The conference and documentation of “Intercultural Bridges-The River Flowing Westward” was held in Paris with the cooperation of Bahçeşehir University (BAU) and UNESCO.
A conference was held at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, which was attended by various political and academic figures, including Bülent Arınç, Minister of State and Vice-Prime Minister, and Enver Yücel, President of UNESCO BAU Board of Trustees. The conference showcased a documentary called "The River Flowing Westward," which was created in collaboration between Bahçeşehir University's Civilizations Research Center (MEDAM) and TRT. In his speech, Arınç emphasized that no civilization is pure, and every civilization inherits and passes down elements from previous and future civilizations. He also noted that in a globalized world, a universal civilization concept is being built on the common values of all civilizations, and that the conflict of civilizations theory is dangerous and divisive. Yamina Benguigui, the French Minister in charge of the French living abroad, highlighted the importance of the documentary's message, which emphasizes that the foundation of humanity lies in our shared existence, and obstacles can be overcome by collaborating and building trust. Enver Yücel stressed the importance of omitting derogatory language and phrases from textbooks, in order to promote communal life and peace.
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