Women, Easy Prey in Turkey!

The killing of women has been a rapidly rising issue in Turkey for the last decade. There is no proper research on the severity of the issue but only within the last two months 24 women being killed by their ex-husbands or ex-boyfriend, simply because they wanted to break up made it to the news. There might be many more that do not make it to the media, but even three women a week being killed over exercising their basic right of liberty is alarming.

Similar distressing news have been going on for years now and there have been numerous changes in the law to ensure the protection of women, none of which seem to help.  Most of these killings are not honor killings in rural areas. They happen in cities, they happen to regular women of various backgrounds simply because they chose to walk away from their men. The reason some of these women make it to the news, is because their families prove that they have sought police protection from the threatening men and were killed anyway, as the system has failed them.

The law is there to protect them but application failure issues are severe. It’s a matter of mindset. Most courts or members of law enforcement seem to somehow have sided with the threatening men in these cases. In one incident a governor of a smaller region is claimed to have told a school teacher, who was desperately seeking for help,

“What can happen? The worst would be, you dying.”

And she did.

Her ex boyfriend ambushed her in a different city, day time, on the street, she was out for shopping.

He simply shot her dead!

The delay of action has caused these women their lives, and now you see their fathers on TV telling their story with the hope that it does not happen to other daughters. So these are clearly nowhere near honor killings where a small society agrees with the outcome but on the contrary regular women who get ambushed by their ex on the street and are being murdered despite of all the protection that they had sought.

These women point out their predators, prove the severity of the threat, yet still end up dying. The law is supposedly on their side.

The problem is that law enforcement or other officials who are part of the procedure do not encounter any problems for not having done a better job in enforcing the law to protect these women. The governor, who made a joke of the teacher’s life, has not been affected at all with the outcome. She is killed, the killer was sent to jail. The governor gets on, with his everyday life.

It could have been stopped but those who did not do anything about stopping it, are not even being questioned. Of course when the next case arrives, they have no reason to pay more attention to save the victim. It is very distressing that these enforcers of the law have no respect for the liberty of life when it comes to a woman.

This reality of the situation, means those in higher up positions have to ensure that the laws they passed are actually applied. Politicians keep defending the situation by expressing how they changed the law where bureaucracy is not an obstacle anymore before a woman who seeks help.

They appear reluctant to the fact that passing the law does not seem to be enough. Human Rights watch issued a report on the severity of women killings in Turkey in 2011, two years went by and the killings only escalated.

The elephant in the room on this issue, which seems to be ignored by many, is the government’s policy on women. The prime minister openly makes statements telling women that men are not equal to women. Her role is to bear children and be part of the family.  In other words she holds no value as an individual. Her place is beside her man. When an influential leader of the nation, not only justifies but advocates this line of thought, it is no surprise that basic law enforcement is being oblivious to female rights even when they are being killed.

A female Deputy Minister of Family Affairs was making statements on the issue. She was trying to defend the situation by pointing out that Women are being battered in Norway as well. The journalist interviewing her asked: “Are you saying that in Norway 24 women are being killed by their spouses in a short period of time, such as two months?”

Her response was that the issues in Norway are more of a psychological battering nature. The upsetting part of this conversation is that she works for the ministry which is supposed to resolve this issue.

So if she is in denial, how will it get better?

Another problem is that Turkey being a phallocentric society, women do not seem to seek other women’s rights even when they hold the title which would enable change.  Phallocentric is different than patriarchal. In patriarchal societies the community is controlled by men. Phallocentric societies, although very similar, take this approach one step further.  Thus the society is structured; to favor men over women, to be centered on men or on a male viewpoint, especially one held to entail the domination of women by men. Accordingly, in situations where women have control they do not use it to better the rights of women, instead they favor the men.

The Deputy Minister also expressed that one of the female victims of battering, waived her police protection right and was ambushed after that which makes it more difficult to protect them. This victim was interviewed and it turns out the police told her to sign some papers and she trusted them. She did not even realize that she had a choice of not waving the protection. She was attacked as soon as the protection was lifted.

Using force to subdue women has become almost acceptable in the eyes of those who are there to provide social order.

This can change, as the laws to revolutionize the situation have been passed. In order to change the lack of response or to ensure that the very force who is supposed to protect these women do not trick them into waiving rights, they need to have personal loss from the outcome.

The current government may not believe that women and men should be equal, which keeps them from pressing on these issues. However, half of their votes come from female voters. It is only when women own up to their votes, that the ones in charge would feel compelled to urgently attend their issues. It takes a lot of female solidarity for that to happen. Those females who are in power positions such as; governmental positions or high up in the work force need to stop assuming that this is not their problem and own up to the more oppressed female situations.

Another heart breaking example is a thirteen year old girl who had been forced into prostitution and was raped by more than twenty men of good standing within the community. It was not considered rape as the men had paid for it. So the occurrence was treated as consensual sex. Sentences were lowered on account to consent. At the end of the trial the only sentences which were not reduced were the women’s who sold the girl to the men.

So in a situation where more than twenty men rape a little girl, most of them end up not doing jail time, and the only ones that received punishment were the female crime committers. I am not suggesting that these women who sold an innocent child should not be punished severely, of course they should but the men were equally guilty. They knew that the victim was a child, trapped in a room to be solicited. How is it that they got a simple slap on the arm? They are the actual rapers.

As mentioned earlier male point of view, shadows the perspective of justice. Men end up being less guilty than women in the eyes of the law.

There are many conversations on how to solve the problem with not much progress. The only radical change can come when women of various backgrounds unite and speak up for each other, instead of favoring the male rights.

If most women were to deny their vote to those who call them unequal, it would be a wakeup call to those in charge. This would be the most effective incentive for those responsible of guarding social order, to value a woman’s right to exist.

banugokyar@twitter.com

Time to Feel Love

Another year has come to an end and contrary to general suspicion; the world seems to be going on.  Personally this has not been a very pleasant year for me.  It was not all that bad but there have been events that caused me grief like my father’s passing, in the beginning of the year. Just as I was feeling better adjusted and able to enjoy life a little, I received some other bad news.

Thus my summer was a bit ruined due to some unfortunate events that happened to some friends of mine. So throughout the summer, I could not completely enjoy, as the thought of my friends’ discomfort kept interfering with my so called comfortable state.

Then came the fall and finally their situation got resolved. Although I was very grateful to God, a while more had to pass by before I could completely feel at ease.

Today I noticed that the day has arrived, peace and balance with no second thought has finally found me. I played with my doggies in the snow, came home made some cozy food, listened to music, read some magazines, just feeling completely peaceful. Not that I had no peace at all before but the interfering thoughts were always there. It’s like the first day of snow cleared my brain as well, or maybe peace had already arrived yesterday and the day before as well, I am not sure…

But today, I realized how priceless it is to feel simple inner peace. Whether the cause is sorrow or worry, the inability to relax and be in the moment is really a terrible state to endure.  Even when the cause might seem valid, it is just awful.

Of course I also had to face that the people that I spent my summer worrying over, could not care less about me. Such things are never pleasant to face but there is something freeing about ‘cold shower’ type of realizations.  It saves one from trying to see something good about the situation and gives clear direction on how to deal with what was just faced.

After a short while of initial resentment, it’s only today that I realized that it’s all gone. I must have accepted the situation as is and let it sink in, by now because I’m back in my peaceful state. Due to my practicing Sahaja Yoga, I do not find myself restless very often. It must be also why I get on with my pets so well. I was pleasantly surprised when a friend visiting, who got to spend a few days with me and my pets asked me if I had them trained at pet school.

“Of course not” was my response, while visualizing my darlings in a disciplined environment. “No way” is the next thought that crossed my mind. They understand the language of love, which enables me to spoil them as much as I want, yet get them to listen when I say no.

As a result, my darlings are in fact very well behaved and listen to me. Someone else noticing that made me feel proud of them.  Then again they are my best friends. Together we have a lot of fun. Their innocence pulls me in and makes me forget about the kind of people who usually have never ending problems. Bliss is the ultimate state and luckily in my case bliss does not require much. No thoughts running in my head, usually does the trick.

I know many struggle with a lot of thoughts running through their heads. It’s a joy stealer. I find meditation to be very helpful to stop thoughts. Having faced something unpleasant recently I see how people sometimes get distracted with unlikeable feelings that are caused by others. I found that letting go and accepting is the best way, because it may be impossible to make sense of other people’s actions and it is a waste of energy.  Actions can be self explanatory in a lot of cases, and even if we don’t clearly understand the reasoning behind actions, the outcome is usually what matters.

This is the key to acceptance and acceptance helps us let go, thus frees our spirit.

Inner peace is very essential, because once we lack that its absence can spoil all the rest we may have.  Having restored it, I find myself looking forward to a cozy Christmas and a wonderful new year. After all this is the season to forgive, forget and feel love….for others and for ourselves….

Merry Christmas

Sacrifice for Merit but Why Slaughter?

Now that it the Religious sacrifice period for Islam, Turkish TV channels are having discussions about religious scriptures. More air time on religious scriptures is part of Turkey’s transition into what is called a “Mildly Islamist” country. Ten years ago major news channels would not host so many religious authorities, but this is another era.

A discussion on a major news channel caught my attention. Zekeriya Beyaz, who is a professor in Islamic Religious studies, was advocating that buying live cows or sheep and having them cut and distributed to the poor is not an absolute necessity, to fulfill the religious practice of Sacrifice according to the Koran. He claimed that taking care of the needs of the poor will be the same. He also recited the verse where Sacrifice is described and pointed out that the form of Sacrifice is not described in the Koran, which should enable believers to do their religious obligation without slaughtering animals, and it shall still be equally valid.

He was up against tremendous opposition, but the other religious professors were not able to point out a verse from the Koran to back their point that it is absolutely necessary to slaughter live animals.

Now this is interesting because the Koran recognizes all prophets from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, to Mohammed to be sent by Allah. So contrary to common misconception Muslims believe that followers of all three faiths worship to the same God and the scripts were sent by the same God.

Allah is the Arabic word for God. The Koran recites the stories of the Torah and Bible. However Muslims believe that although the messages in the Torah and the Bible were sent by Allah, scriptures were written down by the followers of these faiths after the prophets had passed away, whereas the Prophet Mohammed was commanded by God to read first. They believe that this way God’s message was directly written down by the prophet. This is the main distinction according to Muslim belief, that the Koran is not influenced by human contribution but is a direct message from God.

I’ve often felt that it is an interesting contradiction that the Muslim population in the world is not known to be among the most literate communities. It kind of defies one of the main distinctions that Islam has according to Muslim belief; the ability to read God’s message for oneself.

Based on the same principle another distinction is that according to Islam nobody should be able to come in between God and a Muslim. To simplify this idea with an example; A priest extending absolution to a believer is not adopted in Islam. It is believed that the entire human race is equal in the eyes of God so absolution can be extended by God only, through praying, without the need of another human figure in between.  I do not mean to offend anyone with these explanations but merely are trying to point out the differences in beliefs.

So looking at these distinctions one would expect the followers of Islam to be respectful of Jews and Christians as the Koran clearly explains that Allah had sent their Prophets. One would also expect them to be a very well read community, since Allah commanded Mohammed to read first, and since the idea is that no one should come in between God and a Muslim, one would expect Muslims not to feel in a position to tell others how to be more religious. However, because it is expressed that the message shall be made known to those who do not know, mankind took this to another level and most Muslims do tell others more than just about the religion, but even act like an authority on the subject of what God will accept, among themselves.

This TV show was a great example of this situation. Zekeriya Beyaz tried to make a point by simply reciting the verse on Sacrifice from the Koran.

He claimed that this is the only verse on the matter and it does not define the form of Sacrifice, thus insisted that helping the poor in any other way, instead of cutting a cow or sheep to distribute the meat, shall also be acceptable.

“The verse is focused on being close to God not, on how to cut animals”, was his argument.

The other professors did not oppose that this was the only verse on Sacrifice.

Their argument was more like, “Do not be ridicules everyone knows that sacrifice is made by cutting the animals and distributing its meat to the poor.”

So I felt the need to check the verse.

Surat Al-Mā’idah (The Table Spread)

5:27 “And recite to them the story of Adam’s two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], “I will surely kill you.” Said [the former], “Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].”  (http://quran.com/5)

I was pleasantly surprised to see that indeed, there is no graphic explanation of animal slaughter but the focus is on connecting with God from the heart, to be accepted. Yet if had not checked the verse, the other professors’ oppositions were so strong and confident that it compels one to believe that they must have been right. The host of the show, which is not a religious professor but a journalist, was kind of laughing at Zekeriya Beyaz for being delusional, and kept telling him “How can you claim otherwise, the animal has to be cut, in order for acceptance by God.”

Nobody was interested in the verse.

Now as I have explained above the whole idea in Islam is that; previous prophets were also sent by Allah but because they did not write his message in their time, there is a possibility that words may have changed over time.  Whereas the Koran having been written word by word by God’s last Messenger prophet Mohammed, is a strong belief of Muslims. Yet even in a simple discussion, one professor could not get the other professors to open their mind by looking at the verse.

I personally do not define myself as a religious person but more as a spiritual person, thus I have read religious scripts of many faiths from Indian Vedas to the Torah, the Bible and the Koran. In my perspective they all advocate kindness and humility, yet when it comes down to religious practice, mankind somehow managed to burn women calling them witches in the name of Christianity or Stone women to death in the name of Islam, none of which ever made sense to me.

I guess the pitfall is mankind’s tendency to acting ritualistically as opposed to spiritually.

In the days that the Koran was written, supermarkets or refrigerators did not exist. So in order to consume meat, regardless of their faith, men had to cut an animal. The idea that rich people should once a year, sacrifice one of their animals in the name of God and distribute the meat to the poor without eating any of it themselves, does not seem at all harsh. It also makes sense that this religious period comes shortly after the Ramadan, which is a period when people fast. So a while after having fasted and understood what it is like to be hungry, one would probably have more empathy for the poor and generously distribute them meat to eat, when it is time of this holiday.

Yet in this day and age to be stuck on the ritualistic part of the practice and insisting that one has to personally cut an animal seems like missing the point of the practice. The idea is clearly about sharing with the poor, not about the ability of slaughtering animals. Yet clean cut, sharp looking professors and a journalist were defending the necessity of following the ritual, laughing at professor Beyaz who was merely pointing out the verse and suggesting all forms of help, to the ones in need should count as a sacrifice.

Throughout history of mankind there have been many religions some of which are considered mythology now. Scripts after scripts have been sent with the message of love for all of God’s creations.

According to Genesis 8:9 God told Noah:

“Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.”

Most of the world consumes meat, it is part of life. I believe that the idea in this verse is also about not being cruel. The cycle of life is so, that mankind kills animals for food just as other animals kill each other for this purpose. Luckily, societies have evolved, and figured out ways where we do not have to hunt daily to feed ourselves, or own livestock to be able to consume meat.

So why be stuck on old ways, when it comes to a religious practice which is intended to help the less fortunate?

Tranquility, Easy to Reach

It’s raining outside, the sound of the water beating against the pavement is very calming. I have finally had a good night of sleep last night, after a few days of little sleep.

A project that I had been working on for a few months now has kept me very busy lately that I did not have the time to update my blog. It involved a lot of reading on subjects that I like so I cannot complain.

Still when I finished, I found myself feeling happy to be free to read more things unrelated to the topic of my project. Days like today, when I wake up rested after a tired period, I feel blank. It is a pleasant feeling. After having to be focused on something for days, once it is finished my brain seems to relax and by going blank breaking me away from my regular life.

It is a good state to meditate.

I have been a Sahaja Yogini since 1998 yet sometimes, I still find my friends asking me if I continue my yoga practice. I’ve been practicing since college and it has become a life style for me since then. I used give free of charge, Sahaja Yoga classes in college. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, who is the founder of Sahaja Yoga, always explained that sharing love should not be charged for and established the whole organization as a non-profit entity.

Yoga means “Union” It is a way to unite with the whole, call it Divine, call it Universe…depending on one’s spiritual beliefs the terminology might change but through Yoga we connect. The western world seems to have a misconception of the word Yoga assuming that it is about body postures. This is mainly because the west was introduced to the idea of Yoga mainly through practices such as Hatha Yoga, which involve a lot of body postures.

It matched the western culture’s idea of achievement, because when you evolve your physical abilities everyone can see it. So you have proof that you are better at it and can even secretly compete with others should you wish to do so. Whereas spiritual evolvement should make one stop competing with others.

Training the body to bend a certain way also helps one be thoughtless, as one is very much focused on the position, so like some other sports, this type of posture involving yoga relaxes one.

Then again, there is so much more to uniting that seems to be missed in these modern, posture involving westernized yoga classes. The silence of meditation pulls us back into the reality. Especially, if we have lives with a fast pace, to elongate the moment in between two thoughts and go thoughtless might not seem easy at first, but there is a tremendous calming effect once achieved that state.

That blank state breaks us away from all the things that seem to matter and lets us feel the pure joy of THE MOMENT. Although it may differ from culture to culture our conditionings, make us want to mold into a certain form that we feel is acceptable and desirable. Then there are material things that we believe help us have the right look for how we want to be perceived.

Not that I see anything wrong with material achievements, my concern is more on the price that sometimes comes with it. By material, I do not necessarily mean a car or a house but even a position among society.

I feel that as long as we feel free spiritually, it is OK to chase after our dreams of achievement.  How we know whether we are free or not is simple. If we are able to feel inner joy, we are good.

However if the price comes at becoming a sort of dry person, with the inability to enjoy the simple things, there is a problem!

The ideal state should be to make it, (whatever it is we desire to make) while maintaining the ability to feel inner bliss.

One of the keys to that is getting over our conditionings. The ability to have a flexible perception on how things ought to be opens a whole new door.  Still there is more to it than the fact that it makes one, a solution finder in situations where people in the box cannot step out.

The best part is that the invisible strains created by our surroundings cannot capture us. In other words, it becomes hard to make us feel bad about who we are, according to the measurements of society.  Those silent moments where we unite with the whole on a spiritual level, helps us see everything from a different angle when it comes to the encounters with the rest on a mental level.

The clouds of thoughts and shapes disappear, leaving us with pure joy, the way it is with children. Children have the ability to tremendously enjoy playing with something as simple as a gift’s wrap, not even the gift itself. Since no one entered this world as an adult, we were all like that and the ability is actually still there.

Although it may sound, like a far away state to be in, when I try to describe it through words, it is like a type of food that one has never tasted, and understands the actual taste of it, better than any of my explanations once they have a bite of it.

Lately a girlfriend at my gym, catches me after a swim and asks me help her meditate. I love that it happens so spontaneously and it has been while since I’ve given yoga classes.  We sit next to the whirlpool where it is usually quiet and go thoughtless, while the kundalini clears out the catches on our chakras, we just enjoy the moment. Those moments of silence are not only rejuvenating but while we enjoy the moment, our world gets re-aligned.

After twenty minutes, she tells me how relaxed and good she feels. Whatever was pulling her down disappears. Of course the actual experience beats, me telling about it. What is happening is that when we are in balance, our surroundings also fall into the right balance. It is not only our perception that gets fresh eyes but also the detachment from whatever it is that is on our mind, takes away its hold on our state of mind.

The alignment that takes place during our silent moments makes things suddenly start working. Those silent moments might seem inactive but it is our connection with the whole, it is the yoga state. In other words our power to create change is not limited to our physical action.

