globalization with equality in the fields of science and technology. “I particularly underline this because globalization is one of the top issues on the agenda of our young people.” said.
“EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MEN AND WOMEN IS VERY IMPORTANT”
Prof. Dr. In his speech, Aziz Sancar also touched upon equality of opportunity between men and women. Sancar “When we left Mardin 50 years ago, our girls/women were free and independent, but now, as far as I can follow, this situation is increasing exponentially in Mardin. In this sense, we were pioneers in Turkey and we must continue this leadership.” he said.
Scholars asked about Sancar’s source of motivation in his education life, how he overcame the difficulties he faced, and the support he provided to Turkish students in America.
At the end of the speech, young people from Mardin addressed Prof. with the questions they asked before starting their career journeys. Dr. They received golden advice from Aziz Sancar; They had the opportunity to listen to the experiences of the valuable academician. Among the topics that young people were curious about were Sancar’s source of motivation in his education life, how he overcame the difficulties he faced, and the support he provided to Turkish students in America.
Stating that his motivation has been the desire to understand what is happening around him since his childhood, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar “I had an interest in natural sciences. I would like to learn how nature is built. I also loved competition. My friends in the football team know that I would risk my life even when I was a goalkeeper. After going to university in Istanbul, something else was added to this. “To prove to people in different parts of Turkey that the people of Mardin can achieve great things!” said.
Sancar said that when he encountered difficulties, he took on the problem and never gave up.When the subjects and experiments we are working on do not work, say ‘I will solve you, there is no other way.’ I say. Sometimes you may need to change the method when you see that the path you follow and the method you use cannot answer that question. But never give up on your goal.” said.
The Nobel Prize-winning academic stated that he chose his teammates from Turkish students and assistants. “There are currently three Turkish female students in my laboratory. We also have Turkish students working in other fields at our university. The Turkish House in America has two purposes. First, to introduce Turkey to America; The second is to complete our student dormitory. “We will host Turkish students there soon.” said.
Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar stated that his biggest wish was that one of the students from Mardin would receive the Nobel Prize while he was alive and that he would proudly watch it at that award ceremony.
