tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087209917357998348.post5759584215224374925..comments2023-04-28T15:09:19.782+03:00Comments on Turkey File: Governing Turkey - listening to the expertsAlan Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11275977153986269003noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087209917357998348.post-10451315884187785262014-06-07T23:11:52.215+03:002014-06-07T23:11:52.215+03:00Yes, back in New Zealand, I sometimes felt like cr...Yes, back in New Zealand, I sometimes felt like crying when I saw what THEY were doing to my beautiful country. Here in Turkey I can feel a little more detached. But you're right about the Turkish people!Alan Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11275977153986269003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087209917357998348.post-27828565382042596212014-06-07T14:09:04.808+03:002014-06-07T14:09:04.808+03:00Complexity is one of the words that comes to mind ...Complexity is one of the words that comes to mind when I think of Turkey. For nearly every generalization there is an equally valid generalization to be made that is the opposite of the first. Ancient/modern, secular/religious, affluent/impoverished. <br />I was struck by the banner and the map of Turkey that hung to the left. It seemed, even to one who couldn't translate the words, to be a strident display in a neighborhood more noteworthy for lovely gardens and tranquil terraces. <br />I was surprised on our return to learn that there had been several major political demonstrations when we were at Ephesus. It was odd to learn that this had been happening in Istanbul while we were contemplating the ruins, and that we knew nothing of it. That is, in a way, the joy of being in someone else's country and not speaking the language. For a period of time we could be removed from the political news of the day and float on a cushion of detachment.<br />What seems to be constant and immutable: the warmth of the a Turkish people and their gracious kindness to visitors. Marjorie Searlnoreply@blogger.com