I had to place this submission under this general heading in the forum, because there’s no division such as “Freemasonry in Turkey”.
In most of the English speaking communities, Freemasonry is considered to be the one-and-only-one as they know about. However, there are other wings or approaches in Freemasonry as well, which might not have known by the outsiders at all, and refused by masonic bodies, claimed to be “irregular” and have even asserted to be clandestine at times. Although having been disliked or ignored by a majority that seems to be more powerful by trusting on holding the majority population in hand, those other wings or approaches in Freemasonry in the world cannot be considered as non-existing. Quite on the contrary, they exist. They are in existence as of mid 18th Century, and even in those Englush speaking communities. Grand lodges of Anglosaxon Freemasonry that developed after the unity in 1813 in England cannot deny this fact.
After this general preface, let us look at the prevailing status in Turkey.
Presently, there are three grand lodges in this country. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (Hür ve Kabul Edilmiş Masonlar Büyük Locası) is the largest and the one recognised in the community of Anglosaxon Freemasonry as the only regular grand lodge. For simplicity, it may be considered as equivalent to Grande Loge Nationale de France which is the single grand lodge in France recognized as regular by the United Grand Lodge of England. However we quite know that there are other masonic bodies in France as well, Grand Orient de France being the largest.
Another one in Turkey is the Liberal Grand Lodge (Özgür Masonlar Büyük Locası) which however is neither identical to Grand Orient nor Grande Loge de France but is in correspondence and fraternal relationships with both. How come whereas these two masonic bodies in Franca refer to each other as rivals and don’t correspond at all?... Well, the reason for that shall be comprehended upon examining the universal declaration of this grand lodge.
The third grand lodge in Turkey is the Grand Lodge Feminine (Kadın Mason Büyük Locası) as similar to the feminine grand lodges (not the mixed) in certain other countries throughout the world including France.
Hence the question to be asked here is “What are the principles of this so called Liberal Grand Lodge in Turkey? Why isn’t it considered as regular?”
Of course, that term “regular” applies not only to the classical Anglosaxon Freemasonry. Even the rather recently established “Regular Grand Lodge of England” is regarded as irregular by the United Grand Lodge of England and other grand lodges that are in the same line regarding the matter of this so called “regularity” which actually is nothing than a constitutional practice of some.
Nevertheless, let’s put that aside, and take a glance at the universal declaration of the Liberal Grand Lodge in Turkey issued originally about 20 years ago, and try to grasp their views without any prejudice.
I concentrated on this declaration in particular, because the principles adhered to by the Free and Accepted Masons in Turkey are not much different than those already well known in the large community of Anglosaxon Freemasonry, thus need not to be repeated.
So,
QUOTE
As the Liberal Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Turkey, we favour a masonic understanding that is contemporary, humanitarian, supporting freedom, peaceful, evolutionary and universal.
We don’t deem any distinction or special privilege among masonic bodies, institutions, rites and systems, as long as they strive for achieving the universal aims of Freemasonry.
We adhere to the ideal of humanity that will be a means of peace and happiness for all humans and for all communities. This goal unites all masonic bodies throughout the world such as obediences, jurisdictions, federations, councils, chapters, ateliers, lodges or any others that are named differently. In this context, we disregard their preferred method of installation, their current mode of organisation and administration, and the rite or system that they choose.
As far as we’re concerned, our mutual universal objective requires all masonic bodies to strive for achieving this ideal. Their members should consolidate individual efforts in this respect as well. Masonic bodies that contemplate likewise, perform endeavours conforming to this universal aim, and observe the prominent rules from time immemorial in getting constituted and organised are genuine and regular institutions of Universal Freemasonry. We keep our doors and hearts open to all of them and to their members.
As the Liberal Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Turkey, we work in the three symbolic degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite by the guidance of our fundamental principles as LIBERTY, EQUALITY and FRATERNITY.