So we do not have to choose between a joyful state and worldly achievements, they are certainly not mutually exclusive but set-backs which are a natural part of working towards a goal, will bother us less when we have the inner joy on our side.

I should probably give a little more information on the type of yoga that I practice for those readers who might desire to achieve the above explained state.

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

Sahaja Yoga

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi started Sahaja Yoga in 1970 by awakening the kundalini of masses.  In the presence of an awakened kundalini, another one can be awakened, should one desire. This realization helps us re-connect with the whole, in a spontaneous way. Sahaja Yoga means “Spontaneous Union”.

The Kundalini resides in the sacrum area of our body, and it is a female energy that we are all born with. Once our conditionings start as we grow up, she assumes a dormant position, thus upon her re-awakening we become able to have the state of joy that we had in our childhood. As the kundalini rises, she works through our chakras, and unblocks them. This spontaneous clear out, has a transforming effect on our whole being. Of the seven chakras (energy centers) each has a negative and positive quality. So if the chakra is clear the positive quality comes out and if it is blocked the negative quality manifests.

I will not go through all of them but as an example, when our center heart is blocked we might feel uneasy and restless for some moments. Some people resort to alcohol or other substances to subdue that state when it happens. Air is the element of this chakra and proper breathing while meditating is a way to clear it out instantly. Once the chakra is cleared, calmness and peace replaces the previous state of anxiety.

This “clear out” is possible during meditation, so other than the inner bliss, there is a practical side to it that helps us evolve while enjoying.

If I caused you to be curious about Sahaja Yoga, you can simply go to any one of the centers that might be in your area, free of charge, as sharing love should not cost money.

Enjoy the bliss

http://www.sahajayoga.org/worldwidecontacts/default.asp

Passionate Love

Valentines Day just went by and I could not help but notice that people seem to put a lot of importance on this day. Some strongly oppose the whole idea while others embrace it. In my opinion, days of celebration are good but placing too much emphasis never made much sense to me.

Since I do not have a lover, it was an ordinary day for me. This did not make me feel bad or anything so I have a hard time understanding why people fear spending this day alone.

Maybe I am too comfortable in my solitude, who knows?

Although I had not planned anything in particular, I received a Skype conference call from a friend inGreece. He was sitting with Uncle Theodore, whom I’m very fond of and I love listening to. Hence I ended up chatting with him through the evening listening to his analysis on Greek Mythology, talking about his book that is about to come out, on the misunderstandings of Socrates. I can hardly express how delightful it was for me to listen to his in depth knowledge on subjects that I love so much, such as Greek Mythology and Philosophy.

This was no longer an ordinary evening but an evening that had been filled with tremendous joy. It is difficult to explain to those who do not share such joys, the satisfaction that one can get out of a good book or a good discussion on a shared area of interest.

After our conversation I found myself browsing through my library looking for a book on Greek mythology. I found it and right next to it, I found another book. The 1912 edition of a collection of “Napoleon’s Love Letters.” It is a collection of his letters to Josephine.

As I started browsing through the pages I felt touched by how romantic he was. A man, who was later going to challenge the world with the intention of conquering it, was surprisingly capable of expressing such weakness against the absence of a letter from his loved one. 

 

On April 24 1796 he wrote the below lines in his letter.

“I have received your letters of 16 and 21. You have gone several days without writing to me. What are you doing? My dear, dear lover I’m not possessive, but sometimes agitated. Come quick! I’ll tell you in advance: If you hesitate, you will find me ill. The hardships and your absence, that’s too much at once. Your letters are the happiness of my days, and our happy days are not frequent.”

He was so comfortable expressing the pain she could inflict on him by not returning his feelings.

In his letter on April, 3, 1796 he had written the below sentences.

“People have no power over him who goes in vain to death. But to die without being loved by you, to die without having this certainty, this is equal to hell, which is total destruction! The thought steals my breath away. “

I am touched on how openly he articulated his feelings for her. In today’s society the majority of people seem to be contaminated with a disease called “fear of rejection” An uncaring attitude carried out by both women and men is almost considered a virtue. Personally I have never been a follower of this trend. It is rare that I am feeling sentimental towards someone so when it happens I cherish the feeling.

This also kind of explains why people have a longing to just be with someone on Valentines Day. It is almost more important to be with someone than being with someone special. As a result, I observe many people questioning whether what they feel is love or not?

My philosophy is simple, if one has doubt about their feelings there is a high chance, the relation is more than sentimental but maybe to fulfill society’s expectations.

I mean come on, when there are real feelings involved, it leaves no doubt!

One cannot stop thinking of that special someone or the thought puts a silly smile on one’s face. These signs are not only universal but very hard to miss or mistake for something else. Consequently, I am often surprised to see people analyzing themselves on these issues.

Napoleon further explains in his letters how he falls asleep imagining he had her in his arms.

Yes, that is the type of thing people in love tend to do, when they are apart from their loved ones. 

See, genuine love does not seek convenience. This must be why epic love tales are based on moving mountains for the loved ones. Yet in today’s relation stories, convenience is a big issue. Sometimes I want to tell people, “You are not buying a couch or some kitchen appliance, you are talking about how to function with another person, who is supposed to be very dear to your heart.”

I’m not suggesting that relations are easy, of course when feelings are intense so can reactions be. However at the end of the day, the special person is also the one who can make us smile just for existing, or their image in our mind can help us sleep peacefully just like Napoleon did in circumstances of war, by thinking of Josephine and that adds immeasurable value to the relation.

I’ve often been surprised with people who jump from one relation to the other. A loved one shall not be easily replaceable. I am not suggesting that one should hang on to a past love’s memory but ‘butterflies in the stomach’ may not come across us for a while after a relation is over. That is not so bad because when they dance in our stomach again, we take notice of the person who awoke that familiar sensation, and we just know how to identify what we feel towards them with absolutely no doubt.

Sources:

*Libesbriefe Napoleons

Zusammengestellt und herausgegeben von Gertrude Kircheisen

P.10, 17

“Deine Briefe vom 16. und 21. habe ich erhalten. Du hast mehrere Tage hingehen lassen, ohne mir zu schreiben. Was tust Du denn? Meine liebe, liebe Freundin, ich bin nicht eifersüchtig, nur zuweilen unruhig. Komme geschwind! Ich sage es Dir im Voraus:  Wenn Du zögerst, wirst Du mich krank finden. Die Strapazen und Deine Abwesenheit, das ist zu viel auf einmal. Deine Briefe sind das Glück meiner Tage, und unsere glücklichen Tage sind nicht haeufig.”

 “Die Menschen vermögen nichts über den, der fruchtlos in den Tod geht. Nun aber, zu sterben ohne von Dir geliebt zu sein, zu sterben ohne diese Gewissheit zu haben, das ist Höllenequal, das ist gaenzliche Vernichtung! Der Gedanke daran raubt mir den Atem.”

But We Had More Memories to Make…

Sudden death is hard to cope with, for the ones left behind. I suppose it is good for the one who leaves this earth. Going without suffering much, is ideal. I lost my father last week and it hurts immensely. We have not had the best relation, yet oddly I would always worry about this day. I guess deep down I had hopes to work things out among us, although I was not willing to do much about it. The reason that I could not bring myself to resolve things was mostly because it hurt me too much.

Then a few months ago something changed. I found myself enjoying our little chats, even calling him. I guess I should find solace that I had forgiven him before he passed, yet the pain keeps taking me over. Most of my memories with him go way back to my childhood. I was finally ready to make new memories, but he is gone now.

I find myself trying to justify the pain I feel or the fact that I loved him. I find myself telling people that I am making snow days when I am actually grieving and cannot get myself to do much. I tried to go swimming a few days ago because it usually makes me feel better.  As I was in the water I found myself reminiscing that he was the one who taught me how to swim when I was only two years old. I swim a few days a week and this thought never occurred to me. Since he passed memories seem to flow.

He did not like me to swim in wavy sea waters, but one day when I was around eleven years old, I almost got drowned. The current had pulled me in and I was out of sight. He was a great swimmer, so he jumped into the water with his clothes on, to get me out. He could not find me because the waves and current kept me in. As a large wave kind of spat me out, I found myself on the shore. He was furious that I went into the water when the waves were man high and he had told me not to, but that day he explained to me theoretically how to swim in such waters, just in case it happened again, to ensure that I could survive.

 

“Never go against the waves, rise with them, fold with them and you will be able to go forward. Obey nature and the sea will give you way.”  were his words.

He liked nature, discussions on history and theology and so do I.

He was good looking, charming, humble, and very polite; yet spoke his mind openly without sugar coating what he has to say, while managing not to offend anybody. I never heard him yell at anyone.

As a little girl I thought that he was my ally. I knew he would buy me the facial paint set that mom refused to buy (knowing that I would make a mess), which he did. Mom was the disciplinary, he was the fun daddy. If I really misbehaved, he would just say,

 

“I will tell your mom.”

 

I would object saying “No come on, you cannot do that!” In my mind we had a code of honor, we were good friends.

He had taught me how to play poker when I was six or seven. I have no idea how to play now, I completely forgot, but at the time he let me win each and every time. Of course as a little girl, I was so sure that I was beating him and that I was a terrific card player.

One day as we were walking down the street, he told me that I could go to him whenever I had a problem, no matter what my problem was. I was probably seven years old and had just started school when this conversation occurred.

I said “OK” after a small moment of silence, I asked

 

“Daddy what’s a problem?”

He laughed and told me that as I grew up, I may come across situations when I do not know what to do and that I would never need to hide them from him. I should just go to him and he would help me.

As a child I desired to have a problem to share with him, it seemed like a privileged situation, where I would be sharing a secret with him.

Sadly later in life, he was the last person that I ever felt that I could go to when I encountered a troubled situation. However, recently I had realized that whenever we spoke, his calm voice was calming me too.

When I received the call last week that informed me that he had passed in the morning I found myself bursting into tears hysterically. I did not know what to do with myself, nor called anyone. My mother has a way of feeling me; she popped by unannounced and found me in tears. She tried to ease my pain. It has only been a week, so the sudden crying crises kick in at the least expected moments, but I know that time is the only thing that can help relieve the pain. I have to wait it out.

Meanwhile I have puppies who naturally have no idea of what goes on in my life, who cry when hungry, distract me by being naughty and kiss me relentlessly which in fact helps. My grown doggies make me go out and walk in the freezing weather because they need to relieve themselves, which is good because not much else could get me out the door for a leisurely walk these days. Since they enjoy the snow, they take their time too. They must feel my sorrow as they do not much leave my side, especially Shylo. He is always right by my side these days. Work continues as usual. Actually I had to attend work matters the day I got the news, as the next day. It made me wonder how people manage to grieve by putting things on hold. Silence seemed more painful the first two days. I know time will help me, ease my sorrows.

In movies death always causes people to see things with a new perspective. I realized that it is true. Putting things off when there are emotions involved is really not a good idea. We really do not know what’s next. So I find myself more expressive of my affection, even towards those who might not so much suspect it….

The Nouveau Riche

I was chatting with my father the other day and somehow the subject went to my great-great-great grandfather from his side. About 150-200years ago he was a scholar and a large property owner. This was a period before modern Turkey was formed. Aside from managing his vast properties, he was a perfume maker. Mastering a job of skill was common in Ottoman tradition. Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent for example was a great conquer but also a jewelry maker. My ancestors from the father’s side were into pleasant scents. My great-great-great grandfather had built a splendid Hamam for personal use. It was destroyed in time, but when he had built it, it was famous for its superbness. This also explains my passion for perfumes, scented creams, and spa days. It runs in the family for over 5 generations, if not more.  

After the conversation was over I realized something about my family. Both from the Mother and the Father’s side they have been around long before the formation of modernTurkey. This gives me information about the era that cannot be learned from books.

The common conception is that with the formation of the Turkish Republic, women have been liberated. It is true that Atatürk changed the law, so that women could vote decades before French or Italian women. Then again life for women during the Ottoman era was never the way it has been in other Muslim countries.

My Mother’s grand mother for example was the daughter of another vast property owner. Her husband was very well educated, yet not as wealthy as herself. Education seemed more important as her family was already very well off and culture was very much valued within the family. She was a well read, elegant lady surrounded by servants, but also very sporty. She could ride her horse as well as most men, if not better. In the early nineteen hundreds, one day her husband went hunting with his crew and they got snowed in, in the mountains. The crew came back without her husband. They told her that the blizzard was too severe; they could not possibly reach the area where he was lost.

Her response was simple;

I am not leaving my husband to die in the blizzard!

She hopped on a horse, went into the blizzard, climbed the supposed impossible to reach area, found her husband in an unconscious state. She got him on her horse all by herself and brought him back to safety. She had saved his life while risking her own without hesitation and none of the men in the crew had her courage. Years later, she divorced the same husband because she did not want to be with him anymore. Not only was she strong but very independent too.

One of her daughters, who would be my Mother’s aunt became one of the first female bank directors, when Atatürk was putting Turkey through a series of revolutions.  As a bank director, there were male employees reporting to her. Considering the mother that had brought her up this was not a problem. In this period there were not many female managers, in the world yet. The men in my mother’s side of the family have been respecting women as their equal for more than 150 years, which is as far as it came up in family stories. Then there are things that one does not learn from stories but they simply run in the family. The importance of proper language skills is one of them. My Grand Parents from both sides have passed away, but my Mother’s uncle is still alive.  When he speaks, his Turkish is so refine, yet his abilities of precise expression are so naturally advanced that it almost sounds like poetry. He is equally fluent in German as he studied Economics in Germany. This was a period long before the gastarbeiter era, but a time when Turks and Germans still had an ongoing alliance left from Ottoman relations. Anyhow I was educated in the US and upon my return, I was using some English words while speaking Turkish. I recall precisely how my mother warned me that this was an ignorant person’s trait.

“An educated person should be able to express themselves very well in their native language and then they can also be very fluent in multiple more languages. “were her words. Needless to say that it did not take me too long to clear up my Turkish, to the extend that I’ve become a published writer in my native tongue.

Getting back to the subject of women’s liberation along with the formation of the republic; there are so many stories in my own family that the idea that women were completely disrespected during the Ottoman era and then suddenly completely liberated with the formation of modern Turkey is absurd. Atatürk has saved the nation by showing great leadership when the Empire was falling apart. He did put the nation through a series of revolutions, which were necessary to create a better life for the public in general. He was a great leader.

Lately however some blame him for anything that may have gone wrong, while others blame every thing that went wrong on his ‘absence’. The truth of the matter is that the nation went through many changes and some important bricks that create the foundation of any society were neglected.

How did that happen?

The Nouveau Riche

Naturally every revolution creates its own power figures. As the country was re-built after the war, new opportunities were formed. Those who were close to the new government became very rich, in maybe a decade of time. Some of these families are still very wealthy. As Modern Turkey is not even a hundred years old, the grandfathers of these people who did not come from a fortunate upbringing but seized the opportunities presented to them, go mostly two generations back. The Grandfathers who made the money, passed away within the last decade. Some of them never lost their country side accent. Their stories have given hope to the rest of the society.

Servants or small time merchants that made it to be the tycoons of the country!

The fact that they did not belong to a certain high class, could not stop them from achieving success. It all sounds promising, only the ways to all those riches were not all that innocent. Turkey had gone through a period were foreign goods were banned and a few families had monopolized the market. The close relations to the government had helped them all the way. The law was as good as, at their disposal. This happened after Atatürk had already passed away. The shift of money to a different class has somehow affected the rest of the culture as well. Nowadays it is almost impossible to come across anyone well off, whose ancestors were not peasants. Many who like to consider themselves as members of a certain elite, link their own past to the days that the republic was formed and almost denounce the periods prior to that.

I often hear words such as “The Ottomans were ignorant!”

My natural response is, “Who do you think the Ottomans are?”  They are our past. It took me a while to figure out the depth of the ongoing polarization in the nation. Lately it is almost like some Turks accept the Ottomans as their past and have a disliking against Atatürk and others dislike the Ottoman periods and accept the history of Modern Turkey as their past.

I must explain for my readers who are not familiar with Turkish history that the above expressed distinction is absolute nonsense and is not based on historical facts but more about a desire to be related to a certain period in the past more than another period.

Otherwise by historical means of definition, the Ottoman Empire was formed and lead by Turks, and when it fell apart after WWI, a tough war had to be fought to fend off foreign invasion, after which Modern Turkey was formed, with the leadership of Atatürk.

Atatürk Next to a Young Teacher

Anyhow the nouveau riche, have strictly identified themselves with the modern values of the new formed republic such as secularism. Their two generations old, vast amounts of money,  along with lack of class has made vulgarity more acceptable among the new elite. In the more traditional Turkish higher class upbringing, flashing off material possessions is considered distasteful. Treating the less fortunate with nothing but kindness is one of the unspoken obligations of members of a class that is accustomed to be served for many generations, thus the “nouveau riche wannabes” who are clueless of such details, make a point of being harsh with the waiter that attends their table. The wannabes are those who look up to the wealthy as role models and imitate their lack of manner, by doubling or tripling it. The unfortunate result is banal behavior to have some sort of acceptance within the culture.

Ironically within the last decade a new group of “nouveau riche” is being formed. The mildly Islamist party has been running the country for a decade and those who are close to them have become richer.  Now the two generation old rich families, who did not care to do anything for the country for decades, look down on the newly rich ones, and blame them for destroying the country. Fifteen years ago some of these key families had a lot of influence over many important areas such as the media, the military, even the changes in law.

Now they almost claim guardianship over Atatürk’s legacy of secularism, but what most fail to see is that Atatürk tried to plant the seeds of turning Turkey into a “People’s State”.

Many followers conveniently, missed that point as it would interfere with their “Monopolize the Market” agenda. Three decades ago the importation of many items were banned, punished by jail time and the whole nation could only buy products produced by certain family businesses that turned into empires in a short period of time.

Another point that was missed was guarding cultural values. Naturally the Nouveau Riche, some of which controlled the media, was not bothered by the erosion of the language. Their own parents did not speak “High Turkish” either, so why should it be important to create role models, who would ensure that such values would not be lost to new generations?

Demure is one of the important signs of the traditional Turkish elite class. Sadly it has become rare to come across and is certainly not imitated by the new generations.

The mildly Islamist newly rich families are under the illusion that before Atatürk everyone was extremely religious. My Mother’s father was an atheist. He may have lived his adult life during the modern Turkey era, but previous generations of his family were not very religious either. I keep referring back to my own family because these days, each end of the polarized nation seems to have a different idea on how things used to be.

The fact of the matter is that a certain class was modern also during Ottoman times. Atatürk made an effort to extend that modernity to the rest of nation, while making revolutions that would help the commoners receive better education and have better rights through the democratic voting system. After he passed away, those who claim to share his views have not done much to ensure that the country would become a functioning  people’s state. As explained above everyone seemed busy, while a few families were monopolizing the market. After decades of negligence and looking down on country men by the rulers, the mildly Islamist party appeared to show more concern about the public’s basic needs. In return the people have embraced them.

Some complain that the culture is being eroded due to the shift of power, but the culture had been eroding long before that and the previous nouveau riche have not set the best example.  They are vulgar and distasteful, so are the new ones. The only upside for the people is that the new power figures feel more obliged to embrace the people, which is ironically more in the steps of Atatürk’s legacy……..go figure!

