Big Shoes to Fill

Every time we go to a major historical site I am almost overwhelmed. There is such importance both historically and symbolically to the places we visit that make me feel so overwhelmed. Yesterday we went to Ephesus, one of the best preserved ruins of ancient cities, which also served as a capital for several civilizations.  As we walked the streets I tried to envision how the city looked in its prime. I try to see the hustle and the bustle of an ancient metropolis.  I imagine that on my left the shop keeps are on inviting people to take a look at their wares, the aristocrats strolling down the beautiful mosaics that separate them from the commoners, the businessmen on the right playing backgammon and establishing their trade contracts.  Then I try to comprehend the fact that people like Alexander the great walked these very roads and I am blown away.  It's absolutely amazing to think that such a small country has such a huge heritage.  In America an object that is one hundred years old is "antique;" In Turkey an object one hundred years old is "new."  This historical legacy is what makes Turkey unique as well as a deep cultural well, one so deep that one could study it for a lifetime and never reach the bottom. It is the multicultural tapestry that could lead Turkey once again onto the main stage of world affairs. It is Election Day tomorrow and there is a battle to control the helm of this magnificent country.  The Turkish people have a choice to either elect a man that will guide them into a more intolerant Islamic nation or to gamble on other parties that could move the nation forward.  It is my hope that the Turkish people choose to move forward embracing their rich roots and claim their position on the main stage of world politics.  No matter what they choose they have big shoes to fill.