About Us
D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation:
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, founded on June 15, 1997, unites Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey with the aim of fostering sustainable economic growth among developing nations. As a significant intergovernmental body, D-8 is dedicated to enhancing trade relations, promoting economic resilience, and strengthening cooperation across key sectors. Grounded in the principles of peace, dialogue, and partnership, the organization works toward ensuring equitable and sustainable development while safeguarding the collective interests of its member states.
According to the first Summit Declaration (Istanbul, 1997), the main objective of D-8 is decla- red to be socio-economic de- velopment in accordance with the following principles:
1. Peace instead of conflict.
2. Dialogue instead of confrontation,
3. Cooperation instead of exploitation,
4. Justice instead of double standard,
5. Equality instead of discrimination,
6. Democracy instead of oppression.
Thus D-8 objectives are to improve developing countries' positions in the world economy, diversify and create new op- portunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision making at the international level, and provide a better standard of living. By prioritizing these goals, D-8 serves as a platform for its members to achieve inclusive economic progress, greater global influence, and long-term prosperity.
Necmettin Erbakan:
Necmettin Erbakan (1926-2011) was a Turkish politician, engineer, and academic. Erbakan was the architect of the D-8 (Developing Eight Countries) organization, which aimed to enhance economic and political cooperation among Islamic countries. Established on June 15, 1997, in Istanbul, D-8’s founding members included Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, and Nigeria. The organization’s main objectives were to increase trade volume, strengthen economic independence, develop joint development projects, and offer an alternative to the Western-centered economic system. At the first D-8 summit, the principles of “Peace, not war; Dialogue, not conflict; Justice, not double standards; Equality, not superiority; Cooperation, not exploitation” were adopted. Seen as a concrete step toward Erbakan’s vision of unity and solidarity within the Islamic world, D-8 continues its activities today.
The International Åžehit Mehmet Karaaslan Girls Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, located in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, was officially renamed in 2016 to honor Mehmet Karaaslan, who was martyred during the July 15 coup attempt. In the 2017-2018 academic year, the school adopted the "International" designation and implemented the Science and Social Sciences Program. Every year, local students from Turkey, selected based on their LGS scores, and international students from various countries, chosen through oral and written exams, join the school. This process, conducted in close cooperation with the Ministry of National Education and the Diyanet Foundation, ensures a diverse and enriching educational experience for all students. Together, they become integral members of the International Åžehit Mehmet Karaaslan Girls Anatolian Imam Hatip High School community. In the 2017-2018 academic year, the General Directorate of Religious Education under the Ministry of National Education recognized the school as a Science and Social Sciences Project School. During the same period, the school adopted an international curriculum, further enhancing its global academic approach. Each year, Turkish students who qualify based on their LGS scores, along with international students from numerous countries who pass rigorous oral and written assessments, enroll in the school. This selection process is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education and the Diyanet Foundation, ensuring a rich and diverse learning environment. Together, they became valued members of the International Åžehit Mehmet Karaaslan Girls Anatolian Imam Hatip High School community.