The Art of Communication

Puppies Responding to Words with Kisses

These days I have something special yet temporary in my life. Since I know that it cannot last forever, I try to savior every moment. My doggie had given birth and now the puppies are about two months old. They are such a delight to be around, it is heavenly. I wish they could always remain so cute. Every moment I spend with them they bedazzle me with a different move. A few days ago I noticed that they were responding to the sound of food dropping into their bowl. As soon as they hear it they come running inside from the garden. All of them hop with a sense of urgency, it is cute.When  I am not around to pay attention, I do not like to let them stay outdoors. So when I have to leave the house, to get them to come inside I would pour some food in the bowl and they would all run in. Today they were full and the weather was too nice, so three of them did not come to the sound. I started talking loudly in the high pitch voice that I only talk to them saying “Baby, baby, baby my sweet baby” then I heard them hopping in rush, to come kiss me.

 Of course my heart melted right then and there!

I was so touched that they were showing the same kind of enthusiasm to the idea of coming in to kiss me that they normally show towards food. In a puppy’s life, food is basically all they care for, as they mainly eat, play and sleep. Not that grown doggies are much different but at least they understand when I say “NO” whereas the puppies seem under the impression that “NOOO!” means “Go right ahead!”

Anyhow to make a long story short, their presence and every behavior makes me very happy. I am used to getting covered in tiny little muddy paw prints all over me, as they like to climb onto me, the way they climb onto each other. When I squat, they kiss me, bite me, and pull my hair, all with tremendous enthusiasm.

I go through my days with major contrast in the way I look, as I like chic attires, which is normal but becoming so muddy everyday is new to me. When I come back to my life with fine clothes, business meetings and a polished look, I find myself eager to go back to my muddy little rascals.

Treating Art as a Simple Form of Currency

A short while ago I attended to an art event. This was neither the first nor the last art event that I would visit, but there was something significant about it that made me think of the experience later on. I was invited to a private lounge within the venue and the bank that owns the launch hired an art expert to walk us through the galleries.

I went to college inSan Francisco, so I imagined this occasion would be something like in mySan Franciscodays. People of the Bay Area are very open minded and seeing a new dimension of anything and looking for depth is verySan Francisco. The Hippie move started in Haight Ashbury (San Francisco) toured the world, ended in Berkeley (Bay Area). Therefore gatherings of all sorts were always interesting in this town.

Anyhow, my experience at this occasion was nothing like that; in fact I was surprised with the banking lady who approached me at the VIP launch. She told me that art is a good investment.

Ok it is!

But the way she built up to this sentence made me feel like, in her mind that’s all it is.

I kindly said “Is that so?”

She kept telling me the profits some people made.

As she was going on, I had a flash back vision in my mind the way it happens in movies.

A few years ago at the same event I fell in love with a painting. It was a couple kissing. Nothing original about it, but I could hardly break away from it. My mother bought it and that weekend on the Sunday art section of most papers’, it was featured as one of the most outstanding items. I had no idea when I fell in love with it, but mom was not the least bit surprised. I was drawn to it as it had moved me, simple as that!

For me, in spite of the regularity of it’s theme that was no ordinary kiss!

I had kissed that way, felt that way…it had spoken to my heart

Of course I did not tell this story to the banking lady.

She would probably look at me and think that I am a romantic fool, which I certainly am!

 I just sat there as she went on.

When the tour started, the expert’s lack of passion made me feel a little disappointed but I did not want to disrespect her, by simply walking away.

Then I heard someone whispering in my ear “Have you had enough? Shall I save you?” A friend of mine who owns a gallery was exhibiting at this event, and the person whispering in my air with the most amused facial expression was her father.

I said, “Yes please” 

There I had my excuse to walk away.

Later, my friend introduced me to the artist who was displaying his work through her gallery. The poor man shook my hand and told her, “Yes I noticed her. She actually looked at my paintings.”

So were others just chatting away without bothering to see what’s on display?

No Need for Words When the Heart Speaks

Then a few days later, when I was in my muddy paw print look, walking with my dogs who cannot stop hugging me, right after they jump in mud, the owner of a fish restaurant by the Boshphorus that I walk pass everyday approached me. He asked me if I could maybe help them move their dog Tommy, to the terrace. Tommy is literally bigger than me. He is only seven months old and when he is tied outside he likes to hug Delilah and me as well. (more paw prints) I love the little giant. His owner must have seen us interact. The Chef came as well and they started telling me how Tommy does not want to climb stairs and because of his strength, he cannot be pulled up or anything, he needs to be convinced.

It is not very common in my culture for men, to ask a small framed woman to help with a giant of a dog, so I was pleasantly surprised.

It got me thinking later, why would they think that Tommy would obey me, as opposed to them? Then I realized that they see me communicate with my doggies all the time.

Yes! I talk to my doggies with full sentences and I know they understand me very well. They may not be able to talk back with words but they sure express themselves. The trick is that I talk through my heart and doggies acknowledge that immediately.

It also made me realize that sometimes I am better at understanding what a dog says without words than what a person says with words. So the contrast is not only in my clothes but my worlds.

Why do people have to complicate everything?

The banking lady was standing in a venue surrounded by items created by other human beings who try to express themselves in other ways than saying things directly; possibly more bold, more striking ways, yet all she could focus on was that someone, not even herself, someone could make money off this.

The inability to enjoy beauty for what it is must be some kind of curse.

What I love most about all forms of art, is that very communication aspect that connects us all. A song can make millions of people tap into the same emotion. The one who composed it, not only connected millions under the same feeling, but also let’s them express their feelings through his/hers musical ability. Those who are better at putting their emotions into their work and letting it speak to others are considered better artists, because more are drawn to their work.

A lot of things are much simpler than they seem. People sometimes build a clutter that acts as a barrier of joy. Going through motions for the sake of appearances is one of the sneakiest bliss stealers but people do it all the time.

Whether it is time with puppies, an art event, a concert or a good dinner, we all try to relax and enjoy in our spare time, that only happens when we simplify it and appreciate the actual thing instead of getting lost in the sideshow, such as who we see there, who gets to see us, what is profitable…..

Battling Womanizers

I have three doggies, and I love spending time with them. It all started with one stray doggie befriending me, while I was meditating in the garden. I named him George and in time he became mine. He helped me overcome my fear of dogs. Although I always loved them, when I found myself, against gangs of stray doggies barking away, I used to be terrified. Being a former street dog, George chased them away, along with my fear. In time Delilah joined the family, she is a pure breed Kangal. One night she walked into the garden, George fell in love with her. I was puzzled what to do about her, and then my mom took control of the situation and found her owner. He did not mind selling her, as he was a breeder and she ran from him. Delilah never returned George’s affection but they made good friends. It turns out Kangal females, hardly ever mate outside the breed.  As she entered our lives with a bit of a seductress attitude, I named her Delilah. Her type is very special and currently under UNESCO protection. They are shepherd dogs known to protect the herd from wolves. Their ability to kill wolves;  protects  them from human killing methods such as poisoning, which leads to overkill as more than a few wolves are taken out with the poisoning method, which endangers them. Whereas Kangal protection, keeps them away from the herd while letting them live. The Kangal kills only those who attack.

Delilah

Delilah is a typical Kangal she is very possessive, very protective, yet extremely sensitive and proud. She will not disobey, and literally cries if she does not get the attention she wants. Given that she is considered gigantic in size, it is very interesting to see her whine like a baby, when she does not get her way.

George

George is also overprotective he is a mixed breed of Kangal and Golden Retriever. He likes to act in charge and is a bit too loud. People used to beat him a lot when he was alone on the street. It is almost like he is intimidating people as payback. Then again he has the Golden gene which makes him cuddly and loving towards some strangers while totally hostile towards others. He likes his freedom and I respect that, unlike other doggies he will never beg for food and walk away with pride as he has managed to survive on his own, for as long as he had. He will want love and attention but food does not motivate him the least bit.

Naughty Shylo Covered in Mud

My third doggie is Shylo baby; he is a Husky, only ten months old yet. He is sweet, very handsome and very naughty. Unlike the others, he hardly ever barks, but howls sometimes. He is playful and spoiled and I cannot stop spoiling him. He sleeps in my bedroom as I cannot trust to leave him unattended. He has chewed away my high heels and antique books. His joyful attitude and kisses make him very charming. Also he punishes himself by sitting quietly in a corner, with an “I know I am guilty” look on his face, after he has been bad. He likes to bend the rules and I cannot be too mad as I am a rule bender myself, so I cannot help but relate which makes me a bad discipliner, yet a happy dog owner.

Their presence keeps me in the moment and away from complicated human emotions at times. Everything is very simple and joyful for them which cheers me up mostly.

The way I am connected to them helps us communicate very well. Delilah gave birth recently and I helped her. A few years ago no one could convince me, that I had it in me to assist a dog’s birth process. I thought I was one of those people who cannot see blood. Actually I was sure of it. This experience showed me once again that we are not clear on our potential until a situation presents itself where it is tested.

Delilah's Babies

One morning, I was in bed and heard a cry coming from the garden. As I looked out the window I saw something in her mouth, frankly at first I thought she caught a rat or something. Then it hit me she had her first born in her mouth and the baby was crying. She kept dropping it. My natural instinct was to go help her, after all I am her guardian, I ‘m used to taking care of her. So I collected the babies, which she for some reason dropped at different parts of the garden, helped her clean them, and made sure she felt safe about their wellbeing. The birth took a few hours and once she was done I collected them in a basket and brought them inside the house, as she was very uneasy on how to protect them. She was not able to carry them without dropping and did not feel good about leaving the rest while carrying one. Anyhow inside the house she chose my bedside as a good spot, so I placed all the babies there and she started feeding them. This was normally Shylo’s sleeping spot, so I guess being so close to me must make them somehow feel safe.

Every few hours I would collect the babies into the basket, clean the floor and Delilah would go out for a few minutes. This went on for a few days and then she felt comfortable enough to use the crib that is specially designed for the occasion and big enough for her and the babies. I had to hand-feed her mostly, as she would not leave the babies even to feed herself for a few days. Later on she relaxed and started eating properly yet became very thin. Then one night as I was sleeping she came into my bedroom. She is very smart and knows how to open doors even with round door knobs which amazes me. Anyhow, she woke me up and was clearly very sick. I felt terribly worried; she just dropped her large frame on the floor looking awfully weak. I placed some honey on her gums. It is a trick I learned a while back. Sweets are not good for them but when dogs are very sick and spit out anything you give them, a little honey on the gums gives them nutrition and is impossible to spit out.

Then I boiled her some eggs as that is something she loves. She ate some, but still was very weak. The next day the vet gave her antibiotic shots for a few days, and explained that she could not feed the babies anymore. She was feverish and too weak. They had ripped open one of her breasts. While going through this period, a few things amazed me.

One of them was her mother instinct that she tried to feed the babies while they were painfully clutching on the wound. Of course I would not let them and she guided me on how to take care of them through her eyes and her whining. It was astonishing. Here I was attending her bloody wound, cleaning it and applying ointment, which is tricky as she wants to lick the area, better yet let the babies suck on it. Her pain and the situation made me once again, forget that I could not see blood once upon a time. I also tried applying Aloe Vera from the plant in my garden, after cooling it in the fridge. At least this way she was feeling relived while it was perfectly OK if she licked it.

She has recovered after a few days of medicine, love and attention. Because I did not let her near the babies, fearing that they will suck on her wound making it worse, until she was fine, she used to wake me up at around 4 am, to get me to feed her babies. If I went to bed after feeding them, she woke me up again, making sure I clean each one with a baby wipe, as normally she licks them each clean. It has been an interesting experience for me. Thank God she is up and running again and the babies have moved onto dry food.

Shylo is back in his sleeping spot. George is annoyed with all the crowd and likes to spend time in the garden away from the others. He never ganged up with other doggies when he lived on the street, so he still is the same. He enjoys the company very much but likes his privacy too. Shylo likes to run from me, making me chase after him. He let’s me be when I am working on something but somehow knows when I am done and drags me to the garden to play with him. If he feels sick, he runs into the house finds me. It is a bit annoying that he comes inside to throw up, but I understand it, he runs to me when he is sick and that I cannot be mad about.

This might seem like a long introduction to another story that I am about to tell, but it is relevant. My doggies mean a lot to me, they are my friends and I feel very protective over them. We have fun together and they are very jolly always jiggling their tails.

A few days ago, I took all three of them for a small walk by the Bosphorus. We passed through a small park, reached the seaside and had some fun. I usually do not put George on a leash as it is too much to keep all three on a leash. They are young, strong and all together weigh a lot more than me. On the way back home, as we entered the park, I stopped to catch my breath for a moment. This was an area that cannot be seen from anywhere and no one was around. Two men came and George barked at them. I told him to stop and told the guys to just keep walking. One of the guys picked a small pebble to throw at George, which did not bother me so much; I know what it is like to fear a barking dog. The guy wants to feel safe I thought. Instead of walking away he picked up a large beer bottle.

I told him “Don’t throw it!”

He said “I will throw it he should not bark.”

I said “He has a right to exists, just walk away, I am alone here, he barks to protect me, he is just a dog, let him be.”

He said “He can exist but he barks, so I will throw it.”

As he moved his hand up, to throw the bottle at George, I said”If you throw that bottle I will release her, showing Delilah.” (Most people know Kangal’s, reputation for killing wolves)

He threw it while saying, “Release her, what can she do?”

I did release her, as Shylo’s leash was attached to hers they both went, cornered the second guy. My baby Shylo is sweet but looks scary to some, as he resembles a wolf with his white coat and colored eyes.

George had moved to the side to escape the bottle, and cornered the guy who threw it barking at him like hell.

The guy Delilah and Shylo were barking at was literally shaking in his spot. He could not function. Like I said I used to fear dogs, I can relate to that panicky feeling, so when I saw him shaking I grabbed her leash, and said “If you are so scared, why did you not say so?” we walked away.

In the park I saw some men who are regulars and like to drink some beer there. They know George and pet him usually; they were surprised with his ongoing hostile attitude. I told them, that two guys had just disturbed us and that he was still in his protective mood, not letting anyone much talk to me.

So as we kept walking the two guys came after us, they found some rocks to throw at Delilah. They were yelling “I will kill your dog.”

I could not believe it!

They threw one of the rocks at her, which was not good idea. I saw a side of my baby that I could not possible imagine. She did not move or shake the least bit, and was braking in the most intimidating way. So as I held on tight to her leash, I pepper-sprayed the guy’s face. He had come close enough for me to do so.

The wind diffused the spray and protected his eyes, but the fact that I attacked him for attacking my dog shocked him. The men from the park came to pull him away, saying “What are you doing, that is a lady.” He kept yelling” What kind of lady is this, a lady should know her place.” Repeating “What kind of lady is this?”

Anyhow I walked away, with my doggies. Since Delilah’s breed is famous for their killing abilities in order to protect, throwing rocks at her was a bad idea. The first story above, probably makes it clear how much I care about all of them, the fact that some guys would dare attack them in front of me, still enrages me. If the doggies harmed those guys in defense, they would be guilty, how to explain that these idiots kept attacking us with rocks.

After the whole thing was over, I realized that the guys had a problem not only with my dogs, but with my self confidence. Their strong accent suggests that they were from the South-East of Turkey where honor killings and women oppression is a great problem. So they could not accept that a woman disabled them with her dogs and then walked away from them.

They had to make me suffer; remind me that I am a woman.

I had to be the one trembling and shaking not them!

The fact that I collected Delilah and with an attitude that says “Oh you are scared…”  almost like “It’s Ok don’t be..” and walked away, must have been the greatest insult of their life.

This is why they had come back for revenge. Hoping to disable my dog, taking away my power, so when I pepper sprayed them without hesitation while confidently saying “You cannot do this, I won’t let you.”  They were shocked.

Probably happy to allow the men who pull them away to do so, as their pride dictates to be pulled away. They cannot walk away from the situation. I am sure that they oppress the women in their life so terribly, that a come back from a woman is beyond their imagination.

This is a sad fact of my country, and is getting worse by the year. The Mild Islam program that many find so appealing, does encourage these womanizers to push females around, while expecting the rest of the society to side with them. I’ve had pepper spray since college. I’ve lived seven years in America, while attending college. I’ve been to India, Asia, Africa, and Europe on my own, many times. When people who see the pepper spray-can asked me “Does it even work?” My response used to be “I don’t know, thank God I never had to use it.”

Yet this is the second occasion in one year that I had to pepper spray a man, for attacking me. I am the kind of person, who would do anything to avoid such situations, but if I am already in the situation, surely I will fight like hell.  Still the above mentioned affair occurred  mid-day, in one of the best neighborhoods of Istanbul.

How to avoid that?  Not walk my dog without a man? Is that what they hope to achieve?

Literally, everyday I see another woman on the news who has been killed by her boyfriend/husband or ex-husband. These violent men live among us and believe that it is OK to pick on ladies. I have no idea how things will get better for women, but I know that the problem is more serious than many realize. I believe that these guys will think twice before they mess with another woman, but the big picture is so distressing that this does not give me much relief…

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/06/09/turkey-backward-step-women-s-rights

Could a Religion be About Terrorism?

It has been a decade since the 9/11 attacks. The world was shocked to see how vulnerable America was against such a horrible strike. At first, the enemy was the terrorist organization Al Qaeda headed by Osama Bin Laden. In time the enemy became Islam. It was interesting to see the change in perception.

In 2003 Al Qaeda bombed the HSBC headquarters, the British Embassy and some Jewish Temples inIstanbul. In spite of the strategic places where the bombs were placed, the people who died were mostly Turks, Jewish and Muslim. Bin Laden had no problem attacking a Muslim nation and he was not yet perceived as the symbol of Islam by Christian countries.

How that happened often puzzles me, although I recall reading articles on the subject in the late nineties, long before 9/11 had occurred. Political forecasts at the time were suggesting that the threat of communism is going to be replaced by the threat of Islam. Frankly, it seemed a bit far off at the time. I had grown up in a secular Muslim country. The pieces I read were suggesting that the American public needs an enemy and with the cold war ending, communism could no longer be considered much of a threat, so it was going to be Islam.

Time proved the argument to be true. Fifteen years later we see an American public, with the idea that Islam means terror.

Could that really be the case? Could a religion that has the second largest following in the world be about terrorism?

“Come on who is going to believe that?” is what crossed one’s mind back in 1997.

Hollywood movies from the cold war era always picture the Russian as the bad guys and movies dated after 2001 always portray the Muslim, mostly Arabs as the bad guys.

How is this relevant?

It is no secret that the majority of the public is very much influenced by such movies. Not only in America but in most countries the general public does not have in depth information on history, or cultures of different nations.

The fact that Al Qaeda placed bombs in Istanbul makes them the enemy to Muslims as well. Yet the perception was never so, it was more like Osama calls for Jihad, he does it in the name of Islam so all Muslims shall be in agreement with him.

Really?

The world of Islam may not at all be in agreement with Al Qaeda but there is another point that seems to be missed, which often puzzles me. Millions of Muslims had died in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine.

 How is that they do not matter?

What kind of mindset justifies attacks when they come from one side and condemns them when from a different side?

