“Can you imagine that the least European country would become the most powerful country in Europe.” This was a statement by Francois Bayrou, the 4th president of the Union for French Democracy. I heard this statement from a professor during a lecture we attended at Sanbaci University, one of the top universities in Turkey. The lecture was on the history of the Turkish Economy and its accession into the EU. I don’t think a lot of people realize the severity of the EU allowing Turkey to enter. If it were to enter the Union, Turkey would be the 2nd largest country within the EU, only to fall behind Germany (which has 2.1 million Turks living there). Turkey has been in discussion with the EU and its membership since 1987, that’s over twenty years that Turkey has been changing its laws and regulations, trying to fit into this western mold to become the 28th member. From what I’ve read and heard while in Turkey, this nation has almost bent itself over backwards trying to conform to what they believe is the future of Turkey. With the population decreasing in the EU dramatically and Turkey’s population on the rise, by 2020 Turkey would hold more seats in Parliament than Germany, giving Turkey more power than I believe Europe is ready for. That would make the deciding force a Muslim nation, which does not sound good in the ears of the EU “Christian Club.” Another problem is the fact that Turkey is connected to the Middle East. Some believe that if Turkey joined the EU, it may help settle some of the ongoing tensions in the region. While others believe that allowing a nation so close to the Middle East in, would only spill the problem onto nations, and into the hands of the EU. With many other problems documented by the EU, and what seems like many more years before any progress is made, I sense an almost loss of interest by most Turkish people. The percentage of Turks that oppose the decision of joining the EU is currently at 60%, which goes to show that the majority would agree that it is not in the best interest of THEIR nation.
I agree….I feel like with everything Turkey has had to put itself through, and to finally be allowed to apply for accession as of 2005, 18 years of conformity is enough. The Turkish people don’t want to use the Euro, they don’t want the status of Turkey to be known as a European nation, and they don’t want to lose that sense of mystery that many, like me, wonder about. Turkey’s identity is one that can be found not by entering the EU, but by embracing the fact that they are both Asian and European. They are a unique blend of history and culture that embrace their roots, while moving forward towards the modern nation, and world power, that they are meant to be.
The drive to Sabanci University started by crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, leaving the European side and heading east to the edge of the city. The best part was once you got the end of the bridge, entering the Asian side. There was a sign that read, “Welcome to Asia,” giving me the impression that now I really was out of my comfort zone. I was surprised to find that Sabanci University was almost more advanced technologically than mine is back in Orlando. The class setting is one that rivals most large universities: power point projector, PC, mobile mic for the professor, and stadium seating. Only 3,000 students attend the university, and it is located about an hour outside of main Istanbul, even though it is still considered in the city. Tuition is paid by the family, and there are no student loans here; however 30% of students receive a full financial aid package, covering all costs. All classes are taught in English, which proposed the question to me…Do Turkish students take notes in English or Turkish? English I found out. With the University only being nine years old, it has plenty of time and available space to bloom and blossom into a large university. I found out that Turkish students, no matter how different culturally, are like every college student in the United States. They wait to cram for an exam until the last minute, they look like they fell out of bed and stumbled to class, there is always someone texting, they act like they are taking notes on their computer in class when they are actually checking facebook, and they hate their cafeteria food…..
I agree….I feel like with everything Turkey has had to put itself through, and to finally be allowed to apply for accession as of 2005, 18 years of conformity is enough. The Turkish people don’t want to use the Euro, they don’t want the status of Turkey to be known as a European nation, and they don’t want to lose that sense of mystery that many, like me, wonder about. Turkey’s identity is one that can be found not by entering the EU, but by embracing the fact that they are both Asian and European. They are a unique blend of history and culture that embrace their roots, while moving forward towards the modern nation, and world power, that they are meant to be.
The drive to Sabanci University started by crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, leaving the European side and heading east to the edge of the city. The best part was once you got the end of the bridge, entering the Asian side. There was a sign that read, “Welcome to Asia,” giving me the impression that now I really was out of my comfort zone. I was surprised to find that Sabanci University was almost more advanced technologically than mine is back in Orlando. The class setting is one that rivals most large universities: power point projector, PC, mobile mic for the professor, and stadium seating. Only 3,000 students attend the university, and it is located about an hour outside of main Istanbul, even though it is still considered in the city. Tuition is paid by the family, and there are no student loans here; however 30% of students receive a full financial aid package, covering all costs. All classes are taught in English, which proposed the question to me…Do Turkish students take notes in English or Turkish? English I found out. With the University only being nine years old, it has plenty of time and available space to bloom and blossom into a large university. I found out that Turkish students, no matter how different culturally, are like every college student in the United States. They wait to cram for an exam until the last minute, they look like they fell out of bed and stumbled to class, there is always someone texting, they act like they are taking notes on their computer in class when they are actually checking facebook, and they hate their cafeteria food…..
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