Public diplomacy scholars and practitioners frequently discuss the “say-do gap,” which refers to the discrepancy between discourse and actions. This discrepancy has an adverse effect on the credibility and legitimacy of a nation brand.

Neo-Ottomanism is closely associated with the strategic visions of the late President Turgut Özal and the AKP. It seeks to restore Turkey's imperial "strategic depth" in the territories formerly occupied by the Ottoman Empire through "soft power."

Turkey's "soft power" in the region stems mainly from its potential for growth and its functioning democratic regime. But no one should minimize the formidable strength Turkey gets from its deep integration with the EU and with all the other significant international institutions. 

The conference that will focus on certain questions - such as "How can we establish a culture of understanding and peace between different religions and cultures?" - aims to promote Turkey academically as well as addressing and correcting wrong perceptions about Turkey in the world.

Pioneered by Youth Without Frontiers, a 16-week special education program, We are Discovering the World, aims to raise foreign students' awareness of international subjects and enhance their knowledge of different societies and nations

 Instead of using this opportunity with the soft power of our minds and the underlying Islamic cause, we have remained stuck in archaic Turkish nationalism.

Previously held in Istanbul, Cairo, Baku, Baghdad and Tehran, the subject of this year’s forum is “Addressing Multi-Dimensional Security Challenges” and will focus on themes addressing security challenges; cooperation in defence, politics and economy; dialogue among Muslims to promote unity; as well as promoting a soft power image of Muslim countries as a whole.