This draws my attention back to the Hollywood movies. They create a myth that is fun to buy into. In most of these movies,  American values are highlighted in every possible way, where people matter! America is mostly featured as the invincible police of the world, the country that ends disputes and makes things right. The truth however turned out to be a little different. When Housni Mubarek, tried to hold on to his dictatorship, before it was known to the world that the people of Egypt were ready to die, before backing down, President Obama made a statement saying ” Our priority in the region is stability, over democracy.”

The rest of the world interpreted this as “We get on with this dictator, he listens to us, tough luck that the people are not fond of him.”

After a courageous fight of the people, everyone decided to support the public as opposed to the dictator.

How is this relevant?

Well, all these movies make it look like American soldiers are in the Middle-East or Afghanistan, trying to establish democracy for the people. Those who fight back are never perceived as people who defend their country, but surely terrorists.

Arabs live in caves, in most of these movies. I’m sure the writers of those movie scripts have no idea that the Algebra class that they possibly struggled with is named after the Arabian chemist Al-Gebir. 

Yes! It is the Arabs who advanced the world in something that is needed in many fields from Aerospace to computing.

The word Checkmate comes from the Arabic Shah-Mat. French borrowed their word from Arabic shah mat “the king is dead”. The Arabic phrase is made up of shah “king”, a word borrowed from Persian (as in the Shah of Iran) plus mat “died” from Mata “to die”.

The oldest known Chess books or parts thereof are in Arabic, written about 850 AD.

Yes! Arabs were writing books on chess, long before the western world ever heard of the game.

Aristotle’s teachings were first written in Arabic and later translated into Greek from the Arabic, scriptures. Guess why? Because the Eastern world had the appreciation to write his work before the rest could recognize his importance.

“Ibn Sīnā, or Avicenna as he is better known, was an outstanding Persian scientist around the beginning of the 11th century; he was the true successor to Aristotle. His writings on medicine and drugs, which were particularly authoritative and remained so until the Renaissance, did much to bring the works of Aristotle back to Europe, where they were translated into Latin from Arabic.” (http://www.britannica.com/facts/5/498724/Avicenna-as-discussed-in-biology)

Ibn Sina recognized and made Aristotle known to the East in 11th century, the Renaissance happened between the 14th and 17th century.

It took the European three to five hundred years to acknowledge their own philosopher and for that they needed the Arabic scripts.

Ibn Sina also wrote medical textbooks in Arabic, which doctors like Maimonides used all over the Abbasid Empire and (once they had been translated into Latin) all over Europe too all through the Middle Ages. Ibn Sina may have been the first person to realize that you could catch diseases like measles or smallpox or tuberculosis from other people.

I could go on with many more examples, but the point that I’ve been trying to establish is that Arabian or Persian scientist and philosophers have advanced the world in vital areas such as medicine, science, philosophy and much more. Portraying them as tribal people living in caves is simply absurd and shows ignorance of the portrayer. I do not mean to blame the world’s chaos on a bunch of movies but no one can deny their influence. The entertainment industry has no obligation to enlighten people. Then again all that misleading might have caused people to have a false sense of security while trapped in those buildings during 9/11 and kept them from trying to find a way out when they had the chance.

Al-Qaida’s attack on innocent civilians has been condemned by the world, but as mentioned earlier in the article they had attacked Istanbul as well, and killed Muslims. Terrorism is a terrible thing to suffer from but the assumption that anyone who follows the same faith or speaks the same language with the attacker is also a potential terrorist is just absurd.

Considering all the help of advanced technology in this time and age one would hope that members of different civilizations would understand each other, as opposed to clashing with one another. When a movie like the Avatar comes out, suddenly everyone loves and understands each other and nature…..One can only hope that that is the direction mankind will eventually be headed towards…..we are meant to complete each other not omit…..

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Sources:

http://www.hks.harvard.edu/fs/pnorris/Acrobat/stm103%20articles/Fox_Clash_Ext_Conflict.pdf

http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/Algebra

http://www.alphadictionary.com/goodword/word/checkmate

http://www.silk-road.com/newsletter/volumeonenumberone/origin.html

http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/islam/science/ibnsina.htm

http://www.britannica.com/facts/5/498724/Avicenna-as-discussed-in-biology

http://www.nature.com/nrm/journal/v2/n6/box/nrm0601_475a_BX2.html

Disabling an Attacker!

About a week ago, I was walking around in a safe residential neighborhood at around 9 PM. It had just gotten dark and it was a delightful little walk. I was enjoying the nice weather, as I was listening to the music on my I-pod, dreaming away. The sidewalk was up against trees. While I was strolling, lost in the music, I saw a van park ahead of me, without thinking I kept myself on the pedestrian road, thereby passing between the bushes and the Van. I had noticed the driver getting out, but did not pay much attention as I was busy dreaming away with the tunes on my I-pod.

So as I passed through the little space between the Van and the bushes, I became out of sight when looked  from the road.

We all pass like that all the time without thinking, right?

The driver, who had gotten out of the car, passed me by in this little space, trapped between the bushes and the van, invisible to the road.  As soon as he passed me by, he grabbed me from behind, reaching his hand from in between my legs, grabbing my genitals.

I could not believe it!!!

In that split second I turned around, and while screaming out a big “Aii” I pepper sprayed the hell out of him.

Yes! I had pepper spray in my hand, like I always do when walking around in less crowded places, even if they are supposedly safe.

Oddly how, the fact that I did not even have to reach for the spray, but was so prepared, scared the hell out of my attacker and he started running as fast as he could while checking to see if I was after him. He kept on checking to see if I was behind him on every third step, with a very frightened expression on his face. So we changed roles in one split second. There he was out to attack me, now he was running from me, which felt kind of funny even while it was happening. I was wearing cargo pants, and sneakers at the moment and I run on the treadmill everyday, so he could not possibly out run me if I were to chase him, which of course I did not!

I am not built very big, which is probably why he chose me as prey in the first place. It would have been difficult for me to get the guy to the authorities, as it was dark, and there were no people around. So I walked away, went home.

Anyhow, he seemed so terrified of me that I don’t think that he will attack anyone anytime soon.

Over the years I had been teased about having pepper spray in my purse, and this was a moment that I felt glad that I don’t care what others say, and follow my instinct.

I had moved toAmerica, to go to college when I was nineteen. Living on my own while on a different time zone than my parents, has made me cautious, in the sense that I would go everywhere all by myself, but always with a sense of  awareness. Rape was almost common on campus, which is when I had developed the habit of hand carrying pepper spray, when it is dark and I am alone. Luckily nothing bad happened throughout my years in college.

I recall a documentary that I had watched as a student that explained that attackers do not like fighters as they prey on fear. They were advising not to demonstrate fear, if under attack. Come to think of it, this makes perfect sense; the guy who grabbed me is probably a loser, who only feels strong when he can scare helpless women. Strangely, I did not feel the least bit petrified of him. I was spraying the hell out of him, maddened how he dared touch me!

He knew that I was up for a fight, right away. Given that I am small in size, he sure did not see that coming. The way he kept running from me, was really a priceless moment.

At instants of crises, one recalls previous recommendations which is one of the reasons that I decided to share this experience. Having pepper spray handy, is not a bad idea, but most of all knowing that the attacker is a“nobody”, a sleazebag whose only strength might be inflicting fear, may help taking his strength away.

According to the Human Rights Watch organization, Domestic Violence has risen up to 42% inTurkey. Sadly I have no recommendation to offer to those who suffer at home. Women endure a great deal of brutality and it is getting worse and worse. Men, who are violent at home, are not much different outside the house. I have lived in America, travelled to India, Asia, Africa, Europe, as a woman living in Istanbul I cannot help but observe that male attitude towards women, is changing. Lack of respect for women, is getting more acceptable by the year, which is encouraging men to become more and more violent against women.

It can only get better if culturally there is more reaction against violent men, which is not the case as the so called ‘Mildly Islamist’ environment encourages, women to disappear from politics, from the work force and even the streets if possible!

Source:

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/05/04/turkey-women-left-unprotected-violence

Why was the UN Staff Killed In Afghanistan?

New York Times has reported that Friday radical Islamists killed Christians in Afghanistan. “Stirred up by three angry mullahs who urged them to avenge the burning of a Koran at a Florida church, thousands of protesters on Friday overran the compound of the United Nations in this northern Afghan city, killing at least 12 people, Afghan and United Nations officials said. “

It is terrible, and there is no excuse for their actions. They may be offended but killing innocent people over it, is just terribly cruel.

According to the Reuters report the rage and violence, has continued the next day.

”In the violence they also broke windows and burned chairs at the Zarghona High School for girls. The Taliban opposed girls’ education, and Kandahar was their spiritual heartland.

“I took part in the demonstration to curse the foreigners, but I had no weapon,” shopkeeper Rahim Mohammad said.

“But I don’t feel sorry for U.N. workers killed, our people are slaughtered by foreigners everyday.”

More volatile protests are possible across deeply religious Afghanistan, where anti-Western sentiment has been fueled for years by civilian casualties, and the Taliban.” (Reuters)

The Taliban did not even own up to the killings and claimed that these were Muslim reactions. Over-reactions would have been a more suitable word.

Looking into Afghan history would be needed to understand this hatred towards foreigners. The word Afghan was initially used to address the Peshtun (Patan) tribal people who lived in the valley. The Peshtuns in the mountains were addressed by their tribes name and used to move around in the area which is now the Afghanistan Pakistan border. Historically this society was formed of many clans and tribes that were tied through kinship, language and tradition. There was no national identity that united them.

However Sir Olaf Caroe who was a Major within the British Colony between 1946-47 had tracked Peshtun’s roots back to 550 BC. In 331 BC Alexander the Great had won a victory over the Persian Emporium. After that he travelled all the way to, what is today Afghanistan. Some Patan tribes like the idea that their forefathers were members of Alexander’s Macedonian army, which remained on this land.

The first Afghan dynasty was formed in 1747 by Ahmet Han from the Sadozai Klan. He was appointed to be the Afghan Han by the rest of the tribal leaders. The Dynasty did not last for too long and had been defeated by the Singhs at the time. However their reign did not last too long either. After the Singh war, the first British-Afghan war occured between 1838-1842. During this period the country was ruled by the Dost Muhammad Klan. Their good relations with the Russian caused a second British-Afghan war to break out, between 1878-1881. At the end of this war, both Russia and Britain recognized Afghanistan to be impartial, and the region was considered a buffer zone.

Mahmut Tarzi was the grand son of Payende Han, who was part of the dynasty. He lived in Damascus, which was Turkish territory at the time. He had this great desire, to create a unifying Afghan National identity, as he had been influenced by the “Young Turks” of the time, who were making reforms, which was later to be known as the foundation of modern Turkey.

Emir Habibullah, the leader of Afghanistan at the time, had invited Mahmut Tarzi to return to his home land in 1903. Having observed Turkish reforms, Tarzi was filled with enthusiasm to bring change to Afghanistan. He started publishing a newspaper with modern ideas called Serac Ül Ahbar in 1911. When Emir Habibullah was assassinated in 1919, his son Amanullah Han took his place. Amanullah was married to Tarzi’s daughter Sureyya. He appointed, Tarzi as the minister of foreign affairs. Tarzi had spent a long time on Turkish territory, thereby spoke multiple foreign languages. He visited the US, Russia and places in Europe. What used to be the collaboration of tribes was now a modern country. Afghanistan was part of the international political scene. In 1921 the British signed an agreement, recognizing Afghanistan’s independence in foreign affairs.

Atatürk, Queen Sureyya

Queen Sureyya, looked very modern and Afghanistan was following the Turkish example on modernization. Everything seemed fine, but the Queen’s modern outlook did disturb some circles. Eventually, Amanullah Han was overthrown and Bacik Saka took his place. He did not last long either, as the Peshtun people refused a Tajik leader. Nadir Shah from Amanullah’s family took the throne next, but was assassinated in 1933. His son Zahir Shah took his place and kept leadership until 1973, which was when his cousin Davud overthrew him.

Emir Amanullah Queen Sureyya of Afghanistan

So from 1903 to 1973 for about seventy years, despite some set backs the country was going forward, becoming a nation, as opposed to a community of united Klans. Although Amanullah, lost his throne over it, reforms were still happening and by 1960 the country seemed rather modern.

Davud lost his leadership to the communists in 1978. Soviet interference caused liberal intellectuals to flee. In 1992 Necibullah’s leadership was also overthrown, which caused the socialist intellectual’s to flee, as well.

 

Afghanistan in the 60

A region with not many intellectuals to lead has fallen into the hands of Taliban. Since 1838 the British and Russian have had interference in the region, later on the US joined as well. The hatred towards foreigners must be, based on the fact that for the last three centuries, foreigners had come to Afghanistan only for war. None of this justifies the hateful acts. This is a mere attempt, to understand the rage these people have towards life and why they cannot form a normal social environment, as opposed to the current situation where medieval rules are applied. They are not only cruel to foreigners, but also very cruel towards themselves. Life for women has become unbearable since 1996. It is so bad that they, burn themselves, to death. Maybe not as severe but men are also oppressed. The burning of the Koran must have seemed like a justifiable reason, for acting out the built in rage, from being constantly subjugated.

Looking at the photos from the 1960’s, it’s hard to imagine how Afghanistan became the way it is today.

Afghanistan in the 60

Clearly, with no intellectuals left around to help mold the ideas of a nation, while leading it, a country encounters great set backs. Combining this with constant foreign intervention, seems to push the nation back into medieval times. Most cruel leaders, use foreign intrusion as an excuse, to tighten the grip on their own people. It’s easier to have tyranny over less educated, therefore less civilized societies, as it keeps them from getting organized and demanding better conditions.

 “In the violence they also broke windows and burned chairs at the Zarghona High School for girls. The Taliban opposed girls’ education, and Kandahar was their spiritual heartland.”

The Taliban did not own up to the killings of the UN staff, but during the chaos, when everyone was focused on the killings, the girls’ school got destroyed as well, and that is how they tighten the grip just a little more…..

Follow me on twitter@Banugokyar

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/02/world/asia/02afghanistan.html?src=me&ref=world

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/03/us-afghanistan-violence-kabul-idUSTRE7310FK20110403?pageNumber=3

National Geographic Turkey, 2001 December, Ahmet Han

Was Looting Symbols of Deities Such a Good Idea?

Mexico is suffering from the looting of their historical artifacts.  According to the BBC report the spectacular headdress of Mexico’s last Aztec ruler, Moctezuma showcased at Mexico’s National Museum of Anthropology is a replica.

                                                                                                                                                               *The original lies thousands of kilometers away in a collection at Vienna’s Ethnology Museum. Mexico has long wanted to see the original returned

It is a shame that the natives do not get to see or showcase artifacts of their own land. Looting of artifacts has been on going for a long time. Especially before and after the world wars, a lot of artifacts have been taken from their original locations.

**A magnificent 3500 years old Hittite Sphinx had been unearthed around 1906 in Turkey. It was considered one of the greatest discoveries. The Sphinx had been taken to Berlin to be restored, not to be kept, only to be restored, yet had never been returned and was still in the Pergamon Museum until recently. Turkey’s minister for culture Ertugrul Gunay had to give an ultimatum that German archeologists will not be allowed to continue, digging in Turkey, if they do not return the Sphinx.

It worked. Germany decided to return the master piece to Turkey.  One could argue that these items are universal treasures and it should not matter where they are displayed, as long as future generations get to see them, but it is hard to know who would be a better guard.

***Forty giant statues, were taken from a temple in the ancient settlement of Tell Halaf in what is now northern Syria, by German adventurer and diplomat Baron Max von Oppenheim, and caused a sensation when they came to Europe. Baron exposed them to a private museum in Berlin between 1930 and November 1943 when an allied bombing destroyed the place. The fire roasted artifacts of basalt, and water used to douse the flames caused the material to splinter into a thousand pieces.

They have recently been reassembled, after nine years of reassembling effort of 25 000 pieces. That was probably the most rewarding puzzle to be completed. The Pergamon Museum in Berlin presented the restored objects.

The point is that if they had remained in Syria, they would have been safe during World War II which is when they were destroyed.

Artifacts looted during that period are still being discovered, some of which are being returned to their rightful owners. ****According to the New York Times article, 370-year-old painting that belonged to a Jewish art dealer who fled the Netherlands around the time of the Nazi invasion in 1940 will be returned to his family by the J. Paul Getty Museum. (The Associated Press reported.)

The painting, “Landscape With Cottage and Figures,” done by Pieter Molijn around 1640, belonged to Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent dealer who died in a fall on a ship while fleeing the Nazis with his wife and son. His collection was looted, and some of the art ended up in the hands of the Nazi leader Hermann Goering, according to the Associated Press report.

In a written statement released Monday, museum officials stated: “Working in cooperation with representatives of the Goudstikker heirs, the Getty’s research revealed that the painting was in Goudstikker’s inventory at the time of the invasion in 1940, and that it was never restituted after World War II. Based on its findings, the Getty concluded that the painting should be transferred to the heirs.”

It sounds fair that the painting gets returned to the heirs of the original owner. Maybe the same principle should be applied to all looted artifacts and they should all be returned to their rightful claimers.

One of the world wonders had been removed from Turkey, Halicarnassus .The Halicarnassus Mausoleum had been shipped to England decades ago and is on display at the British Museum. Legend says that a Halicarnassus fisherman was very sad while the artifact was being uprooted from where it had been built around 350 BC, by architects Pytheos, Satyrus.  Skopas, Timotheos, Bryaris Leochares were the famous sculptors to work on the sides. It had been built by the Karian, who used to reside in the area at the time. (An ancient Western Anatolian Civilization) They worshipped the Anatolian Goddess Hecate. Ancient Egyptians  called the Karian” The bronze people who come out of the heart of the sea”. The fisherman said that the artifact will miss its home, miss the sea. They said “No worries we will paint the room that is displayed in blue.” It was blue for a while and then everyone forgot.

Looted items seem to be returned to their original spots. Who knows maybe one of these days headdress of Mexico’s last Aztec ruler, might find its way home or the Mausoleum might find its way back to Halicarnassus.

Most of the artifacts of ancient times, mean more than art, as they represent spiritual beliefs of the time. The forty giant statues, clearly did not agree with their new location, after being removed from Syria. Did bombs destroy them or did they destroy Berlin for all the cruelty happening at the time.

Who knows?

Mankind is still cruel and the hope is that one day that shall change.

The world is going through floods, wars, Tsunamis…. Would returning ancient spiritual objects home, be a symbol of the end of looting and help Aztec, Karian or other deities put the world right?

Maybe or maybe not, the point is that having looted artifacts decades ago, should not be an excuse for holding on to them.

Follow me on twitter@banugokyar

Sources:

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12404699

**http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14875550,00.html

***http://www.gospress.com/entertainment/berlin-museum-restores-artifacts-destroyed-in-the-2nd-war.html

***http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/getty-museum-will-return-painting-looted-by-nazis/?partner=rss&emc=rss

*****http://www.kulturturizm.gov.tr/TR/belge/1-1493/bodrum—halikarnas-mausoleumu.html

American Diplomatic Cables on EU and Turkey

The leaked American Diplomatic cables have shown us an insight on many situations. The cables on Turkish acceptance to the EU are interesting. Correspondence from Embassy Hague in 2004, show that the Dutch were strong supporters of Turkey’s acceptance to the Union.

Ambassador Sobel’s comment at the time was:

 *“The Dutch governing elite want a Yes for Turkey and they seem confident that they can bring the nation as well as the rest of the EU along.”

