Yeşilay hosts panel on the link between addiction and colonialism

The Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay) organized a panel titled “Addiction and Colonialism” at its headquarters in Istanbul to examine the historical, economic, and social impacts of addiction on societies. The event was held to discuss the book “Addiction and Colonialism” by Dr. Osman Atasoy.

Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the TBMM National Defense Commission and former Minister of National Defense, attended the program. Akar emphasized that addiction poses a serious threat to national security, noting that it can be used as a tool to weaken societies. He stated that the issue extends beyond substance abuse to include intellectual, mental, and cultural dependencies.

Akar also highlighted the importance of early education and family involvement in protecting children and youth. He noted that addiction has historically been used as a form of warfare and discussed the need for comprehensive social reintegration for individuals following treatment.