Fatih Polat’s article discusses DPI and DTSO’s recent collaborative event titled “The Importance of Language and the Role of Media in Peace,” which took place in Istanbul and brought together a diverse audience of journalists, political party representatives, and academics. Polat notes that former BBC correspondent in Belfast, Brian Rowan, spoke about his personal connection to the Northern Ireland conflict and recounted how he and his family were intimidated out of their homes. Rowan also emphasised the necessity of accurate reporting during times of conflict. Polat further highlighted the remarks of former Guardian Legal Affairs and Ireland Correspondent Owen Bowcott, who stressed the importance of journalists avoiding alienating or politically charged language, pointing out that terms such as “terror” and “counter-terror” are inherently loaded.
Polat’s article commended Rowan and Bowcott’s insights as valuable and enlightening. He also reflected on how, in the context of the Kurdish issue, Türkiye has a history of journalists and writers losing their lives, underlining the risks and responsibilities faced by the media in times of conflict.
Link to the full article in Turkish: https://www.evrensel.net/yazi/98058/baris-teslim-olmak-demek-degil