Clearly, aside from the Copenhagen criteria that needed to be met by Turkey, Islam in Europe was one of the topics discussed by the members.

*De Gooijer rejected prejudice against Islam as a basis for opposing Turkey, with the below words:

“We must not allow ourselves to be guided by fear, for example, of Islam. Raising barriers to any particular religion does not fit in with Europe’s shared values. Our opposition should be directed not against religions but against people and groups misusing their religion to get their way by force.”

Similarly, the Vatican Embassy cables from 2004 sound supportive of Turkey’s acceptance to the EU.

**Acting Holy See Foreign Minister Parolin reaffirmed August 18 that the Holy See remained open to Turkish EU membership. If Turkey meets the EU’s Copenhagen criteria, Parolin said, the Vatican sees no obstacle to EU membership.

Charge pointed out that as an EU member, Turkey could help to ease tensions between the Western and Muslim worlds, illustrating how a secular state with a Muslim population could cooperate with countries with a Judeo-Christian heritage.

The French stand against Islam in general seemed a bit different than Vatican or Hague according to the Paris cables in 2005. Stapleton the Paris Ambassador at the time reported on unrest of lower socioeconomic minorities.

 ***The perpetrators of the urban rampaging (refs) in France are by and large of Arab-African and Black-African background. In most cases, they are also Muslims, raising the question as to what extent their religious affiliation helps explain the explosion in France’s immigrant suburbs. There is widespread agreement that unemployment and lack of education, and not religious affiliation, are the primary factors underlying the angry hopelessness of urban youth.

Clearly, Stapleton was under the impression that unrest caused by low finances were interpreted as an Islamist act by the French, only because the citizens acting against poor life conditions, happened to be Muslims. Below was a clear example of how the reaction had nothing to do with Islam, yet the French labeled these people as strictly religiously motivated by trying to resolve it through religious leaders.

 “***GOF guilty of using religion?

¶9. (SBU) Interestingly, some see the government itself as guilty to some degree of having violated the principle of secularism it holds so dear. In a meeting with the rector of the Grand Mosque of Lyon on November 15, one Muslim religious leader’s criticized the government for violating France’s strict separation of the religious and the public. The Rector, Kamel Kabtane, took to task the government’s effort to use Muslim religious figures to calm the situation in troubled neighborhoods. Kabtane said that many of his fellow-clerics were also ambivalent about the French government’s call on religious leaders to “do the work of the government and security forces.” “If farmers started protesting”, said the Rector, “the government wouldn’t call on the Archbishop to resolve the situation.” He warned against attributing a religious dimension to socio-economic problems; there was a risk it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Stapleton’s comment on the Fundamentalist Islam Problem in France was very much different than what main stream media reported at the time. He describes the underclass youth as non Islamist, even though Muslim and points out France’s racist attitude against minorities.

“***The gangs of underclass youths who are the perpetrators of the car burnings and urban violence in France are not Islamists, nor are they at all motivated by religion. It is highly misleading to characterize them — as is often done in media coverage — as “insurgent” and “Muslim” youths. The anger felt by these youths stems from how they are trapped and without a future — facing pervasive racial prejudice, and without the skills and education needed to get-a-life of employment and conventional respect.

Whether or not Islamic organizations and fundamentalist proselytizing will make significant inroads among the inhabitants of France’s immigrant suburbs of course depends on the effectiveness of the GOF’s social programs and the willingness of French society at large to face up to its pervasive prejudices against Blacks and Arabs.”

Going through all the above mentioned documents, it seems that six to seven years ago, American diplomats’ impression, which derived from dialogues with officials of EU members, was that Turkey was going to be accepted, if they met the Copenhagen Criteria.

They also reported on racist attitude against French citizens of Arab or black descent who were generally Muslim.

This week president Sarkozy visited Turkey, and expressed his stand against Turkey’s EU membership. It was reported in the German publication DW that Cyprus is one of the main reasons of oppositions.

****“EU countries unanimously agreed in 2005 to start talks with Turkey with the goal of full membership. But out of the 35 policy chapters that EU candidates must negotiate, Ankara has opened talks on only 13 since the accession negotiations began.

Talks on 18 chapters have been frozen because of opposition from France and other members and a stalemate over the divided island of Cyprus. No significant progress has been made since last July.”

Ironically according to the Hague cables from 2004, EU partners other than UK do not really engage in Cyprus. 

“***WILD CARD CYPRUS

*¶12. (C/NF) Pollman suggested the EU might give the GoC, as an EU Member State, its due on the Cyprus trade and financial support issues while then expecting Papadopoulos to relent on Turkey. However, EU partners do not really engage on Cyprus since only the UK has any real interest in the island, she said, adding, What does Cyprus have these days, besides the Turkey card? And this means the EU has but little leverage over Cyprus; Pollman hoped that powers outside the EU will pressure Popadopolous to support Turkish accession, using whatever psychological, political, or other means that might work.”

The general impression from the cables is that Cyprus was never a priority; the more urgent areas that need change were as follows:

• judges’ behavior,
• concerns about torture,
• access of Kurds to Kurdish language education,
• free exercise of religion,
• and the role of the military.

There has been significant change, on all of the above mentioned topics. Some of the points still need a lot of improvement and it is a work in progress.

The cables are not official statements from EU members but impressions of American Diplomats, which make them an excellent source, to get an insight on some of the unofficial, therefore unpolished views, in regards to the situation.

Given that in 2004 most EU members were leaning towards Turkey’s acceptance as a member, combined with the fact that Turkey has been working on the changes needed to join, Sarkozy or Merkel’s stand against Turkey, are possibly for other reasons than EU criteria issues.

France’s prejudiced attitude towards their Muslim citizens, portrays a completely different picture of the nation than the “Land of liberty” image that it has been benefiting from.

Turkey’s economic situation has changed a lot since 2004. It has been going forward while the rest of the EU is still going through “domino effect” financial crises.

 The uprising of China and India, the economical crises in the EU and the US, the revolutions in the Middle East, all signal tremendous change in the world, as well as shift of power.

So far, Turkey has gained more control from an economical and political point of view. Whether it will become part of the EU or gain momentum with no ties to anyone is yet to be seen.

Follow me on twitter@Banugokyar

Sources:

 *http://213.251.145.96/cable/2004/07/04THEHAGUE1919.html

 **http://213.251.145.96/cable/2004/08/04VATICAN3196.html

***http://213.251.145.96/cable/2005/11/05PARIS7835.html

**** http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14875593,00.html?maca=en-TWITTER-EN-2004-xml-mrss

Still trying to Play God?

The east is fighting to tackle their dictators. It is not an easy fight, but the people act determined. The public of Egypt got rid of Mubarak against all odds. No one was supporting them, until it became clear that they will not give up. The army is in charge now, which was presented as a temporary solution, as there was nobody to fill Mubarak’s place. Now they are protesting to get the military to hear their voice and fulfill promises. Armed forces that sided with the people are now beating protesters.

Mubarak was forced to step down by the nation because they wanted better human rights conditions and the opportunity to lead a dignified life.

Now, the military is beating them for voicing their opinion!

Mubarak did not dare open fire on his own people. The armed forces that are in charge right now, will have to understand sooner or later that these people want freedom. The citizens of Egypt have already proven that getting beaten does not make them give up on their fight.

Anything harsher is not an option while the world is watching.

Qaddafi tried opening fire on his own people and that did not turn out well. The world remained silent until they could get their citizens out of Libya. Now, the world is united on one point.

“You cannot open fire on your own people!”

The most puzzling part of this whole situation is that Qaddafi dared to give it a try anyways. He saw Ben Ali flee, he saw Mubarak step down against his firmness, so he decided to declare war on his own people.

 “Who the hell, do you think you are?”

Is the question that crossed my mind, when I heard him openly threaten his people with death penalty while waving his green book in their face.

Since there are so many of them in the region, we get to observe the psychology of dictators, first hand. Obviously they strongly believe that they are above the people and can do whatever they want. In other words they like to play God. The ultimate decision maker on how people may live. They act like the sole decision maker on, whether those that they rule over may live or not.

After decades of playing God, they seem to have lost sight of reality. They all assume that they can get away with anything. However the veracity is not so!

Dictators such as Mussolini, Franco, Chaushesku, Milosevic, Pinochet and even Hitler were not invincible.

Neither are the current ones.

So what will happen next?

It took the people of East Germany until 1989 to get better human rights conditions. Historically this is a type of fight that has not been easy for any oppressed nation. However, technology seems to give it a push in the right direction, for those who are fighting for better rights nowadays.

Everyone hears of everything. No one can quietly kill off people and get away with it.

If you kill your opponents for opposing you, get ready to face the world!

It is obvious that dictators do not get a lesson from what happened to other dictators.

Citizens of Egypt may still be getting beaten up by forces but change towards democracy is also happening.

*”The eight-member panel suggested limiting a president to two consecutive four-year terms.

It also said Saturday the election process — previously heavily controlled and rigged — should be overseen by the judiciary. Both changes were key opposition demands.

The panel was appointed by Egypt’s Armed Forces Supreme Council on Feb. 15 to suggest constitutional amendments that would pave the way for democratic elections later this year.”

Hopefully, all the oppressed nations that are fighting for better rights in the region, will get it soon. The west acts very doubtful against the idea of democracy in Islamic states. Historically dictators have been in charge, in the west as well as the east. Regardless of their religious faith, everyone deserves a dignified life. Their fight for it shall be supported even if it is easier to control the region through a bunch of dictators.

Follow me on twitter@Banugokyar

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/world/middleeast/26egypt.html?ref=world

 *http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/02/26/world/middleeast/AP-ML-Egypt.html?ref=world

Will Egypt find it’s way to Freedom?

People of Egypt are fighting hard! It has been very interesting to watch a nation rebel against their dictator. Historic moments have been aired by international news channels, in spite of the Egyptian government’s efforts of keeping the press out. The Mubarak administration has cut off internet connection of the nation and cellular phones in an effort to keep the people from getting informed and connecting with each other.

It has not helped. In spite of all efforts, people of Egypt are protesting against Hosni Mubarak, a President on duty for thirty years. He had been supported by the west, as he has acted as very good ally of the west. His oppressive manner towards his nation has been explicitly exposed to the rest of the world within the last two days.

 

Even president Obama has called Hosni Mubarak, to re-establish the internet connection, and start working on better human right conditions for the people. Although Mubarak has fired his team and even appointed a vice president for the first time in thirty years, people want him gone.

The world is carefully watching as Egypt has an important strategic role in the Middle East.

The west is concerned that a more Islamic regime might take place if Mubarak steps down. That would clash with western interest in the region.

The people of Egypt want change and they will get it. Arab nations are going through a wave of rebel that started in Tunisia and seems to be catching within the region.

Why now?

Wikileaks helped trigger some unrest. Surely it was not the only cause. It is a new era and people are more informed on what is going on in their nation. Formerly dictators would silence the press, restrict international communication and then simply tell the story as they see fit.

Not in this age and time.

 

Social media keeps people quickly informed, yet there is no one to silence, as social media is not structured like any other form of media. A news channel owner can be threatened but millions of facebook or twitter users cannot be silenced all together.

 

Even so, Hosni Mubarak gave it a try!

He cut off the Internet. Trying to figure out why people are restless never occurred to him. His immediate reaction was to get things under control through oppression.   

This is an era of technology and people cannot be denied information.

A member of the Mubarak administration was talking to Al Jazeera’s reporter while the protests were full on. When she asked him why Mubarak does not step down, his response was that he was a president chosen by the people.

When she said thousands of protesters are on the street asking him to go, his response was that they are mobs, the real people of Egypt want him. National TV channels were airing a peaceful street claiming that everything is in order while Al Jazeera was showing many places going up in fire at the same moment

This is the old trick, to tell people a story, brand anyone who protests as a “terrorist” or “mob”. Claim that everyone is happy. Act in complete denial. Scare people into wanting to stay clear of the ones who are branded, with fear of going down for having an opposing opinion.

It actually does work in situations where people are not fully aware of facts.

The Internet makes it difficult to keep people in complete darkness. It looks like Arabs will continue rebelling until they reach a people regime. I doubt that strictly Islamic rulings will take over the places of former dictators. These people want freedom.

Their perception of America might not be very good right now but that may change in time.

On Friday while the police was fiercely attacking unarmed protesters, one of them picked up an empty can of tear gas used by their police. He read the label USA and said “Why are the American empowering our Police to use these weapons against us? We are the people of Egypt!”

It was a rather innocent remark. He wants freedom. If the United States has to get involved with their internal events, he wants them to side with the people instead of those who oppress the people.

Hosni Mubarak has been an expert on ruling over the people of Egypt by enforcing fear. He has used the same method against the west, making it look like he is the sole guard against fanatic Islam, which would clash with western agenda.

 

Hopefully he is wrong, as oppression would clash with the people’s aspirations as well. Looking at this fight, we can only desire that these people will reach a just, functioning democratic system where human rights will be guarded properly.

Follow me on twitter @banugokyar

Nobody Likes a Repressed Life!

Arabs are restless. They are breaking the invisible chains with great rebel. The world is changing rapidly. There is less and less tolerance for inhuman conditions. Surely there are organizations that guard these things or countries that claim to have an interest in freeing the oppressed, in different regions of the world. Still subjugation has lived on in various parts of the world.

Now the fortress built on fear, tradition, habit or whatever it might have been, is being pushed down with a flood of people on the street. It is a new era. Every action taken to stop it, makes it only stronger.

Globalization has had many side effects; some are bad some are good. It has ensured that people from opposite ends of the globe, have an idea on each other’s life styles. American movies have created a global awareness on certain American values.

This acknowledgement embedded somewhere in people’s subconscious, along with the Internet has had an effect on people that cannot be reversed. Whether it is the Far East, the Middle East, Eastern Europe or South America, people long for a comfortable life style. They would like to be able to consume and live at ease lives. Longing for a decent life, is a simple desire.

When one has no reference point to compare with, it is easier to keep people oppressed. In today’s world, it is impossible to deny access to information on different cultures. As long as anyone is connected to the Internet, they see the world while sitting in their room. The World Wide Web is very difficult to restrict. As soon as a website is shut down, people figure out a different way of accessing it.

One of the great heroes of this era is Julian Assange and his team. Through the leaked American cables, many of the oppressed nations, had the corruptness of their state, rubbed in their face. They might have been aware of it, but to have it rubbed in the face seemed to have had a tremendous triggering effect in Tunisia. A young man, who has a college degree, could find no work, therefore sold produce in a cart on the street. When the cops confiscated his cart, he felt so hopeless that he burned himself. His act symbolized all the suffering that the people were enduring, while their leaders were living an extravagant life. That is not acceptable anymore.

Times have changed. If one revolution fails, in a few years another one will happen until people are freed. Certain aspects of their cultures, was helping to keep the browbeaten places under control. It might not be the exact same thing in Tunisia and somewhere in South America. Still, it had to do with the “high power distance” existing in most of the subjugated places. Respect for authority was easily abused.

Yet, cultures are not pure anymore. Every culture is influenced by the other. Almost every American is very familiar with Eastern food. Almost every Easterner is very familiar with American movies. Different cultures adopt, what they feel they lack from other cultures.

Assange’s selfless act of letting the world know of any kind of injustice or game plan on certain nations, has given “the bound to happen act of rebel” a push in the right direction. The cables were very informative, on the twisted things going on in many countries.

It’s not like America has anything to do with the corrupt attitude of Ben Ali or many others. American diplomats’ observation has drawn a clear picture of some situations that were maybe known but not talked about. Tunisia was surely aware of the fact that Ben Ali and his family were taking whatever they felt like, living the life, while disregarding the rest of the nation’s needs. Anyone who dared speak up was probably silenced right away.

Who’s going to silence the diplomat, who did not want to share his thoughts in the first place?

Somehow the fact that the cables were private correspondences makes them only so much more reliable. Those words were not part of any agenda, but pure observations. Although some Americans feel disturbed that their diplomatic cables could be leaked “just like that” something good is coming out of it.

In many ways, America is possibly the most just civilization in the world, therefore American perspective on corrupt countries has just laid it out there for everyone to see.

Bluntly, without any sugar coating…

The rest of the world is focused on American military interest and the fact that they did not really free anyone in Iraq or anywhere else. At the end of the day it was Bradley Manning’s very American values that made him dare stand up against the world, as he felt something was off in Baghdad.

He realized that innocent journalists were being killed in Iraq and where he came from that was wrong, so it shall be wrong everywhere else as well!

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere… Simple as that!

Everyone has assumed that Arabs keep the same leaders for decades, because that is how it is for them.

 It is a different culture!

They are like that….etc

Not really! Human are human. Everyone wants to be able to have a decent life. People seem to embrace certain values in oppressed situations and they may even appear to agree with the conditions. That does not mean they like it, but maybe that is the only way to live through it. It is part of human nature to accept what cannot be changed, until it can be changed.

Tycoons from everywhere have enjoyed the benefit of oppressed regions and the ability to easily take the diamonds, oil…or whatever it is that the land offers, through corrupt attitudes of unjust leaders. Times are changing, tycoons and their actions are being exposed, and we should all be happy for that.

After all the more people of the world live happy lives, the less fighting would be necessary. Living in a peaceful world, is a goal that has not been achieved yet.

Empathizing with others, regardless of their nation or religion, the way Bradley Manning or Julian Assange does, seem to be steps in the right direction for a peaceful environment.

After all, no matter where we come from, what we all have in common is that, we are all human beings with basic needs.

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Who Needs to be Fought off, to Reach Real Freedom?

Tunisians are fighting hard. It took them 23 years of oppression, to finally say

 “Enough!”

Their oppressor has fled. Muslims of the world are watching ongoing events carefully, while the desire of more democratic conditions are being expressed by other oppressed Arab countries.

Everybody is stuck on the idea that there is nobody around to fill the former leaders’ empty seats. I see how that is a problem. On the other hand watching the people of Tunisia show joy over simple things, such as the ability to read about things that were forbidden a month ago, is heart warming.

The other day a reporter on Aljazeera was trying to cover news on some area in Tunisia but the police did not let him through. He said “Let us through, your PM has declared Freedom of Speech yesterday! Have you not heard?” He was still blocked, but his attitude was great. Exactly that is what is happening, freedom is arriving, but for it to sink into the attitude of the law enforcers will probably take little time.

The idea of freedom is not only about rules and regulations, but also a matter of culture. The societies where human rights and freedoms are guarded best are places where oppression is rejected by the masses regardless of the “grand cause” that supposedly justifies it.

Places where democracy keeps bumping into obstacles are situations where the culture has not yet, the understanding that antidemocratic behavior against anyone needs to be stopped. Circumstances where a society lacks this understanding, the shift in power does not solve much, as the new strength still pushes down opposers. It takes time for a repressed society, to figure out a way of creating order without letting anyone be pushed around.

Turkey is ruled by a functional democracy, from an election point of view. Multiple political parties that represent a variety of political views are part of each election. Still, it is hard to say that the culture of democracy is present in the culture. People are used to the idea of getting things under control through forbidding. No one questions whether the action taken against an individual is within acceptable human rights behavior. The first thing on mind is that order needs to be established.

Journalists sue each other all the time. “He dared said this about me, I will shut him up, via a court order or even send him to jail.”  The focus is on punishing someone, for pissing them off. It is difficult to expect freedom of speech in an environment where journalists themselves, try to silence each other.

