MISSIONS AND AIMS

The History Foundation is a non-governmental organization working in the public interest with the objective of developing and extending history consciousness in Turkey. It aims at enriching and lending a new content to the way in which people regard history and at encouraging the conservation of the historical heritage with a deep-rooted sensitivity and active participation of wide sections of the population.

Believing that a sound knowledge of history is one of the most important elements in the formation of individual and social consciousness, the History Foundation endeavours to help the Turkish people form a direct, truly comprehensive and non-instrumentalist relationship with their own history and to make the subject of history a field for civic action.

The History Foundation is a civic initiative set up by individuals who view the historical continuity, accumulation and change as a basic dimension affecting their lives, and who wish, by participating in activities contributing to its realization, to experience this dimension in a more conscious manner and to raise their awareness of the progress of history.

WORKING PRINCIPLES

The work of the History Foundation is based on objective scholarship completely free of all religious, ethnic, cultural or gender discrimination or chauvinism and is characterized by an approach aiming at establishing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of different nations.

The History Foundation views history consciousness as one organic whole composed of perception of the present, interpretation of the past and predictions for the future, and regards the deepening and the widening of history consciousness as an important factor in increasing the problem solving capacity of a society. It further believes that such an approach to history will greatly contribute to the development of participatory democracy in Turkey and will make a strong and contemporary feeling of solidarity among the people possible.

The History Foundation firmly believes that a critical, comparative approach to history, without creating any "others," will play a powerful role in bringing peace to a region ravaged by religious, ethnic and cultural strife, and will exert a strong influence in allowing Turkey to take its place as an equal, respected and honourable member in a globalizing world and the European Union.

FIELDS OF ACTIVITY AND APPROACH TO COOPERATION

The History Foundation carries out its functions by means of all types of research and educational work, and by engaging in, organizing or assisting in various types of activity such as publication of books and periodicals, production of documentary films and radio and television programs, electronic publishing, production of artistic and literary works in the field of history, museological and exhibition activities, scholarly meetings, library and archival services, cultural tourism, etc. In the realization of these functions the Foundation organizes, encourages or supports various competitions, provides or arranges for the provision of scholarships and awards, organizes, encourages or supports campaigns aimed at increasing the awareness of the general public while at the same time encouraging criticism and suggestions.

The History Foundation works in cooperation with all individuals, groups, initiatives and institutions engaged in similar activities both at home and abroad. It aims at extending its relations beyond the limits of the big cities and at building powerful public support for its activities on a purely voluntary basis.

ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES

Being the product of a joint initiative of socially responsible citizens, the organizational structure, operations and administration of the History Foundation depend on voluntary contributions of all sorts.

In its institutional structure and relations, the History Foundation regards the development of democracy and transparency, as well as enthusiasm, responsibility and creativity, which its very existence depends upon, as the bases for institutional permanence and potential for self-renewal.

The History Foundation accepts voluntary assistance, financial contribution and support from all individuals and institutions that share its aims and are able and willing to engage in joint projects. Such financial contributions and support are used in the most efficient manner in conformity with the aims of the donors, who are duly credited and to whom the History Foundation remains accountable for the manner in which their contributions are utilised.
The History Foundation is fully aware that, to achieve a large-scale and sustainable presence as an NGO and to preserve its own institutional independence and ability to work for the public good, it must possess an effectively audited and strong financial structure and have a combination of dynamic and productive enterprises.

THE HISTORY FOUNDATION AND THE NGO MOVEMENT

Being a member of the NGO community, the History Foundation takes part and plays an active role in joint efforts for its development.