Journey Toward Democracy

As a few of us sat and reflected on this trip, and what is waiting for us back home, I wanted to point out a few last minute thoughts about my time here in Turkey. I realized that one major problem with the advancement of Turkey is the under-developed thought and realism about democracy that the older Turk generation has. They have democracy, but they don’t know what to do with it. What I compare it to is the way I describe soccer in the United States. Why do we not compare to the rest of the world? Our nation did not consider it a norm until recent decades. In result, the coaches that you have teaching the game were not raised on the game; they picked up when their kid started some local Rec league. Continued for a few years, and decided to take it seriously. I think the U.S. will be able to compete on an international level when our generation, that grew up playing, learning, coaching, is able to take the reins and give their lifelong input. This is how Turkey is and the way they deal with democracy. The current generation of older people in this country did not grow up with democracy at its fullest. There was democracy, but there was also soccer in the U.S. in the twenties. Doesn’t help unless you have played with it a little, learned what you could, and then formed it into something that can be passed down, the right way. Once the younger generation, which is being exposed to some much freedom and democratic rule all over the world, grows up and takes charge of this nation, that is when Turkey will finally be able to take democracy and put cities like Istanbul, and put them back on the major players in the world. We, the U.S. citizens that is, see Turkey right now being very muddled, and I believe the future of Turkey can really influence the way our citizens view this part of the world, and nations that we do not understand. This generational influence can bring about a new Turkish Republic that gives all other nations a rival in every market and every business. However, Turkey does still have some growing up to do. This nation is one of attraction to new comers, but also a city of dirt and grime that many are not comfortable with. Also, most would not get the chance to see that private homes and not kept the same way that public spaces are. With the tourists seeing way more public spaces, this can influence the thought about all of Turkey very easily. Stephen Kinzer discusses this a lot in his book, Crescent and Star. He says, “Time and time again I have stepped off an ugly or dirty Turkish street, passed through a portal and entered an immaculate and lovingly kept home. The contrast is striking, often amazing. Whether because of their nomadic past in Central Asia or as a response to their centuries of life under autocratic rule, many Turks still believe that life is to be lived within the family or clan. They feel no true allegiance to national goals and aspirations.” I think this is an aspect of Turkish life that needs to be fixed. Because under this thought, Turks feel no public service is needed; which is not true if they want this nation to be the influential Republic that they want it to be. It will take every Turk, under every religion, to make Turkey the Republic that they, as well as Ataturk, have always dreamt about. Güle Güle…..