On the other hand it has been my observation that people comfortably lie about facts that can be checked. A while ago a journalist claimed that Ataturk was Anti-Semites on live TV. He said all these historical facts were written in a book written by the Jewish Author Rıfat Bali.

In twenty minutes, not only did he picture Ataturk to be a racist but he also created an image that Jews were disliked throughout history. None of it is true. I wrote about it the next day, opposing to everything he said. After my article was published a reader sent me the pages of Rıfat Bali’s book. It explains in detail how fond the Jewish community was of Ataturk and how he tried to help save family members of Turkish Jews, who were going through hell in Europe at the time. The Jewish community in Turkey had initially been invited by the Ottomans centuries ago, when they were expulsed from Spain by King Ferdinand. Clearly the relations have been good for centuries.

So a very well known journalist lied and comfortably, used a book as a reference that says the opposite of his claims. The fact that his claims were rather disturbing to the Jewish community did not seem to bother him.  He did not care that the book, which he referenced, could easily be checked.

The idea is “Smear” and see what gets stuck in people’s mind!

Lying did not discredit him the least bit!

The constant law suits among journalists, is partially to shelter themselves from these “smear” campaigns that are literally based on nothing factual.

This wrongdoing attitude might seem easy to fix, in a society, where the “right guarding” manner is established, such a behavior would possibly cause the journalist to lose a lot, therefore easily prevented. However in societies where the idea of “freedom” is not embedded into the culture, people seem to be focused more on their wills than what is right. This causes a lack of reaction when injustice is happening to those that are considered on the opposite side. Sides are usually formed based on ideas. No one benefits from the situation, as power keeps shifting. It is my observation that changing the obliviousness against injustice is hard when the threat is that siding with the oppressed can cause someone to be annihilated.  

Tunisians are fighting hard for their freedom from oppression. They fought off the obvious bully.

 I hope they manage to keep new tormenters from filling the seat of the old one.

 

Follow me on Twitter@BanuGokyar

Analysis: The Effects of a Possible Neo-Ottoman Agenda

A recent article featured in the New York Times explains Turkish influence on Iraq.

Accordingly, Turk’s cultural influence in the region is explained to be more effective, than what was achieved through US invasion.

*“Turkey’s influence is greater in northern Iraq and broader, though not deeper, than Iran’s in the rest of the country. While the United States invaded and occupied Iraq, losing more than 4,400 troops there, Turkey now exerts what may prove a more lasting legacy — so-called soft power, the assertion of influence through culture, education and business.

While some Turkish officials recoil at the notion of neo-Ottomanism — an orientation of Turkey away from Europe and toward an empire that once included parts of three continents — the country’s process of globalization and attention to the markets of the Middle East is upsetting assumptions that only American power is decisive. Turkey has committed itself here to economic integration, seeing its future in at least an echo of its past. “

A few months ago, in another article featured by the New York Times, it was mentioned that Turks need to be kept in their lane. 

*“Turkey is seen increasingly in Washington as “running around the region doing things that are at cross-purposes to what the big powers in the region want,” said Steven A. Cook, a scholar with the Council on Foreign Relations. The question being asked, he said, is “How do we keep the Turks in their lane?”

Clearly the perception of Turkey’s effect over the region has changed within the last few months. The fact of the matter is that, a possible “Neo Ottoman” strategy seems to be taken more seriously than before. Turks had been a regional power in the area for centuries, so undermining the possibility, based on the country’s situation for the last few decades could be misleading.

 Turkish History Goes a Long Way

The first known mention of the term Turk applied to a Turkic group was in reference to the Göktürks in the sixth century. A letter by the Chinese Emperor written to a Göktürk Khan named Ishbara in 585 BC described him as “the Great Turk Khan.” The Orhun inscriptions (735 CE) use the terms Turk and Turuk. At the time they were in central Asia,

Turks have been ruling over the territory that we call Turkey now, for about a thousand years.

Following the 1071 Seljuk Turks victory over the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Manzikert and the subsequent conquest of Anatolia, Oghuz clans began settling in present-day Turkey. By 1300, Turks had reached the Aegean coastline.

The Ottoman Empire was founded about 1307 by a Turk named Osman I.

It spread from Asia Minor beginning about 1300, eventually encompassing most of the Middle East, most of North Africa, and parts of Europe, including modern Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Rumania and Yugoslavia. In the Middle East, the Ottomans ruled Syria, Palestine, Egypt, parts of Arabia and Iraq. The empire reached around the Black sea and into the Caucasus in Central Asia, including Armenia. The Ottoman armies reached as far as the gates of Vienna, where they were repulsed for a second time in 1683, the height of their expansion on land. The map below shows the extent of the Ottoman Empire in 1683.

 

So Turks have been ruling over the above mentioned regions for centuries. They operated as a federal Emporium, where they allowed regions to hold on to their languages, religions and cultural practices. Some Turks were moved into a newly invaded territory, to establish Turkish Authority. Former leaders of regions were respected. Sometimes they even remained as leaders but had to pay taxes to the Emporium.

During the same era, the English or French were forcing their language and traditions upon invaded regions, whereas Turks did not. This helped subcultures to live on. Even after centuries under Turkish ruling, cultures were not getting lost.

After 1683 there was a gradual decline of the Empire. They were losing territory over a period of three hundred years. Some regions got autonomy first, then independence. Other regions went into French or English ruling. The loss of territory happened in chronological order as stated below.

1798-1801 Napoleon was in Egypt and Palestine.

1829: Greece ceded autonomy

1830: Serbia ceded autonomy; Northern Algeria is taken by France.

1832: Greece becomes independent.

1862: United Romania established.

1877: Second Russo-Turkish war (1877- 1878); Romania, Serbia, Montenegro and part of Bulgaria become independent by the Treaty of San Stefano.

1881: The Ottoman Empire accepts European financial control; Tunisia is taken by the French.

1882: Egypt is occupied by Britain.

1908: Bosnia occupied by Austro-Hungary, without a fight; Bulgarian independence.
1912: Libya is annexed by Italy.

1914: The Ottoman Empire enters the World War 1 in alliance with Germany,

1915-16: Between 600,000 and perhaps 1.4 million Armenians died during deportation.
1917: Beginning of British campaigns in Iraq, Palestine and Syria. This leads to several Ottoman defeats, and the following year the loss of the Middle Eastern territories.
1919:  Greece attacks Anatolia at Smyrna, conquers part of Western Anatolia.  
1920: The Ottoman Empire is forced to sign the Treaty of Sèvres, losing all Middle Eastern territories and part of Anatolia.
1922: Turks drive the Greeks out of western Anatolia under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk; The Ottoman Empire is abolished;

1923: Turkish Republic declared. 

1924: March 3: Caliphate abolished.

After many regions were lost and the Ottoman Empire almost completely fell apart, modern Turkey was formed in the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha. He was an eminent General of the empire and as a great leader managed to get the people to fight as soldiers. Old and young people, men and women the whole nation was fiercely fighting off, foreign invasion.

Although the Ottoman Empire was giving opportunities and high ranking positions to members of different nations, the Ottoman Empire was a Turkish Empire. Therefore modern Turkey was formed by the Turks. Others were taking advantage of the weakness and fighting Turks, to break off and get their freedom.

As can be seen above many regions did break off. Others such as Egypt, Bosnia or Tunisia had been invaded by the English, Hungarian or French, by which they were forced to accept superiority of invaders’ cultures and accept their languages.

Formation of Modern Turkey

 

Turkey was formed as a Turkish state just like the Ottoman Empire, except that tolerance for different cultural values was less. The idea of being a Turk was based on a principle, similar to the principle of being an American, in today’s world.

Anyone who was a citizen of Turkey had equal rights with the rest of the nation and their ethnical background was completely irrelevant. There were no ranks among ethnical backgrounds. The Ottoman Empire had expanded over so many regions, for so many centuries that to be a Turk had not much to do with ethnicity, race or color. The whole nation had been mixed. This was partially because racism was not part of the Empire’s culture. No region’s people were too good, or too bad not to mix through marriage.

Citizens of Modern Turkey have a variety of ethnical backgrounds. The Black Sea region has many Laz, Circassian and Georgian. The Aegean Region has many Bosnian and Albanian. The Southeast has Arabs, Kurds, Assyrian, and Armenian. Uzbek or Kazakh originated Turks are also part of the nation.

Being a Turk of different origin is something very common, embedded into the culture, the way it is very natural to be an Italian American or Irish American. The ethnical origin has secondary importance, if any.

Leaders of Modern Turkey

 

Many leaders that belong to different ethnical backgrounds have been elected by the majority, as not paying attention to ethnicity has been part of the culture for centuries. Turgut Özal served as a Prime Minister, later as a President of Turkey until 1993. He is known to be of Kurdish origin, and was very much loved by the whole nation as a leader of the nation.

CHP is currently the leading opposing party. The party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, belongs to a Kurdish ethnical background. He is the leader of a political party that is called the most elitist party of the nation.

In short, members of any subculture are not treated as a minority, for they can easily be embraced by the people and elected to run the country.

Terrorism

 

The Kurdish illegal Terrorist group PKK has been attacking Turkey for thirty years now. The PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan had been apprehended a decade ago and has been detained ever since. Terrorism has continued though.

Kurds want autonomy and they are bombing their way to freedom. The fact that PKK has been attacking city centers and thereby civilians for three decades, has not created a dislike of Kurds among the rest of the nation. The common idea among the people was that Kurds and PKK are different things, not every Kurd is a terrorist.

However during the last five years, things have changed. Kurds in general have started calling Abdullah Öcalan their leader. The fact that he has been detained for a decade, does not change the fact that, he is the leader of a terrorist organization that is acknowledged to be *illegal by the US and the EU. Bombings under his command have attacked all kinds of regions, including Istanbul and killed many innocent people.

The polarization between Turks and Kurds has been growing stronger on the Kurdish side. *Last month a Turkish singer has been shot to death, at a bar in Mersin (Turkey) by a Kurd, for not knowing Kurdish, therefore not being able to sing in Kurdish.

Lately, Kurds have been asking for Kurdish to become the official language of the whole nation. They want autonomy; at the same time they want the whole nation to acknowledge Kurdish as an official language.

It is very much disturbing for the rest of the country to accept Kurds’ desires, pushed by an act of terrorism, to be rewarded.

It is hard to imagine how this will unfold. History proves that autonomy is a pit stop before breaking away, from the nation.

Kurds want independence.

A recent article published by the Economist features the fierce attitude of Kurds in the region. According to the article:

“IT IS well known that Kurdish tribes took part in the mass slaughter by the Ottomans of around 1m Armenians in 1915. “Collaborating Kurdish clerics pledged that anyone who killed an infidel would be rewarded in heaven with 700 mansions containing 700 rooms, and that in each of these rooms there would be 700 houris to give them pleasure,” says Mala Hadi, an Islamic sheikh in Diyarbakir.

The neighbouring province of Mardin, Kurdish tribes continue to harass the handful of Christians who remain. Their main target is the Mor Gabriel Syrian Orthodox monastery. Perched on a remote hilltop, this is a 1,600-year-old monastery.”

The rest of the population was convinced that Kurds had been victimized in the region, through many stories told by them lately. I personally was sympathizing, trying to understand how oppressed they had been. It is more difficult to empathize lately as they are openly threatening to attack via PKK. They say, “Meet our demands while we have seized fire or else, PKK will go on attacking” during news channel forums.

Every American movie says “Never negotiate with a terrorist”

If Kurds get Independence through terrorism, it will probably not be a good example for the terrorist organizations of the rest of the world. *Especially at a time that EU is busy passing laws, where they can strip off citizenships of French or Italian citizens with foreign origin when they commit a crime. The law in the EU is justified due to threat of terrorism.

Kurds have announced that they want their own army, flag, parliament, official language in the South East of Turkey. As they comfortably threaten to continue terrorist attacks, should their desires not be fulfilled, the intention to reason with them becomes tricky.

It offends the rest of the nation, to imagine to be bullied into giving up territory.

Imagine Al Qaida openly asking for land and threatening to continue bombing should their desire not be fulfilled.

Kurds have been making it sound like there are only Kurds and Turks in this nation. As explained above there are so many different ethnical backgrounds, all of which have the same opportunity, to claim that one is oppressed for their ethnical background, when members of that ethnicity have in fact run the whole country, is just not right.  The rest of the nation is almost portrayed as racist, which is absurd as there is no pure race or ethnicity, the whole nation consists of mixed backgrounds.

Kurds have made it very clear what they want. They are absolutely right, wanting to hold on to their native language and traditions, but taking a road towards separation or refusing to learn Turkish seems a bit too much.

Going to the army is mandatory in Turkey, so every Turkish man has to serve. Many have died, (aprox. 40.000 troops) fighting off PKK (the illegal Kurdish terrorist organization). After so much blood has been shed to defend the country, to be bullied by the PKK, naturally offends the rest of the nation. They make it sound like the Kurdish situation is a concern of the southeast of Turkey only. However men from all over Turkey have been drafted to fight in the region for decades.

It needs a lot of diplomatic tact, to find a solution to the problem that appears to be in a dead end. A solution that makes Kurds and Turks equally comfortable has seemed impossible due to, what seems like a conflict of interest.

One cannot ask men to die in this fight and then simply hand over the territory, without offending the families of those who died defending it. On the other hand, peace needs to be brought into the territory and Kurds have demands.

It was not until I read the New York Times piece that I mentioned in the beginning of this article that a third option occurred to me.

As the article clearly states, Turks and Kurds get along  very well in Iraq. One of the most famous singers of Turkey has Kurdish origin and is very much loved in the Middle East. The “Neo-Ottoman” formation would naturally cover a much larger area than modern Turkey. This is not the era of invasion anymore, but the era of forming Unions. EU is a clear example to that.

EU’s plans over the Balkans have been clearer, through some of the information that we have been exposed to, by the leaked US Diplomatic cables.

 “Levitte noted that of the five major conditions required to transfer authority in Bosnia from the UN High Representative to an EU High Representative, four have been fulfilled, and only the question of division of state property remains. This final condition should not alone “block all progress,” especially as the current UN team in Bosnia is no longer effective. France wants to see the transfer of authority to a new EU team in November, as the rapprochement to Europe is an effective “carrot” to encourage the Bosniaks to continue progress in necessary reforms.

 MACEDONIA AND CROATIA

Levitte expressed optimism that a new Greek government would be “more solid” and allow greater flexibility for progress in the Greek-Macedonian name dispute. A/S Gordon agreed that either a more solid Conservative government or a Socialist government would be a stronger, more flexible partner in the negotiations. He expressed hope that if the international community could convince Macedonia to abandon the idea of a referendum and get Greece to abandon the necessity of changing passports, then progress could be made.”

When we check the above Historical Ottoman Map, combined with current information, it becomes clear that, as the new map of the world is being formed, every party is trying to gain strength as ever. EU wants to have power over Bosnia and ensure Greek –Macedonian power formulation.

US seems to be the only party who is still using invasion as a tool to control regions, whereas the rest is looking to include regions into the Unions, which they have power over. Nobody can deny that French and German influence over the EU is stronger than the rest of the members.

England’s long standing experience in handling situations and gaining the upper hand without getting their hands dirty, but through diplomacy is very well known. The fact that they managed to easily position themselves, as the decision maker of Julian Assange’s future, who is important to the US, is a clear example to that.

Assuming that a “Neo-Ottoman” agenda is set into motion, Turkey would be forming a Union that possibly extends from the Middle-East to the Balkans. The cultural and religious commonalities would make things easy, as can also be understood from the NYT article.

Should Turkey aim for power of such vast territory, Kurds having autonomy would be viewed, in a totally different context. It would not be about giving land, from existing territory but allowing autonomy to create harmony, while establishing leadership over a much larger region that extends over many different countries.

What is one more separate nation, if you intend to have power over all?

This of course would not be an intended oppressive power, but as the example of the EU, a regional Union based on religious and cultural similarities.

It is possible for such a Union to be formed. After all it has not even been a century since Turks lost the territory that they ruled over in the Middle-East.  Yet to lead it, positioning Turkey as an Islamist nation would be absolutely necessary. It is called mildly Islam in the West, but I am not sure that “mild” is a concept that truly exists among Islamists.

Turkey is rapidly becoming more and more conservative. Alcohol bans are being enforced with certain excuses. There are efforts to send little kids to school with headscarves which is against the current law. The police are entering public steakhouses and giving families who are having Sunday dinner a hard time, for consuming a glass of wine with dinner, in front of their kids, which could never be an issue ten years ago.

Art galleries, in downtown Istanbul have been attacked by radically religious neighbors, for serving wine during receptions. The police simply did not arrive, leaving the art crowd terrified under attack. Visitors of the gallery were hospitalized, yet nobody was charged, which could be perceived as a message to stick with the religiously accepted behavior or you are on your own.

Every news channel is featuring a guest who preaches the ways of Islam almost thrice a week. Although the system is still secular, Diyanet which is the religious ministry is getting more say on people’s lives, frowning upon the idea of celebrating New Years Eve, as it is a Christian tradition. Those who guard secularism and modernism are mostly behind bars with allegations of crimes without any proof.

*A new law just passed, ensuring that the accused can be held behind bars with no proof of guilt, for ten years. They call it holding in content while the trial is ongoing. This enables to practically put anyone away that has been accused of a crime with no evidence, for ten years. That is a long way from democracy or human rights.

EU has rejected Turkey for a long time. Eventually, Turkey has turned towards the east. A Neo-Ottoman formation that ensures Turkey to become a regional power could surely, seem  much more beneficial for the country, as opposed to being part of the EU.

Having, better human right conditions, was one of the major requirements for entering the EU. The motive, to create that environment seems to have eroded which is sad for the people.

42% of the nation had said “No” to the latest referendum, where the leading party had asked the people’s permission, for change. In other words, 42 % are keen on holding on to the western outlook of the civilization, as well as secularism.

That is a high number to completely disregard. The tactic applied in Iraq which is expressed in the above mentioned NYT article, is no different that the tactic applied within the nation.

Imposing change through, changing cultural values.

The law does not say you cannot consume alcohol, but you can be beaten up by narrow minded people while doing so and not be protected by the state, is the feeling that people have although nobody says so. Recently, a woman’s house was robbed while she was out at night, when she reported it, the police asked her, “What were you doing out so late?” People are getting used to the idea of the possibility of being neglected if attacked, while not abiding by religious rules.

What next?

Turkey will possibly never become as strict as Iran, as being the bridge between the east and the west is one of the strong suits that are needed to be accepted as a power figure by others in the region. Still, the absolute freedom of a secular state will probably not be seen anytime soon.

Kurds will possibly get the autonomy that they desire, if a “Neo-Ottoman” formation should take place. The way they play until such a date, will most likely, still have a determining effect.

Members of the illegal Kurdish terrorist organization Hizbullah (no ties with Lebanon) have suddenly been released out of jail this week, including those who were meant to be kept there for life. Now there are two illegal players, who have great influence over Kurds, PKK who is majorly playing the ethnical root solidarity card and Hizbullah which is playing the religious Islamist brotherhood among Kurds card.

Allowing the Hizbullah to get back into the game, by setting them free would be a smart way to tone down the ethnical agenda and help Unite under the religious agenda, which would not appear far from the possible plans of the rest of Turkey, (in the case of a Neo-Ottoman agenda) while still giving some freedom on national Kurdish rights.

