The State Council for regulation and control of radio and television broadcasting of Turkey (RTÜK) annually holds an International Practical Workshop “Communication with the future”, which involves foreign students, masters and doctoral students who study in Turkish universities in the field of journalism and mass communications.

This project is characterized by the fact that it is aimed exclusively at understanding the intercultural dialogue, development of cooperation and promotion of the value of the traditions of the Turkic peoples. The project, according to the tradition of each year is held in one of the countries or in Turkey and is dedicated to a specific topic is aimed to the study by youth – life, history, art, culture, traditions, as well as scientific and cultural heritage of related peoples. Last year, “10^th workshop – Communication with the future” held in our country on May 7-12, on “The Role of the media in the introduction of cultural values: on example of Uzbekistan” was covered three historical cities, like Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent.

“11^th Workshop – Communication with the future” organized by the Ministry of culture and tourism of Turkey, High Council for Broadcasting (RTÜK), Turkish Agency for cooperation and coordination (TIKA), News Agency “Anadolu”, and also television and radio of Turkey was held in the ancient Turkish cities of Gaziantep and Shonliurfa, from 24 to 27 April this year.

The workshop on “Mass communication in the struggle for freedom” was dedicated to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Turkey’s struggle for independence. Event was attended by students studying journalism and mass communications, as well as invited experts in the field of journalism from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Albania, Kosovo and India.

Communication is stronger than the most terrible weapon

The opening of this grand event was held April 25^th at the University Hassan Kalenko, Gaziantep.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, head of RTÜK Ebubekir Shahin said about the power of communication, that connecting the future with the effectiveness of direct communication.

“Humanity, the public and intergovernmental dialogue— eliminate any uncertainty in relations and normalize global understanding. In these workshops we see some examples of public diplomacy. It is here that fraternal peoples can communicate and exchange experiences. It should be noted that the strength of communication today is higher than any military force,” said Mr. Ebubekir Shahin.

Also, speaking to the audience, the coordinator of the project, Mr. Arif Firtina, noted that the chosen theme for this year’s workshop was not in vain. The role of mass communication in the national struggle for freedom of Turkey, the importance of the ancient cities, famous for their resistance and victory over the enemy as Gaziantep, that is – won the victory of Gazi Antep and Shonli Urfa, have their great importance.

Arif Firtina stressed the importance of the workshop as its role in the young media representatives lives, added that — “the participants of this project will serve as a link in strengthening friendly relations between fraternal countries as representatives of public diplomacy.”

After that, the students of Turkish HEIs as Selcuk University, Umer Halisdemir University and Hassan Calenco University made presentations. These presentations, made like an articles, documentaries and graphic projects, evaluated as a result of a scientific study of students. A distinctive feature of these presentations reflects the evolution of communication and provides the necessary information for knowledge, judgment and comparative analysis.

Also, within the framework of the workshop, all participants of the event were awarded to visit the sights of cities such as Gaziantep, Shonliurfa and two others. Antep Fortress — carrying the history of the city, reflecting the struggle for freedom, the Museum of protection and courage of Gaziantep and many other ancient monuments. Participants honored the memory of people who fought for their Homeland and its freedom. Historical data on the social and spiritual significance of these monuments were heard.

Gyobekle-Tepa – Zero Point in Time

The culmination of this event, was a trip to Gyobekle-Tepa, a place South of Turkey, where scientists believe that these archeological sites and the temple are the oldest in the world. According to archaeologists, changed the views on human civilization, this ancient complex with a 12-thousand-year history, much older than UK’s Stonehenge and Egyptian pyramids. Pertinent to the time of Neolithic finds in Gobekli-Tepe attracted the attention of world scientists. This temple, dug only 5%of the s, which depicts unique drawings of birds and animals carved on stones, is stunning by the uniqueness of the work of the human hand.

Pertinent to the Neolithic age finds in Gyobekli-Tepe attracted the attention of world scientists. This temple, dug only by 5%, which depicts unique drawings of birds and animals carved on stones, is stunning by the uniqueness of the work of the human hand.

In this regard, in the development of tourism the President of Turkey Rajab Tayeb Erdogan announced 2019 year of Gyobekle-Tepa. From day to day, you can see the flow of tourists arriving at this place, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

At the end of the four-day workshop, a resolution based on the views, suggestions and recommendations of the participants was adopted. As a result, proposals were put forward to further expand the scope of the project, to create a Special Platform for promoting the culture of fraternal peoples on the basis of the initiative of civil society.

It should be noted that the Project “Connection with the future” is one of the unique projects that serve as a cultural bridge between the peoples, it contributes to a deeper study of the history and culture of the Turkic peoples and contributes to the further development of friendly relations with fraternal countries.