Discussing the Nature of War
In the International 4th Islam Culture and Civilization Symposium held in Kocaeli, the religious, legal, and humanitarian aspects of war were thoroughly examined. The Governor of Kocaeli, Ilhami Aktaş, emphasized that contemporary wars do not fit the traditional definition of war, pointing out the systematic massacres in places like Palestine, Yemen, and East Turkistan as acts of cultural and ethical depravity.Mayor Tahir Büyükakın highlighted that war should be analyzed not only from a military perspective but also considering its economic and ideological dimensions. He stressed the importance of separating concepts like war, genocide, and conflict, stating that these issues must be courageously discussed.The Global Impact of Conflict
President Büyükakın underlined the ongoing oppression worldwide, not just in Gaza but also in places like Ukraine. He mentioned how wars are sometimes legitimized under the guise of democracy or rights. The necessity of increasing good and resisting evil was emphasized as a collective responsibility.Syrian Minister Raid Es Salih, a guest at the symposium, discussed the societal fragmentation caused by 14 years of war in Syria. He pointed out that the effects of war require addressing not only through weapons but also through the rebuilding of social structures.Looking towards the Future
The symposium continued with the participation of numerous attendees and will proceed on April 19-20 at the Darıca Balyanoz Education Facilities. Organized by various institutions, the event serves as a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on the impact of war on societies. 
