Yunus Emre InstituteYunus Emre Institute London successfully hosted its Young Scholar Seminar Series on Thursday, October 10, 2024, featuring a captivating talk by Dr. Aliye Aslı Sonsuz titled “Health Services in Turkish Culture: From the Ottoman Empire to the Present Day.” The seminar, held at 7:00 PM UK time, attracted significant interest from attendees.
Dr. Sonsuz delved into the historical evolution of health services within Turkish culture, focusing on the pivotal role the state has played from the Ottoman period to modern times. She began by highlighting the famous words of Şeyh Edebali, mentor to Osman Bey, the founder of the Ottoman Empire: “Let the people live so that the state may live.” This sentiment underscores the central importance of health in Turkish state governance and its paternalistic approach, where the state is seen as a protective and supportive “father” figure.
Dr. Sonsuz contrasted this with European developments, where the state only began taking responsibility for health services in the early 20th century, with landmark movements initiated by Bismarck in Germany (1883) and Lord Beveridge in the UK (1942). She explored the health policies of the Ottoman Empire, the Republican era, and modern-day Turkey, presenting a comprehensive overview of the state’s role in providing healthcare through different periods.
Dr. Aliye Aslı Sonsuz is a visiting researcher at Greenwich University, supported by a TÜBİTAK scholarship. She specializes in health economics and policies and is also a faculty member at Istanbul Medipol University, where she serves on the board of the Health Systems and Policies Application and Research Center (SASPAM).
The seminar was well-received by attendees, sparking insightful discussions and providing a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of health services in Türkiye.
As Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London continues its mission of promoting cultural exchange and understanding, the event served as a platform for dialogue and exploration, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering connections between diverse communities.
For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, please visit yeelondon.org.uk