The Legal and Spatial Dimensions of the Occupation in Palestine Were Discussed at Istanbul Commerce University
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The legal, humanitarian, and spatial dimensions of the occupation in Palestine were discussed at the panel titled “Palestine: October 7 and Beyond” held at Istanbul Commerce University. The speakers emphasized that what is happening in Gaza is not merely military, but part of a systematic process of colonialism, drawing attention to the silence of the international community.
The event titled “Palestine: October 7 and Beyond,” organized by Istanbul Commerce University, the Young Thinkers Society, and ESAM Istanbul, was held at the Sadabad Meeting Hall on the Sütlüce Sadabad Campus. The program, featuring speakers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Kerem Kayhan from Yalova University Faculty of Law and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gün from Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Architecture, addressed the occupation and colonization process in Palestine and its current humanitarian and legal dimensions. The event was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Berk Ayvaz, ESAM Istanbul President Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Hüsnü Koyunoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, Director of the Center for Applied Research on Neighboring and Surrounding Countries Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kavas, and students.
WE FEEL HEARTBROKEN BECAUSE WE COULDN’T DO ANYTHING.
In his opening remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that the Palestinian issue is a century-long chain of injustice, colonialism, occupation, and resistance, adding, “Unfortunately, every morning when we turn on the television, we see Israel’s oppression everywhere, day and night.” We all feel heartbroken because we can’t do anything about it. But to raise awareness, we all need to keep these issues on the agenda and contribute as the conscience of humanity and the world. This event is one of those contributions.” Prof. Dr. Koyunoğlu also pointed out that October 7 served as an “awakening” for the global public.
OCCUPATION, COLONIALISM, AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
Associate Professor Ali Kerem Kayhan, in his speech titled “Thinking About October 7: Palestine in the Grip of Occupation and Colonialism,” noted that what is happening in Palestine is not merely a regional conflict, but a systematic policy of colonialism. Assoc. Prof. Kayhan emphasized that, from the perspective of international law, attacks on civilians, forced displacement, and blockades constitute “crimes against humanity.” He stated, “What is happening in Gaza is not merely the result of a war, but part of a planned occupation strategy. The elements of the crime of genocide under international law are clearly evident in this region.”
THE WEST HAS MADE THE OCCUPATION PERMANENT.
In his speech, Associate Professor Kayhan also touched upon the historical process, stating that the chain of occupation stretching from the Balfour Declaration to the present day has gained continuity with the support of the West. Emphasizing that Israel’s expanding land policies since 1967 disregard United Nations resolutions, Associate Professor Kayhan stated, “The military operations currently being carried out in Gaza are not merely a security measure; they are a state policy aimed at erasing the existence of a people. Legally speaking, this is called an apartheid regime.”
Criticizing the international community’s passivity, Associate Professor Kayhan said, “Unfortunately, the processes of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are operating under political pressure. Nevertheless, these processes are important in terms of recording every documented violation. Because the witnesses of history will one day form the basis of justice.”
Assoc. Prof. Kayhan concluded his speech by saying, “What is happening in Gaza is a situation that tests not only the conscience of the Palestinian people, but the conscience of humanity. Remaining silent in the face of this situation is tantamount to complicity in the crime.”
THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN SPATIAL OCCUPATION AND REVITALIZATION
Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Gün, in his presentation titled “Rethinking Palestine in the Context of Occupation and Revival,” emphasized that the occupation is sustained not only through political or military means, but also through “spatial strategies.” Assoc. Prof. Gün stated that cities, neighborhoods, and even daily living spaces in Palestine are being systematically transformed, saying, “Walls, checkpoints, settlement networks, and transportation routes are fragmenting the fabric of Palestine. Daily life has now become a form of occupation.”
PALESTINIANS CANNOT GO TO THEIR FIELDS
In his speech, Associate Professor Gün also touched upon spatial control policies, stating that settlement projects such as the “E1 Master Plan” fragment the Palestinian geography. He said, “Today, when traveling from Ramallah to Jerusalem, you pass through dozens of checkpoints. Access to water sources, agricultural lands, and even your own home’s walls is restricted. This is not merely a physical occupation; it is a system that deprives people of their living space, future, and right to dream.”
In his speech, Associate Professor Gün also touched upon the ethical responsibilities of architects and urban planners, stating, “Every professional involved in planning, construction, and infrastructure activities in occupied territories becomes part of the crime, whether consciously or unconsciously. Preventing spatial occupation is possible through ethical stances and civil initiatives. Therefore, we must rethink the concept of ‘revival’ and focus not only on destruction but also on reconstruction.”
In the final part of his speech, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity, Associate Professor Gün concluded by stating, “International efforts in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and social design can slow down the pace of occupation. However, the real need is a local, participatory, and fair revitalization process that will enable the Palestinian people to reestablish themselves on their own land with their own identity.” The event concluded with thank-you gifts being presented to participants and a commemorative photo being taken.
