The Bilkent Political Platform Club hosted the 9th President of Turkey, Süleyman Demirel, on March 27. A huge student group welcomed President Demirel in the C-Block Auditorium at Bilkent University. In his talk, President Demirel pointed out that since Turkey is affected by conditions around the world, it is important to understand the current state of affairs around the world and to understand Turkey's past in order to make the correct assumptions and predictions for Turkey's future.

President Demirel asserted that the ideological quarrels all over the world translate into economic concerns and he concluded that the basis for improvement is via education. Apart from education, Demirel said, economic progress could be a basis for development in Turkey. The method for such progress is a liberal economy according to President Demirel, which is adopted by most countries around the world.
President Demirel also criticized the positive and negative effects of globalism. He stated that when communication and transporting facilities brought globalism to prominence, it also necessitated competition between countries.

The Former President said that the European Union is a project for peace that plays an important role for Turkey to expedite its economic and cultural progression. He ended his talk by bringing attention to global warming. He stated that starting with industry, some precautions must be taken to prevent global warming. Bilkent is pleased to have hosted this talk and looks forward to hosting more relevant talks organized but student clubs in the future.

Naim Atabağsoy (PHIL/IV)