Possible Obstacles?

There is an upcoming election in 2011. The 42% that said “No” to the referendum last year, could support the leading opposing parties CHP and MHP. Should AKP lose their sole spot after the election and end up in a possible coalition, with one of the leading opposing parties, secular values would possibly be pushed back into the culture.

Part of Turkey seems to be leaning towards the East while another part is leaning towards the West. The part that is leaning towards the west, wants to live by western values, even if Turkey does not become part of the EU. Time will show the turn out, but for now the assumed “Neo-Ottoman” agenda seems to have no apparent set backs.

It is hard to tell if Europe would have been better off, befriending the old enemy in an attempt to keep them close, or keep pushing away thereby giving an incentive to formulate other Unions, that might grow strong.

America’s policy in the region will possibly have a determining effect, on which way things will lean.

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Sources:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/world/middleeast/05turkey.html?pagewanted=1&ref=middleeast

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/world/middleeast/09turkey.html?_r=1

http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20100906-france-strip-nationality-cop-killers

http://www.economist.com/node/17632939

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=decade-long-arrest-limit-found-reasonable-by-none-2011-01-04

http://www.cnnturk.com/2010/turkiye/12/20/kurtce.turku.cinayeti.zanlisi.araniyor/600081.0/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10707935

http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2004/12/04ANKARA7211.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,731590,00.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/120696

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/250705

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/235183

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/225319

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/219037

http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2010/01/10ANKARA87.html

 http://www.mideastweb.org/Middle-East-Encyclopedia/ottoman.htm

Ottoman Royal Family Stories Told By Turkish Princess

Yesterday, I was watching a history show, which is one of my favorite shows. Historians gather and talk about the past. They show real documents and always have very interesting guests. It was interesting to see “Princess Hanzade Özbaş” on air. She is the great grand daughter of the latest heir to the Ottoman Empire. Her great grandfather Sultan Vahdettin had been pictured as a traitor in Turkish history books.

She explained how difficult history class had been for her as a child. Her teacher was making her, read out loudly the passage that explains what a traitor, a terrible person Sultan Vahdettin was. Of course being only a little girl, she ran out of class crying;

 “My Grandfather is not a traitor!”

It is very well acknowledged by historians now  that he was never a traitor, yet I am not sure if they changed the context of school books. Either way, it was ridiculous of her teacher, to torture a little girl like that, knowing who she is. Although she was living with her grandmother “Who in fact, is Ottoman History” little Princess Hanzade kept failing Ottoman History classes throughout high-school. She went to college abroad.

Princess Neslişah Evliyazade

It had been a littler easier for her daughter  Neslişah Evliyazade. She says, it feels interesting to realize that her grand parents lived at the Dolmabahçe palace which she only gets to visit like a regular tourist. Although, the family has no influence or title anymore, they represent Turkish royalty and set an example of the traditions of Turkish aristocracy.

Princess Neslişah explained in one interview that the importance of education preceded everything. Ladies of the royal family were very well educated; they spoke minimum three foreign languages. Sultan Vahdettin’s grand daughters supported themselves through working hard, as everything was taken away from them. Unfortunately the princes were unable to do so, as most had been educated by the military, to become great soldiers, which left them unqualified to find immediate jobs while in exile.

Princess Hanzade’s mother met her husband while she was an instructor at Princeton University in America during World War II. Her husband was teaching at Princeton just like her. He was Turkish as well, although not royal, he came from a very wealthy family.

Princess Hanzade was telling these little stories about Ottoman life that opened yet another window to the Emporium’s ways. She explained that, daughters of Sultan’s were getting married with the husbands they chose. The grooms had no choice of refusal. The marriages were taking place on paper, prior to meeting each other. Then the husband still had to go ask for the bride’s hand. At that point some brides were known to make the husband wait, for up to four hours, or rejecting him a few times, before they agreed. It is a little funny considering that they are the ones who chose the man, to make him suffer a little before taking his hand was possibly a form of flirting. The fact that the groom could not refuse seems harsh, still Ottomans were beauties, as I had explained in previous articles, the Sultans had procreated only with the most beautiful women for centuries, therefore that gene pool was filled with gorgeousness. The groom had not much to worry about her looks.

Pictures of Some of the Born Turkish Princesses:

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Once married to the daughter of a Sultan, he could not get a second wife, nor could he divorce her. However by law she could divorce him and marry someone else, should she chose to do so.

I find this interesting as the Ottoman Empire was Islamic. Yet, none of the rules of Islam were applied towards royal ladies.  

Another interesting story was about one husband who was the son of a Sadrazam, which is a title similar to being a Prime Minister. During a heated argument, things got out of control and he slapped his wife, as soon as she opened the door, guards jumped on him, to beat the hell out of him, for he could not touch “The Lady” even if she was his wife. The fact that he was the son of the highest ranking officer, after the Sultan did not help him the least bit.

Ottoman tradition and upbringing is still present in the royal family, and stories of old customs shed more light on Ottoman culture. Princess Hanzade was explaining how important modesty was, and how any other way was unacceptable for a member of the imperial family. This explains the “scandal free” life they all have leaded. Even if they were not at all strong financially, they are who they are and that cannot be taken away from them.

Scandals of European Royalty have kept the tabloids busy over the years. Yet Ottomans always kept a dignified, quiet life style. Clearly it was part of the culture, to always remain noble, including during times of lacking financial means.

Rumor has it that Sultan Vahdettin had been offered palaces to stay and a steady income by King Emanuel in Italy. He refused the courteous offer and endured poverty for he was an Islamic Leader. Accepting, hand-outs from any Non Muslim was unacceptable, living in hardship was better. Pride precedes comfort according to the Turkish culture and these are some examples to that aspect.  

*In 2001 The Habsburg family (Austrian Royalty) gathered with the Ottoman’s in a summer resort in Turkey. These families had been at war with each other for centuries, yet after they both lost their throne, the old enemy made a good friend.

I have been judged for calling members of the Ottoman family prince or princess, as they do not rule anymore. I see no harm in respecting those who are direct lineage of the majestic family. They represent glorious history.

During the History Show, Princess Hanzade demonstrated the latest “Imperial Signet” It belonged to her great grandfather Sultan Vahdettin and as he was the last Sultan, she has the last signet. It is pure gold. She also showed a royal necklace that weighed maybe a kilogram of gold. It was beautiful. The Sultan passed it on, and never considered selling these items despite, the financial hardship that he went through.

I find it hard to believe that he could be a traitor, when he valued all that he represented more than his comfort till the day he died. It is sad that books have portrayed him with no justice. Fortunately, his name has been cleared, and stories of his gracious life shall live on.

Source:

*http://webarsiv.hurriyet.com.tr/2001/08/26/20617.asp

Follow me on twitter@Banugokyar

What Leaked About Turkey?

After reading many leaked documents through Wikileaks, I am almost surprised that there is nothing too secretive that comes across, at least so far. Still the US Embassy mini reports on Turkey and the Middle East were interesting.

 Having read most of the reports on the Middle East, I made the below assessment.

US diplomats have great doubts about Turkey’s dependability. Their views on AKP and Erdoğan have changed over time.

In a report written in 2004, the tone clearly undermines Erdoğan, his crew and their ability or knowledge about the world.

 “Erdogan’s pragmatism serves him well but he lacks vision.  He and his principal AKP advisors, as well as FonMin Gul and other ranking AKP officials, also lack analytic depth.  He relies on poor-quality intel and on media disinformation.

 With the narrow world-view and wariness that lingers from his Sunni brotherhood and lodge background, he ducks his public relations responsibilities.  He (and those around him, including FonMin Gul) indulge in pronounced pro-Sunni prejudices and in emotional reactions that prevent the development of coherent, practical domestic or foreign policies.

In the same report Davutoğlu was explained as “exceptionally dangerous.” due to his Islamist views. Six years later, in another report in 2010, the tone and view on similar issues, seems to have changed.

“The idea of Turkey using its cultural and religious links to the Middle East to the advantage of both Turkish interests and regional stability is not new with the AKP, but has been given much more priority by it, in part because of the Islamic orientation of much of the party, including leaders Erdogan, Gul, and Davutoglu.  Moreover, the AKP’s constant harping on its unique understanding of the region, and outreach to populations over the heads of conservative, pro-US governments, have led to accusations of  “neo-Ottomanism.”  Rather than deny, Davutoglu has embraced this accusation.  Himself the grandson of an Ottoman soldier who fought in Gaza, Davutoglu summed up the Davutoglu/AKP philosophy in an extraordinary speech in Sarajevo in late 2009 (REF A).  His thesis: the Balkans, Caucasus, and Middle East were all better off when under Ottoman control or influence; peace and progress prevailed.  Alas the region has been ravaged by division and war ever since.  (He was too clever to explicitly blame all that on the imperialist western powers, but came close). However, now Turkey is back, ready to lead — or even unite.  (Davutoglu: “We will re-establish this (Ottoman) Balkan”).

The US diplomats do not seem to perceive Turkey’s foreign policy as narrow-viewed or irrelevant anymore, but consider it a strategic problem with sureness that Turks will not be able to compete against other players in the region.

 “ The greatest potential strategic problem for the US, however, and the one that has some of the commentators howling, is the Turks neo-Ottoman posturing around the Middle East and Balkans.  This “back to the past” attitude so clear in Davutoglu’s Sarajevo speech, combined with the Turks’ tendency to execute it through alliances with more Islamic or more worrisome local actors, constantly creates new problems.  Part of this is structural.  Despite their success and relative power, the Turks really can’t compete on equal terms with either the US or regional “leaders” (EU in the Balkans, Russia in the Caucasus/Black Sea, Saudis, Egyptians and even Iranians in the ME).  With Rolls Royce ambitions but Rover resources, to cut themselves in on the action the Turks have to “cheat” by finding an underdog (this also plays to Erdogan’s own worldview), a Siladjcic, Mish’al, or Ahmadinejad, who will be happy to have the Turks take up his cause.  The Turks then attempt to ram through revisions to at least the reigning “Western” position to the favor of their guy.  “

It seems that the response that Turkey received to its applied foreign policy; has surprised US diplomats within the last six years and may continue to do so.

 The Balkans, has been an issue for the EU as well.

“Levitte noted that of the five major conditions required to transfer authority in Bosnia from the UN High Representative to an EU High Representative, four have been fulfilled, and only the question of division of state property remains. This final condition should not alone “block all progress,” especially as the current UN team in Bosnia is no longer effective. France wants to see the transfer of authority to a new EU team in November, as the rapprochement to Europe is an effective “carrot” to encourage the Bosniaks to continue progress in necessary reforms.

 MACEDONIA AND CROATIA

Levitte expressed optimism that a new Greek government would be “more solid” and allow greater flexibility for progress in the Greek-Macedonian name dispute. A/S Gordon agreed that either a more solid Conservative government or a Socialist government would be a stronger, more flexible partner in the negotiations. He expressed hope that if the international community could convince Macedonia to abandon the idea of a referendum and get Greece to abandon the necessity of changing passports, then progress could be made.”

As the new map of the world is being formed, every party is trying to gain stregth as ever. EU wants to have power over Bosnia and ensure Greek –Macedonian power formulation. Turks are being accused a of a “Neo-Ottoman” agenda, yet the rest of the map seems also to be headed in a historically familiar outlook.

Meanwhile according to the US reports, Turkish diplomats are not happy with America’s stand on Turkey’s involvement in the Balkans.

“Sinirlioglu registered the GoT’s determination to resist perceived EU efforts to exclude Turkey from the Balkans, particularly Bosnia. He identified effecting rapprochement between Bosnia and Serbia as Turkey’s immediate diplomatic goal for the region. Towards that end, Sinirlioglu said, we convinced Haris Siladjdzic, who had been in Ankara the day before, to cease references to Serbian “genocide.” The United States and Turkey have “agreed to disagree” on the Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Bosnia; nevertheless, “we value your involvement in the Balkans.”

The leaks on Iran were no surprise. At least I have not come across anything that we did not know. The only thing is that stood out, was a report that portrays Turkey, as an ally of the US who manipulates the region, according to Israel’s agenda, in spite of recent disputes.

“Sinirlioglu contended Turkey’s diplomatic efforts are beginning to pull Syria out of Iran’s orbit. He said a shared hatred for Saddam had been the original impetus for their unlikely alliance. “Now, their interests are diverging.” Once again pitching Israel-Syria proximity talks, Sinirlioglu contended Israel’s acceptance of Turkey as a mediator could break Syria free of Tehran’s influence and further isolate Iran.”

Israel and the EU strongly believe that the regime has to be changed in Iran. The weak points of the nation have clearly been highlighted to create turmoil, thus change.

“Force Regime Change: Dagan said that more should be done to foment regime change in Iran, possibly with the support of student democracy movements, and ethnic groups (e.g., Azeris, Kurds, Baluchs) opposed to the ruling regime. Dagan stressed that Iran has weak spots that can be exploited. According to his information, unemployment exceeds 30 percent nationwide, with some towns and villages experiencing 50 percent unemployment, especially among 17-30 year olds. Inflation averages more than 40 percent, and people are criticizing the government for investing in and sponsoring Hamas, saying that they government should invest in Iran itself. “The economy is hurting,” he said, “and this is provoking a real crisis among Iran’s leaders.” He added that Iran’s minorities are “raising their heads, and are tempted to resort to violence.”

The current Iranian regime is effectively a fascist state and the time has come to decide on next steps. Levitte stated that this is why Paris is advocating a meeting of the EU3 PLUS 3 on the margins of the Pittsburgh G20 meeting. The French hope to approve a two-paragraph statement laying out next steps on negotiations or sanctions. He noted that German Chancellor Angela Merkel shares the view of the French President and is willing to be firm on sanctions.

EU has Boycotted Iran after the elections. They put a lot of effort into plotting the boycott.

 “If the Iranians find out beforehand that the EU will not send Ambassador-level representation, Paucelle told poloff early July 31, then they may rescind the invitations to the August 3 event, as they did in similar circumstances prior to former President Khatami’s inauguration in 1997. “It’s hard to keep a secret when 27 nations are involved,” Paucelle noted, “but we are trying.” Only the Swedish EU Presidency will be represented by an Ambassador, Paucelle said.

“On the one hand, we want to communicate that we do not approve of this illegitimate election. On the other hand, we need to be realistic: the power is in the hands of Khameini and Ahmadinejad, including the nuclear file, and we must negotiate with those in power. .”

 While all this is happening Turkey still acts as a friend of Iran, which is confusing to the rest of the world.

“Erdogan had been asked if he views Iran as a friend. If he had said “no,” it would not have been possible to convince Tehran to cooperate on this latest proposal. Only Turkey can speak bluntly and critically to the Iranians, Davutoglu contended, but only because Ankara is showing public messages of friendship.”

Another surprising report was that Britons were teaching US diplomats how to talk to Iran.

“Iranians are obsessed with the west and this obsession at times blinds them to their interests,” he told the Americans. “The US side should be aware of the following preconceptions on the Iranian side:

– The US seeks to remove the current regime and replace it with a pro-western one.

– US policymakers spend an inordinate amount of time and energy thinking about (and plotting against) Iran. As such, Iranians assume that everything we do or say has meaning and has been carefully thought out and co-ordinated, both internally and with the UK; there are no accidents.”

The tone of this report makes the Iranian sound like paranoid, for assuming that the US seeks to remove the current regime or plots against Iran. Ironically, all the other reports show that they were “right on spot” with their assumptions.

Meanwhile the Islam Brothers of the region, have issues among themselves.

Sinirlioglu registered the GoT’s increasing dissatisfaction with PM Malaki and fear that he is tending “to get out of control.” “He is preoccupied with his political survival;” nevertheless, Sinirlioglu continued, the GoT is in frequent contact with him.He noted Saudi Arabia is also “throwing around money” among the political parties in Iraq because it is unwilling to accept the inevitability of Shia dominance there. “

Although Turkey has good relations with all neighbors, military actions taking place in the region would affect Turkey as well.

Burns acknowledged Turkey’s exposure to the economic effects of sanctions as a neighbor to Iran, but reminded Sinirlioglu Turkish interests would suffer if Israel were to act militarily to forestall Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons or if Egypt and Saudi Arabia were to seek nuclear arsenals of their own.

So in short we can say that:

• The US treats Turkey as an ally but does not perceive the relation as very dependable.
• The US thinks that geographically, the US Bases, on Turkish soil are essential for the positioning against Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• US view on Turkish foreign policy’s success potential seems to have changed. Although they still do not believe, that Turks will realize the vision, now they seem to accept that there is a vision, which they did not in 2004.
• Everyone wants a piece of the Balkans, as whoever takes control of the Balkans will have more power over the region.
• Although Israel and Turkey’s relations are not well, some of their interest in the area might be more common than it seems, like getting Syria out of Iran’s orbit.
• While Saudi Arabia does not get on with Iraq or Iran and most of the region does not get on very well, Turkey seems to be getting on with all except for Israel.
• The fact that military action within the territory would not be in Turkey’s interest and Israel’s potential for such stroke is reminded to Turkish diplomats, according to reports.

Could we have made the above assessment without the leaks?

Of course we could!

I am not a big fan on conspiracies but I cannot help but question, if this is all part of a big PR campaign? No press conference would have made the world, read announcement of US strategy so carefully.

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to observe, the upcoming reactions to the leak.

Followme on Twitter@BanuGokyar 

Sources:

http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2004/12/04ANKARA7211.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,731590,00.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/120696

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/250705

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/235183

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/briton-us-diplomats-talk-iran

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/225319

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/219037

http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2010/01/10ANKARA87.html

 

 

Pope’s Assassin Managed to Speak Despite ‘Denied Voice’

Mehmet Ali Ağca is the man who tried to kill the Pope John Paul Second. He has been released from prison in Turkey recently. The Turkish media had an unspoken agreement of not giving this killer a voice, as he did not only attack the Pope but also had killed a very well respected journalist Abdi İpekçi in 1979. This was two years prior to his attempted assassination of the Pope. He had escaped from a Turkish prison, and made it to Vatican in 1981. He served 19 years of imprisonment in Italy and 10 more in Turkey. Initially he had received capital punishment for his crimes in Turkey, but the law has changed before he finished his sentence in Italy. He could not be tried a second time for killing Abdi İpekçi, and the “amnesty” that took place at the time, changed his sentence from capital punishment, to 10 years in prison. He had received 36 years for another crime that he committed in Turkey but another “general pardon” changed that to 7 years.

He ended up serving only 10 years in jail, in Turkey although he had knowingly, assassinated an intellectual such as Abdi İpekçi.

Although the media was keen on not giving him a voice, a program aired on the government’s TV Channel conducted an interview with him recently. He made up preposterous stories that it was the Vatican that had hired him to do attack the Pope, as it was a prophecy written in “ancient scriptures” that needed to be realized to keep faith and the power of church going. He claims that he was asked to convert. It was interesting that he seemed touched, by the fact that the Pope forgave him. Then again that moment put him on the cover of Time Magazine. I try to believe that there might be some good in everyone, but this man strikes one as pure evil. There is no remorse in his tone even decades after he committed the crimes. He had 30 years to think about his actions, yet shows no regret.

