We took a horizon journey with the President of the Turkish-American Business Association and Vice-President of the Turgut Özal Foundation Mr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, one of the most successful businessmen in the country whose long business adventure stretches from Mardin to Istanbul.
Erdem predicts that the centennial of the Turkish Republic, the year 2023 will be the most important year in Turkey's history."We as Turkish businessmen set the year 2023 as our target year. 2023 will be our moment of truth. The year of declaration of the greatness of Turkey. Unless our progress is hindered, we will be one of the top 10 biggest economies in 2023-2025" he said. In his interview with Takvim, Zeynel Abidin Erdem presented his political, financial and diplomatic analyses: "A new world order is being established and Turkey is positioning itself in this new system. With its secular and democratic structure, Turkey has an important role as an expamle of civilization. Turkey is establishing alliances between countries sharing common social, cultural and strategic objectives in the new world order. To be a regional power is not enough. Turkey deserves better than just being a regional power. The ground is slippery and there is always the danger of slipping and those who try to make you slip. We must have global objectives. We have to use Turkey's potential not only in one region but by expanding to other continents. Our country has achieved great political, social and financial progress. We achieved individual development, development is good, export is good and now it's time for Turkey to cath up with global development. 2 years ago Turkey confronted the biggest economic crisis in its history. While the whole world was expecting to witness big social explosions after the crisis, they saw that the Turkish people survived thanks to their faith, traditions and diligence. Our government adopted a young, dynamic and innovative approach which rapidly meets the needs of its people. We know that our determination and faith will eliminate all obstacles". Erdem listed the future actors of the new world order as America, China and Russia and dwelt upon the matter of the EU: "The EU is a force which can’t be ignored. In particular Germany can never be disregarded. Even if we don’t believe that they are going to approve our membership, we still have to do whatever we can" he said.
There is no risk of a coalition Erdem, who said that he had been in close contact with focal political units since 1969, is placing great importance to the dynamic of change: "The change initiated by the late Turgut Özal is being carried on by Prime Minister Erdoğan. Change and transformation must go on without interuptions". Erdem expressed his predictions abot the elections held on June 12: "It is possible for AKP to obtain 50% of the votes in the 2011 elections.There is no risk of a coalition. Time is the boss. I have been involved in politics since 1969. I observe all developments both from within and outside Turkey” he said. "The world conjuncture is promising prosperity for the Turkish people. Aftre the elections we can solve some issues that have been festering for some time through reciprocal understanding and unity. Economic growth soves the problems and when sensitive issue are resolved economic growth accelerates." said Erdem, who predicted: “We are approaching the point of solving the equation".
The Mardin model
Erdem said that the city of Mardin was one of the best examples of Turkish-Kurdish kinship and economic growth: "Mardin is world city in which during its 7000-year history there have been 7 languages, 7 religions and 7 separate cultures that combined and made the city a cultural junction, hosting various ethnic groups, sects and civilizations. This historical monument where shared history, culture, languages and religions survive, has been a Mesopotamian capital where the sun has risen and set 2.550.000 times while tolerance, love and respect ruled over its citizens. It is a unique city where people from all kinds of origins live together and embrace all civilisations. In this city people of several religions such as Muslims, Christians, Jews, Assyrians, Jacobeans, Keldanis, Nestorians and Yezidis and of different ethnic origins such as Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, Chechenians, Turkmenians as well as, of course, Turks live peacefully side by side."
