Turkey is a democratic, secular, and constitutional republic
with a diverse culture. It is considered by many as the cradle of civilizations
throughout history due to its social, geopolitical, and strategic location as
well as the important role Turks played in the world history. Despite
challenges, it is still one of the major economic and political powers in the
region and has been longing to become a part of the European Union as a nation
who mastered the concept of a secular yet mostly Muslim country.
With such a rich history in Turkey and plenty of amazing
places to see, I always encourage my American friends and students to visit
Turkey to experience its rich culture, meet its generous people, and explore
the unique and delicious Turkish cuisine. Turkish people are very friendly and
very welcoming. They are very hospitable and have strong family ties. Although
most typical Turkish citizens prefer to live a humble life in small rural areas
and were seen by some ‘elites’ to be undereducated by their own norms, Turkish
people in general have great character and wisdom which is a rare quality these
days.
Honestly, especially when it comes to daily political life
and social matters, I have always found ordinary Turkish people to have more
wisdom and integrity than most politicians, leaders, and ‘elites’ who also call
themselves Kemalists. May be it is due to this intrinsic moral compass that
every time its leaders and politicians mess up the economic and social of the
country wittingly or unwittingly, Turkish people always find a way to change
the course of history despite unqualified politicians, wars, political
manipulations, economic crises, traumatic and stressful changes, military
coups, scare tactics, and terrorism, etc. This power is certainly elusive and
hard to obtain; a gift not granted to all people.
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