Echoes of Peace: FOWPAL Rings Peace Bell by Sea of Marmara at Invitation of Avcılar Government
At the invitation of the Avcılar District Government, the Federation of World Peace and Love journeyed to the Avcılar Coastal Park in Avcılar, Istanbul, Türkiye on the evening of May 14, 2026, to conduct a profoundly meaningful cultural exchange of love and peace. Through vibrant cultural performances and a sacred, solemn Bell Ringing Ceremony, the seeds of conscience and peace were sown at the nexus of Europe and Asia, aspiring to unite global goodwill and collectively pray for world peace.
The event officially commenced at 7:00 PM at the amphitheater of Avcılar Coastal Park, located directly adjacent to the Sea of Marmara. On the opposite shore of the Sea of Marmara, which borders the park, lies the historic site of the famous Gallipoli Campaign from World War I 110 years ago, which resulted in a devastating loss of approximately 400,000 to 500,000 casualties. Historical records describe that the Gallipoli Peninsula at the time was nearly completely filled with casualties and fallen soldiers. Representing the Avcılar District Government, Mr. Berkan ORAL, Council Member and Vice Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP) parliamentary group, attended and delivered the opening remarks.
He expressed that gathering together for this deeply meaningful event demonstrates that different cultures and societies can converge upon shared values. In the contemporary world, society is passing through a period that necessitates mutual understanding, solidarity, and a culture of coexistence more than ever before. As long as differences can be embraced as a rich asset rather than a cause for division, a stronger future can be built. He believed that this meeting would make a beautiful contribution to enhancing friendship, goodwill, and the philosophy of living together between nations and societies. He also expressed special gratitude to Dr. Akkan Suver and Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze for making this beautiful exchange possible, and presented a specially crafted ceramic vase.
A special Ringing Ceremony for the Bell of World Peace and Love was held at the venue, where Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), personally struck the bell to pray for the world, its clear reverberations transmitting the aspiration for global stability. Together with government representative Council Member Oral, he led all distinguished guests and citizens in a silent prayer, wishing that love and peace may pervade the world.
In his address, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze stated that a sound culture fosters quality education, and quality education, in turn, supports a strong economy. Culture embodies the collective expression of human life and serves as a bridge that strengthens friendship among individuals and nations alike. Through the richness of culture, people gain a deeper understanding of diverse histories and values; through exchange, mutual understanding is fostered, respect is cultivated, and a harmonious and mutually prosperous world can be built. He emphasized that going forward, FOWPAL will continue to promote a culture of peace with love and conscience, hoping to inspire everyone to awaken conscience, to act and make decisions with transparency, and to treat others with integrity and sincerity. Upon this foundation, we can together build a lasting cornerstone for sustainable world peace.
In an interview, Council Member Oral expressed that the Bell Ringing Ceremony symbolizes the paramount importance of world peace, solidarity, and culture. Being able to experience this moment together here carries an even more profound significance. He mentioned that conscience is the vital core that makes us human, and the same holds true for world peace. Everything Dr. Hong has accomplished here is extraordinarily precious.
The event officially commenced with a majestic and powerful Tai Ji Martial Arts Formation performance. The vigorous Dragon Punch within the formation symbolized the perseverance and courage to safeguard peace, inspiring everyone to persist together and march toward a future of sustainable peace. The awe-inspiring "Fire Phoenix" performance symbolized the descent of the fire phoenix upon the world, burning with the sacred fire of the heart to eliminate evil and practice goodness. With hearts of courage, determination, and compassion, the performers guided the world to break free from shackles, break through the darkness, and encouraged the public to move forward in unison toward the light, blessing humanity to be reborn from the ashes with joy and freedom, so that everyone can cultivate the truth, return to the origin, and become a better version of themselves. It is worth mentioning that three young girls at the venue were irresistibly inspired by the joyful atmosphere, dancing gracefully on the spot alongside the fire phoenix dancers, creating a thoroughly delightful scene.
FOWPAL youth volunteers presented an energy-filled performance titled "Concerted Efforts, Victorious Banners." Midst the jubilant sea of banners, the radiant and spirited youth exuded their inner joy, hoping to unite and inspire the world to constantly maintain a joyful heart, thereby changing the world and achieving victory in their respective fields. The entire group sang in unison We Can Change the World, and their moving chorus touched everyone present. Through joyful singing and dancing, the teenagers performed Happiness Is Everywhere, animating the entire audience in hopes that everyone stays smiling, remains optimistic and forward-looking, and embraces boundless vitality, bringing the exchange activity to a thoroughly successful conclusion.