Special Issue
Dear Reader,
Started to be published in order to reveal the experience of the Turkic world in the field of social sciences and to deal with its historical and current problems with a scientific approach and which is a peer-reviewed journal in accordance with international standards, bilig journal, revitalizes a tradition that has been continuing since Kutadgu Bilig and reflects the common values of our geography and prioritizes knowledge and science.
I am very pleased to present the 96th issue of bilig journal, which has these precious qualities, as the “Special Issue of the 100th Year of the GNAT” to our beloved nation.
Our Assembly, which is the manifestation of the national will, has gained the titles of “savior”, “founder” and “ghazi” through its just and proud struggle in a century-old history. It is the only assembly in the world that has all of these attributes, and it continues to be an example to the world in terms of the manifestation of democracy and national will with its unique features.
It is of utmost importance to thoroughly research and analyze the centuries-old history of our Assembly on a scientific basis. I sincerely believe that bilig journal will make a serious contribution to this issue.
Our beloved nation has attached a great value and importance to science and scientists throughout its long history. Kutadgu Bilig, the monumental work in the name of Yusuf Has Hacib, is a great manifestation of this approach of our beloved nation. It is this approach that Yusuf Has Hacib named his monument Kutadgu Bilig, “The Blessed Knowledge”.
The call made by Yusuf Has Hacib in Kutadgu Bilig about 800 years ago by saying: “Virtue, wisdom and knowledge are needed / For the one who stretches out his hand to hold the world” resonates today with bilig journal. They enrich our world of knowledge with their publications and contribute to the development of common historical and cultural values among our approximately 250 million citizens who make up the Turkic world.
Kutadgu Bilig says, “Another community is also scholars / Their knowledge illuminates the way of the people.” Our scientists continue to illuminate our path, and we strive to facilitate their steps on this path.
I appreciate those who contributed to the preparation and publication of bilig journal and to those who worked patiently and persistently; I wish the continuation of its contributions to our cultural world and I hope it will be a guide for future generations.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey