Ancient Lands

A Proud Country

I just returned from a country that has enchanted me.  Along with its beauty and ancient history, it is an easy, safe and accessible place to get around.  Where in the world can you see endless Roman ruins; lovely beaches and seaside resorts; eat delicious, healthy food day and night; find well-maintained roads and sidewalks; see well-constructed buildings; encounter clean, public toilets in even the smallest town; find parks everywhere and well-manicured street-scapes along most highways; houses and apartments loaded with solar hot water tanks and satellite dishes; clean, new cars, trucks and buses; no litter; few stray dogs or cats; gas stations and convenience stores everywhere; no graffiti; and hard-working people providing friendly service in a country that is 99% Muslim? It can only be the Republic of Turkey!

Typical Street Market Display

I simply can’t say enough about my time there and great desire to return.  I never felt the least bit uncomfortable or unwelcome as a woman and an American.  Our group visited numerous mosques and holy sites along with fun places like Cappadocia and the city of Istanbul with its many palaces from centuries past. Despite being an overwhelmingly Muslim country, constitutionally it is secular and has no official state religion. Every city, town and village sports a mosque or two and five times a day one can hear the call to prayer. Many women (but not all) wear at least a head scarf and coat to cover arms and legs while a few wear the full, black burka. However, at no time did I feel uncomfortable or out of place even when wearing shorts, a tank top and no head covering.  Citizens are free to express themselves however they’d like.  While we were there, the US Embassy in Libya was bombed and Americans murdered, which was followed by protests in many countries over the amateur video posted on You Tube.  And what happened in Turkey where there are so many Muslims?  Nothing!  There were no protests, no show of anger, little mention in newspapers or on TV—basically people just got about their business of work, school, and home by living their lives. 

Turkish Delight

Why the difference?  I can’t say but my observation is they have a logical divide in their society that allows the state do its thing while citizens are allowed to pursue their own religion—in other words, clear separation of church and state.  In addition, the country simply works!  It’s clean, well-organized, secure, and people have access to credit and jobs.  Food and homes are available and affordable, the police are present but not oppressive, and opportunity and education are accessible to everyone.  The culture is rich and family life is the focus.  We saw no beggars or homeless anywhere on our journeys—why?  We were told it’s shameful for a family to allow such things to happen to other family members, thus the family must handle this by looking out for their own.

Ephesus

Turkey is a critical ally to the United States and a real bridge to other Middle East countries that are in such turmoil.  I think in the US we have the idea that a secular, Islamic country is not possible but there is one and it's been functioning since 1923. More Americas should have this great destination on their "bucket list". They will not be disappointed and maybe even enlightened a bit about a part of the world that consumes so much of our news, our foreign policy and our future.  I know I was! 

PS I should mention that James and I also visited Greece prior to traveling to Turkey.  Although no one can deny the beauty of Greece, especially the islands, there is no comparison between countries.  Right now, Greece is a very depressing place and there is a palatable, negative spirit in the air.  There was none of that in Turkey and I’m so glad the majority of our trip was spent there!