We acknowledge that masonic societies may have principles and working methods of their own. We believe that variety of these add affluence to Freemasonry in the universal extent. However we detest any behaviour presuming self-principles and working methods as being unique and unchangeable, thus alleging these on others.
We consider every masonic lodge working in the symbolic degrees of Freemasonry as equal to one another. Similarly, we consider obediences consisting of lodges also as being equal. We believe that the political, economical, cultural and historical differences between countries will not abolish this equality.
In order for a person to become a freemason, we find it a prerequisite as well as being sufficient to be
- of mature age, having free-thought, earnest, sincere, and holding good moral conduct,
- possessing adequate basic education in order to comprehend the tenets and teachings of Freemasonry, and having a personality revealed to self-improvement.
We allow necessitating any further requirements in persons who may become a freemason to the self-perception of each institution that is concerned.
As the Liberal Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Turkey, we adjudge the attitude of considering discrimination among people due to their nation, race, language, religion, denomination, belief, sex, economical status, cultural characteristics and similar factors as being against the universal principles of Freemasonry.
We believe that, the way leading towards the universal ideal of humanity that purposes peace, happiness and fraternity of all human beings and all communities is the one that is apart from every sort of discrimination.
We think that this route passes through embracing each other with love and respect, and through perfection attained by uniting with tolerance. We look forward to seeing the reflections of such perfection in every activity that provides benefits to humanity.
As the Liberal Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Turkey, we regard it as one of the natural and inevitable requisites of human rights and obligations that everyone, whether man or woman, are equal with respect to the right of becoming a freemason. On behalf of the honour of humanity, we wish that contrary approaches in this respect change.
We consider it as imperative not to intervene in one’s religion, faith, belief peculiar to oneself or disbelief. We assert that intolerant approaches in this matter will cause quarrel, combat and hostility among persons and communities.
Therefore, during the meetings of our lodges, we place on the altar an open white book having empty sheets throughout.
We perceive that religions, beliefs, ethics, political and economical regimes or doctrines can be deliberated in lodges by an unprejudiced scientific and rational approach. We consider this as useful to us all in expanding our horizons of culture, as well as improving our knowledge, notions, and capabilities. However, in our lodges, we oppose assertion of biased opinions that are illogical, that deny scientific approach, and that hinder the evolutionary development of humanity.
Whatever the subject matter is, we look upon the action of alleging certain definite opinions or tendencies to individuals and communities as being against Freemasonry. We regard free transmission of freely generated thoughts to all people as an inevitable principle to be followed for the individual improvement of our brethren and sisters, as well as the institutional improvement of Freemasonry. Whatever is the subject matter, we disagree any concept or judgment as being definite, final or the absolute truth.
As the Liberal Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Turkey, we are aware of the fact that Freemasonry survived by protecting its genuine procedures and traditions perpetuated for centuries. Yet, we conceive its versatility in adopting itself to the present era that provided it to be always up-to-date. Therefore, the most basic tradition of Freemasonry is its ability to be in compliance with the current circumstances in the future as it was in the past and it is today. We believe that, all other traditions should be interpreted with respect to this basic one.
Instead of preserving those methods and traditions that had erosion in their meanings and validity, we are in favour of creative and progressive outlooks that don’t conflict with our universal aims and principles. We regard the approach of trying these, putting those found as convenient into practice, giving chance to transform themselves into traditions as a necessity of the characteristics of Freemasonry for being up-to-date. We think that, partial or full resolution of any past method or tradition into a historical reminiscence depends on time as well as on the laws of evolution.
As the Liberal Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Turkey, we interpret “a freemason” as synonymous to “an exemplar human being who cross-examines oneself, improves continuously, tries to advance towards perfection, is useful to the entire humanity in addition to one’s own family and nation, acts considerately for and protects the natural environment as much as the social milieu”. We wish to share this understanding with all masonic institutions throughout the world.
UNQUOTE
I don’t wish and shall not make any comments. I just aimed to copy this declaration for purposes of information and simply await for the comments of participants if shall be any.