Note*** 1st picture is the Galata Bell Tower Bell and the 2nd picture is the Serpent's Head from the Serpent Column in the Hippodrome.
Thinking back to our lecture on that Saturday before our departure to Turkey, Elif said something that caught my attention and invoked much thought. She said that many historians believe that if there was a world capital it would be Istanbul, Turkey. That idea has resonated with me through-out the trip. I agree in many ways, mostly because of the lands historical background, that this would be the world capital. However, because of the many issues the current world has with Turkey it would difficult for all other countries to jump on board to that idea.
Right now, Turkey is still growing in population, culture, and diversity. It’s economic and political power increases by the day. There is a new identity for the Turkish people that was mentioned in that lecture. That identity has two parts; one is that it is a victim which feels that all Westerners conspire against Turks. The second, is a peaceful identity that wishes everyone could live in harmony. Looking back on this thought and experiencing the culture, I have been able to see these two identities.
Another subject we discussed in our lecture was the concept of a secular but religious individual. Hearing that idea sounds ludicrous, but seeing it here in Istanbul made it a reality. A great number of people through-out Turkey believe themselves to be good Muslims but do not necessarily live a “by the book” Muslim lifestyle. I am not criticizing the individuals who do this because it definitely happens all over the globe with every religion, but the way in which Turkish people portray themselves in relation to spirituality is very unique.
After meeting Ceyda and getting to know her and her lifestyle I had a specific image of what Turkey was going to be like. Having been to Turkey now, I have that same image but I have many more to create a more complete, correct picture of Turkey, and more specifically Istanbul. The image that I created in my mind of Turks, was designed to encompass everything that Ceyda is and what she told me about Turkey and it’s people. Coming from a middle class family Ceyda went to public schools, received a great education and has become a doctor in her field of study. Her family has focused on living the good life with a nice apartment and a summer house. Her life has not been one of struggle for food nor has it been one of lavish ungreatfullness. She gave the idea that Turkey was this place that pretty much become a Western society with expensive Western shops everywhere and every aspect of the culture was saturated with a Western flavor. What I found was that Turkey has this great impression left by the West but also has a wonderful base and refooting in the East. Not everything has been affected by the West and some aspects of the East have become more prevalent. I have mentioned the Islamic movement before, and there are other cultural indicators that project a more Eastern flavor too. (referenced the History of Turkey, and Crescent and Star)
Right now, Turkey is still growing in population, culture, and diversity. It’s economic and political power increases by the day. There is a new identity for the Turkish people that was mentioned in that lecture. That identity has two parts; one is that it is a victim which feels that all Westerners conspire against Turks. The second, is a peaceful identity that wishes everyone could live in harmony. Looking back on this thought and experiencing the culture, I have been able to see these two identities.
Another subject we discussed in our lecture was the concept of a secular but religious individual. Hearing that idea sounds ludicrous, but seeing it here in Istanbul made it a reality. A great number of people through-out Turkey believe themselves to be good Muslims but do not necessarily live a “by the book” Muslim lifestyle. I am not criticizing the individuals who do this because it definitely happens all over the globe with every religion, but the way in which Turkish people portray themselves in relation to spirituality is very unique.
After meeting Ceyda and getting to know her and her lifestyle I had a specific image of what Turkey was going to be like. Having been to Turkey now, I have that same image but I have many more to create a more complete, correct picture of Turkey, and more specifically Istanbul. The image that I created in my mind of Turks, was designed to encompass everything that Ceyda is and what she told me about Turkey and it’s people. Coming from a middle class family Ceyda went to public schools, received a great education and has become a doctor in her field of study. Her family has focused on living the good life with a nice apartment and a summer house. Her life has not been one of struggle for food nor has it been one of lavish ungreatfullness. She gave the idea that Turkey was this place that pretty much become a Western society with expensive Western shops everywhere and every aspect of the culture was saturated with a Western flavor. What I found was that Turkey has this great impression left by the West but also has a wonderful base and refooting in the East. Not everything has been affected by the West and some aspects of the East have become more prevalent. I have mentioned the Islamic movement before, and there are other cultural indicators that project a more Eastern flavor too. (referenced the History of Turkey, and Crescent and Star)
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