December 1, 2019
Cappadocia, situated in central Turkey, was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 on natural and cultural criteria for its unique volcano landscapes and historical cultures. On October 17th, 2019, the delegation of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) visited the region and Governor’s office in Nevşehir where is listed as an International City of Peace by the United Nations. The delegates received by the Deputy Mayor (Belediye Başkan Yardımcısı), Mr. İbrahim Yüzel, and shared the message of International Day of Conscience. They also paid a visit to the well-known attractions such as Kaymakli Underground City, Göreme Açık Hava Müzes and Paşabağları. Everywhere they went, the delegates interacted with the locals and visitors from different countries with music, dance and bright smiles, spreading positive energy and message to every corner around the world.
When receiving the delegates. Mr. İbrahim Yüzel, the Deputy Mayor of Nevşehir had constantly showed his great respect to FOWPAL, admiring FOWPAL’s idea and objectives with appreciation. In his dialogue with Dr. Hong Dao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, he emphasized that Nevşehir is a UN’s designated City of Peace and the city’s monument of Peace represents the residents’ value and aspiration of peace. During the meeting, Dr. Hong shared with him the news of UN’s adaption of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience. It is to advocate the importance of conscience through worldwide promotions and to create a culture of peace with love and conscience. The Deputy Mayor remarked that “From now on, the International Day of Conscience is an important day for us all. As it is a day adapted by the United Nations we will start preparing and considering how to connect our current works with the International Day of Conscience and to implement them together. We are really looking forward to sharing with you the achievements.” Dr. Hong presented Mr. İbrahim Yüzel the Compass Clock of Conscience, symbolizing that people shall follow the guidance of conscience all the time.
Surrounded by the historical atmosphere at the city hall, young volunteers of the delegates conducted a cultural exchange with “love and peace” song, filling up the venue immediately with love, peace and warmth. Dr. Hong invited Nevşehir City to celebrate the International Day of Conscience together. It is hoped that on April 5, the spirit of peace will be spread and the war will be ceased to jointly embrace conscience and love. Dr. Hong also pointed out that FOWPAL has visited 22 cities in 6 months in order to spread the positive message and energy to more people. If everyone regardless of their gender and age can exert their own influence, it will congregate energy and bring the world together. Mr. İbrahim Yüzel, the Deputy Mayor, expressed that he was moved by the performance, and has aspiration for a world without war and turmoil. He said that peace is not just a condition without war; its true meaning is to create a happier living environment for people. He further added that Nevşehir City is working on the gender equality, children education of culture and social adaption of war refugees. It aims to create a happier and more prosperous environment.
The delegates also visited many historic sites, spreading the blessings of love and peace along the way. Göreme Open Air Museum contained over 30 cave churches, mostly are from 9th to 11th century. They are built as shelters for the Christians to hide from the political persecution. Now the shelters have become well-known scenic spots visited by tourists from around the world. While the delegates’ singing attracted many tourists, they also shared the endorsement of Declaration of International Day of Conscience and what they have learn about conscience alone the way. They shared that “Conscience enables everyone to have the positive voice in their hearts, stay happy, smiles to others and spread love around. That is conscience.” Many tourists agreed with the idea and endorsed the declaration. Some even indicated that they would hold the flag of FOWPAL throughout the entire journey in Turkey to spread the positive message. One of the tourists from Bulgaria said that the voices of the volunteers’ reminded him of similar songs of his granddaughter’s school activity, making him feel familiar and warm. The lyrics of the song depict joy and love which he very much agreed with. After endorsing the declaration, he would like to bring this message back to his two granddaughters too.
At Mushroom Valley, the delegates took photos with the friendly teachers and students of Tuzapakpen Meslek Teknike High School. One of the leading teachers, Mr. Merve Zengiz signed the declaration and called her students to do the gesture of love during the photos. Another teacher, Mr. Sabon Ulusoy stayed and talked with the volunteers after the photos. He mentioned that the Founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, once said that “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” which left a profound influence to them. He also pointed out in the Battle of Gallipoli, the Turkish soldiers were called “gentlemen” as they saved the enemies abandoned by their comrades. Furthermore, Turkey never start the war except for protecting themselves. Mr. Ulusoy not only endorsed the declaration but also recommended his friends and families, hoping to have for more interaction in the future.
P1: Dr. Hong (left), President of FOWPAL presented the “Compass Clock of Conscience” to Mr. İbrahim Yüzel, the Deputy Mayor of Nevşehir City. The clock symbolizes that all are encouraged to follow their conscience at all time. 2019.10.17 At the city hall of Nevşehir, Turkey.
P2: The delegates performed the “Love and Peace Song” to share with the Deputy Mayor and the staffs of the city hall.
P3: Tourist from Bulgaria joyfully interacted with the volunteers and very much agreed with FOWAPL’s idea.
P4: Mr. Sabon Ulusoy, teacher of the Mehmet Tuzapakpen Meslek Teknike was attracted by the smiles of the volunteers. endorsing the declaration of the International Day of Conscience and exchanging the idea of peace with the volunteers. 2019.10.17 At the Mushroom Valley.