I am a Turkish citizen who graduated from OSU in 1995 from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. I lived in Columbus for nine years. I just wanted to share my thoughts about the recent incidents with you.
As Turks, we have dealt with acts of terrorism with a cost of 40,000 innocent lives and $150 billion U.S. in the last 20 years, in addition to the earthquake of 1999 with a loss of 25,000 lives. Believe us, we are going through the same mixed feelings of shock, disbelief, sadness and anger that the people of the United States are feeling right now. The United States has set an example to many nations in the world in its emphasis on freedom, wealth and happiness. No matter what the reason is, an act that causes the lives of innocent people to be lost and injects sorrow and sadness into the people of the United States and the world cannot be justified. The World Trade Center housed companies from more than 200 countries with thousands of foreign citizens working together along with Americans. This act targets the United States but also targets the human race and the way of free life we believe in. This incident goes beyond borders, race, citizenship or religions.
Turkish people have been glued to TV screens as soon as the incidents occurred. The feeling among us is the same as yours. We are absolutely outraged and angry. Our hope is to see that the people responsible are brought to justice and punished asap. Those responsible, cannot be and should not be allowed to walk around freely. This is the time that U.S. citizens and people all over the world must unite to show that acts such as these will not be tolerated. Please accept our condolences to the people of the United States of America. Our prayers are with you. God bless all of us.
Hakan Aytac Istanbul, Turkey