I agree with the Turkish Media that not giving him a voice is the best way. Ignoring his existence is their silent way of condemning him and his actions. The reason I write about him is to point out that sadly not much has changed since 1979. Listening to Ağca’s interview made me angry like, the rest of the viewers, a hit man, a brutal killer was on national TV voicing his opinion acting like an authority on certain matters.

NO REMORSE!

I cannot get over the NO REMORSE bit.

Then again what do I expect from a person who takes a shot at the Pope, after having killed a beloved journalist.

Desolately, listening to him also made me acknowledge how history keeps repeating itself in this country.

 

Hrant Dink who is another Turkish intellectual, only this time of Armenian origin, was similarly assassinated by a cold blooded killer, in front of his office, in brought day light, just like that…

Although he admitted to assassinating Dink, the trial has taken so long that in the meantime another amnesty for under age committers of crime, has taken place. The point of this amnesty was to give Kurdish kids a break. They had been imprisoned due to attacks such as throwing stones at people, as part of a protest. Kids of the region have to survive in a war zone and might be more aggressive compared to their peers in other regions. That is of course very unfortunate, which is why the government does not want them to be punished severely. Hrant’s Killer cannot be singled out of the amnesty act. He was 17 when he committed the crime. He will serve time, but possibly way less than anyone would have expected. Technicality should not justify the outcome. Yet another cold blooded killer does not get severely punished.

A speedy trial should be every citizen’s right.

Martin Luther King says “A right delayed, is a right denied”

In this case, both İpekci and Dink’s rights seem delayed. Unfortunately, there could be many more examples as such. It is not good for a society when the people cannot be sure that justice will be served. This is one of the things that needs urgent reform in Turkey, yet nobody’s attention seems to be on it. Establishing the People’s faith in the judiciary system through ensuring justice for everyone, would possibly calm down many boiling issues in the nation.

İpekçi was a Turkish Journalist, Dink was a Turkish Journalist of Armenian origin. Decades apart, they were both assassinated. They were both beloved public figures and the People cared to see justice served. Sadly, outcomes are alike.  

Similar problems are treated separately, as if the malfunction is towards, a certain ethnic or religious minority, whereas the core of the problem is affecting everyone regardless of their roots. Once everyone feels that “justice is blind” and the system functions properly, there would probably be less acts of rebel against the system. Solutions aimed to ease the reactions of certain ethnic or religious minorities, do not reach the core of the problem and are likely to fail.

 The betterment needs to be intended for the whole. That kind of safety feeling seems to be a very unifying umbrella, regardless of differences as can be seen in examples such as the United States of America. Many want to become American, as opposed to holding on to their differences. I believe that part of the reason behind is, because they do not feel that they have to give up on their tradition and values, at the same time becoming a citizen of a nation where the people matter and actually rule seems attractive to many.

Right now the way the system functions here seems to disappoint not only minorities but also the rest. Trying to fix issues for minorities, sounds fair but not realistic when the system is not functioning well for the whole. Acknowledging the dysfunctional areas and improving them with consideration for the needs of different societies among the nation, would possibly help provide a more harmonious, peaceful environment for all.

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Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehmet_Ali_A%C4%9Fca

What year is this again?

 

“I never knew that love could be so peaceful.

His chest seems to be the safest harbor on the face of this earth. I can’t imagine any better place to be at. I love doing “nothing” with him. Oddly how “nothing” when done with him, seems to be impossible to top. His mere presence seems to be my source of joy. The simple moments, feel more precious than anything that I could possibly imagine.

No challenge, no stress, just bliss.

I did not know that a guy could bring such balance into my life. The same way I had no idea that I had it in me to go with the flow and let someone else plan the day.

He likes the geeky things that I like, National Geographic, The History Channel or books that I like. Who knew that I could share my simplest joys with someone or  that someone would get how fascinated I can be with those things, yet not at all impressed, while attending to the  supposedly “coolest event” in town.

It is his modesty that I admire most. Acting so unaware of himself, he seems to not have a shred of arrogance, in spite of all the admirable qualities that he possesses. The same way, he is not the least bit interested in showing off how cool he is, which makes him so much more cool…..”

Wow! I am always surprised to find things that I jot down in the spur of the moment. I wrote these lines, after a weekend that I had spent with my love. We were good at sharing “moments of nothing” then he got this idea that we would be good “sharing our life” together. I guess it is a big leap to try to adjust to the idea of sharing life, while sharing “moments of nothing”

 

Along with the idea came thoughts. Frankly I don’t know why we had to think anyway. It is my experience that thinking has a way of spoiling things that would have found their natural rhythm otherwise.

I am not sure whether it is the thinking process that spoiled things or was the situation against my outgoing, bubbly personality, from the start, as Mom suggested?

Either way, we lost peace. Before I knew it, he was telling me what he expects of his “future wife.”

Of course that only helped me rebel against expectations. I’m not sure at what point protocol entered our relation. The magic was that being around him, was pleasant enough for me not to care what we do. I did not want to force him into my circles, at moments that he was not up for it. He did not force me much either, except for his family circles and that was fun. They are very joyous, wonderful people.

Still the shift from girlfriend to future bride made me wonder:

Hey! What happened to those quiet moments my head buried in his chest where I got to enjoy his presence only. That was all I cared about really. Why did we have to conceptualize things again?

 

It’s hard to imagine that someone who had once brought such balance into my life could make my joy disappear, because he thinks he is the “future husband”, thereby the sole decision maker, the only one whose desire matters.

 

What year is this again?

Speaking Through the Heart

It is those moments that we do not know what to do with ourselves that our doggy will simply come to our lap to make us smile. It is the unconditional love received from them that makes them our best friends. As mentioned in one of my previous articles, I have a doggy now. He chose me as opposed to me choosing him. The constant love and joy he demonstrates towards me, keeps putting smiles on my face at the least expected moments. His presence gives me peace.

He took shelter under my balcony. This is how we had met and how he had chosen me. In time he started joining me, while meditating in the garden. Now he has moved inside the house.

Oddly how his old friends do not accept him anymore. He must have softened because his former buddies seem to bully him off the streets. The other day as we were walking down the street, we were attacked by a German shepherd. I was terrified. As he is a former street dog, George has very strong survival instincts and knows when to attack and when to back down. Although he did not intend to fight back initially, my fear made him bark back. I am so very touched with his innocent protective attitude. It is the simplicity of our relation that makes it so wonderful. He can feel me; he could from the day we met. He is so sure of my love for him that he keeps jumping all over me even when I say no.

It looks like a breach of authority, but it’s not because when I can’t deal with that, he just knows not to do it. I am fascinated by his ability to read me. Of course he likes to get up and hug me when there is mud on his paws, but then again I am not really mad at him for doing so. After all he is just a doggy, how can he understand not to mess my clothes. He understands the more important things though. He knows to sit with me silently, comfort me if I am down, or jump all over the place to salute me when I wake up.

The unconditional love combined with his deep understanding of my mood, beats any form of communication.

Sometimes I wonder if it would ever be possible for humans to connect on such level.

 

Then I remember that it is. I am similarly connected with Sahaja Yogis who could be able to read me or I could read them from thousands of miles away. I guess innocence and pure love are key to this type of connection. It surely is very fulfilling on so many levels.

When we truly connect with each other from the heart, so many issues that are raised through mental forms of communication seem to dissolve. I guess the trick is to keep things simple because complicating matters makes us lose the ability to communicate through the heart only. When that happens, we might not be able to read the simplest thing about each other’s state that our dearest doggy would never miss.

I guess simplicity in any relation brings joy because when the hearts speak, the rest is allowed to be silent.

 

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Eat Pray and Love!

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

I’ve just come out of the movie “Eat, Pray and Love” and I loved it. It reminded me of a different phase in my life. Years ago when I was in college I lived in an Ashram in San Francisco and had visited India on a trip to gather with other Sahaja Yogis from all over the world. India sweet India, every moment of it was magical. The slow pace, the warm climate, the soothing music, the wonderful silk saris, the perfumed jasmine in my hair, it was all bliss. My meditations felt amazing I was just having such a good time. I recall falling asleep during my initial meditations. I had arrived to the east from the west and needed some adjustment time before I could empty myself to absorb all the wonderful vibrations. Falling asleep was like God’s way of knocking me out so that I could emit all the love. Shortly after I was able to absorb totally awake with full awareness.

Such bliss!

 Of course when one takes a trip for their spiritual evolution, one becomes very observant of the Divine Play that keeps pulling us into a nonsensical state. The Indian call this state of illusion “Maya” It happens all the time and we can overcome it by becoming the whiteness. It is like looking for the glasses all over the house when they are on one’s forehead. The moment one stops getting frustrated and purifies the attention, the hand goes to the forehead to notice the glasses were there all along.

I have been a yogini for many years, yet I still find myself forgetting to be whiteness to my own drama every now and then. Luckily I recall that all one needs to do is surrender. Of course that is not the easiest thing to do when attached, but when it is time to detach things have a way of parting from us spontaneously, so the best is to enjoy the state and leave the conditionings aside.

The movie reminded me of a time that I used to dedicate most of my time to my spiritual growth. I used to pray so hard to become and instrument of God. I desired to be like Shri Krishna’s flute where God almighty could flow thru me, and I could be the instrument, a channel for Divine. What a strong desire. I did not remember to pray for other things, such as success, or money at the time. As we are all part and parcel of God, becoming more like God was my way to bliss.

When I desired to become more like God what I had in mind was not power or any such thing, but the impossible to challenge endless love that only Divine possesses was my idea of being like God. Not the sticky human kind of gushy love but rock like peace giving Divine type of love. During that period of my life I remember resenting to part from my conditionings and facing myself.

Still joy was always present.

Watching the movie I felt very blessed for not being lost and having found my direction at an earlier time in my life. Although choosing this path has made me feel lost in other areas of my life from time to time. When that happens I recall that being part of the system was not my way, or the path that I had desired. There is something draining about systems that I naturally rebel against. It must be my free spirit. As a student I was praying to be channel of God, to acquire Divine like qualities. Later in life as I was working for an advertising agency having regular meetings with high ranking people of the corporate world, I recall looking at some ladies who looked terribly dissatisfied and angry with life.

This time, I was praying “Dear God please do not let me become a Bitch! I cannot become an angry miserable person, who is harsh with people.”

 

Luckily I did not become that. It was just that at the time I was worried of losing focus of what really matters. Given that I felt that I had a strong presence and was certainly not one to push over easy, I was worried of pushing back too hard when challenged and becoming like those people that I dreaded so much, the miserable, bossy ladies. This would go against everything I believed in. I had learned the ways of love.

Pitfalls happen to me too. When trying to adjust with the ideas of the rest of the world, I find myself losing joy. This does not mean that I disagree with the world. It just means that I had learned where true joy is at young age and know well enough that it resides within us.

The knowledge that is encoded deeply inside me manifests at the oddest moments and reminds me who I am and what I know, for that I feel thankful to the Divine as ever.

 www.sahajayoga.org

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A Nation Confused!

According to the research of The Freedom of House Organization Turkey was still one of the nations that are considered partly free in 2009. Partly free countries are characterized by some restrictions on political rights and civil liberties. Limited freedom and severe violation of human rights has been an issue in for decades in Turkey.

However the nation felt that secularism was guarded very well by the military until recent years.

Why has the idea of guarding secularism mattered so much to a majorly Muslim nation?

Partly, because it was Ataturk’s legacy. He is the founder of modern Turkey. His vision helped create a democracy. Turkish women were granted voting rights long before French or Italian ladies. (Turkish ladies gained the right to elect and be elected in 1930, French ladies gained the right to vote in 1944) Drifting away from religious ideas seemed absolutely necessary at the time, as there is no example of an Islamic democratic state in the world.

The above map clearly shows that to this day most Islamic states are not free or at best partly free. *In Iran Mr. Moussavi who is the leader of the opposing political party is being oppressed. The people of Iran love him, but that does not change the fact that, the ones in power dare seize the computers, of a person who is running to be elected, to be the future leader of the nation. Now if they can push, even him around, the regular folk’s suffering is very clear. **The world is trying to save Sakineh’s life, who was under threat of being stoned to death. Meanwhile another couple has been stoned to death for being in love, in Afghanistan just like that.

***Dubai tries to create a more modern image, yet only a year ago a British woman was charged by the crime of having unmarried sex. The woman was in fact raped and pressed charges for her abuser to be arrested. Instead of arresting the abuser, they arrested her.

 

How is all this relevant?

The idea of an Islamic ruling creates panic among secular people in Turkey. The feared threat is about turning into one of the not free states.

****In the meantime EU applauds the result of a recent referendum, as a victory of democracy. There is a great amount of confusion of concepts among Turks. Secular people were mostly against the change of constitution; for fear that the government will lead the country towards a dictatorship.

*******“Turkey has undergone big changes since the A.K.P., an Islamic-rooted party, took power in 2002. It has introduced economic and political changes aimed at joining the European Union, and there have been big shifts in foreign policy.”

The below study about Muslim states was prepared in 2001 and Turkey was not even part of it. In 2002 AKP a party that is known for its religious roots has been elected and the outlook of Turkey has changed ever since.  

*****Arab and Muslim states can be broadly grouped under three categories, according to their degree of democratization and respect for human rights:

1. One-party dictatorships: Iraq, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Tunisia, Afghanistan.
2. Multi-party regimes: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, Kuwait, Palestinian Authority.
3. Traditional Islamic regimes: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, UAE and (non-Arab) Iran as well as Pakistan.

The first group is characterized by severe limitations on personal freedoms, a strict control of the media, and strong repression of all dissidence.

The second group allows a limited degree of parliamentarianism, some freedom of speech and organization, but with clear, and often harsh, limits set to criticism through the use of strong police and security services.

The third group is based on traditional Islamic values and concepts of government with some tokenism designed to present a more modern face. There ensue different approaches to the rights of women and minorities that do not always meet with globally-accepted norms.

As can be seen in the above study Islamic states tend to have oppressive regimes, and it is the degree of oppression that might vary but there is no example of complete freedom among these nations.  

Why does the EU think that this election was a victory towards democracy?

The referendum package had clauses that enable the trial of military forces which was not possible before. That was antidemocratic of course and changing that is surely a victory.

Where is the twist?  Why are secular Turks against such change?

They are not against this change. The referendum has put the people in a position where they had to say either ye s or no to a whole package. Affirmative action for women, affirmative action for disabled people, fewer restrictions on travel were some of the freeing ingredients that nobody felt a reason to oppose. However the change of judiciary system was also part of the packet and many secular people do not trust the existing ruling party for not abusing that change.  

Why are the secular people so paranoid?

As described in detail above there is no example of a completely free Islamic state in the world and the ruling party does not deny its Islamic roots.

1. The Prime Minister has openly threatened those who oppose him or those who dare say no.
2. That does not sound at all democratic and makes everyone feel terribly uneasy.

*******“At one stage during the referendum campaign, Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s governing Justice and Development Party, or A.K.P., threatened to get rid of Tusiad if it did not side with his party.

Mr. Erdogan had called the referendum to end the influence of the military in politics, overhaul the judiciary and strengthen individual rights. But the threats to Tusiad bolstered the opposition’s fears that in reality, Mr. Erdogan was trying to exert control over influential organizations.”

How is it possible that they keep getting elected in spite of the threatening attitude?

Now this is a key question on everyone’s mind lately.

The fact of the matter that seems to be somehow missed by the secular people is that Turkey has been, a partly free nation for much longer than the presence of the ruling party. Sadly Turkey is known for breaching, three of the Top 6 The Most Severe Human Rights Violations around the World
******Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
These infringements have also been signaled in Angola, Argentina, US, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Peru, Congo, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Tunisia, Vietnam and other countries.

Article 4. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Slavery has been also signaled in Albania, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Myanmar, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Georgia, Kirghistan, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and other countries.

Article 19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.Infringement of the freedom of speech and media, and killed/attacked journalists have been also signaled in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Kenya, Sudan, Panama, Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Pakistan, Tunisia, Vietnam, China …

 

 

 

 

 

Now the change in the constitution enables the people to finally go after the ones that have subjected them to torture and all forms of inhuman, degrading treatment of punishment. That is also something the EU supports. At the same time freedom of expression is still very thin. People of Anatolia and the Black sea area have mainly supported the change in the constitution and have given the Prime Minister a vote of confidence while doing so.

Are these people rooting for the formation of an Islamic state?

Not necessarily!

The supposedly simple folk support the leading party because conspiracies of future threat on freedom do not so much affect them given that oppression has already been present in their life for decades. The last eight years has not made them feel more oppressed than earlier. The ruling party promises hope towards the future though.

The opposing parties however are basing their campaigns mainly on badmouthing the ruling party. Trying to scare the nation from a dark future by basically saying

“Your freedom is under major threat, if you do not choose me, your future is doomed.”

No promise other than that they will match the ruling party’s offers of change.

Nobody wants a whining leader!

People want hope. The embracement of the world towards Obama’s signature phrase “Yes we can” is a clear example to that. Secular parties have gotten away with their failure in implementing better human rights conditions for so long  that it still does not seem to occur to them, that they need to assure positive change, as opposed expecting people to choose them because they will protect Turkey from becoming Iran.

The opposing parties “me too” attitude in reforms have not really helped them get a vote of confidence so far. In the business world, the market leader presents an innovation, the rest follows. Being the introducer of the innovations reassures a market leader’s position, until tackled by anyone who does not say “me too” but says “I have a better proposition.” 

To wrap things up:

• Given that there is no completely free Islamic state in the world, secular people of Turkey have a point feeling threatened.
• Given that the Prime Minister has no problem openly threatening those who do not support him, while trying to create a presidential system that gives him absolute power, secular people have a point for fearing that this is a signal of future dictatorship, mainly because it can widely be seen among Islamic states.
• Given that more humane laws are implemented, the EU has a point supporting the change in Turkey.
• Given that they have been very much oppressed already, those who support the ruling party have a point, not feeling under threat of something that already exists and not perceiving the ones as saviors, as they did not do anything to bring positive change in this area when they were in charge.

So what will happen next?

Is Turkey going to become like Iran because the military is not strong enough to prevent it? 

Are the secular people going to be threatened, oppressed, and completely pushed aside?

Not necessarily!

42% of the nation rejected the idea of change. The 58 % who accepted do not necessarily have Islamic ideas.

*******“ The governing party, which won 58 percent of the vote, acknowledged that the referendum was a test of its popularity before a general election next year. But analysts say it was also about something much more fundamental. “The referendum was about the different cultural values held by the conservatives and the secularists,” said Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, director of the Ankara office of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. “It was about the future identity of the country.”

People will have to start accepting that democracy is meant to unify a nation. At the same time it equalizes everyone, as everyone gets only one vote. The idea that commoners can not make their decisions because they would be misled by the ruling party is an argument that can be heard a lot among Turks. The absurdness is that this is a completely anti-democratic view.  The ruling party talks to the whole nation and found away to get enough people to hear them, enough people to trust and support them. The opposing party had the same opportunity, yet did not manage to influence enough people.  

From an election procedure, perspective this is a functioning democracy. Every election multiple parties are in the race. The opposing parties should stop acting like some kind of victim and start acting like true leaders, bringing hope and promise to those who support them. The days of military action are over and that is not a bad thing.

The opposing party’s job to promote innovative change thereby tackle the existing leader’s position is not so difficult in a country that needs so much change.

Freedom of speech, economical reforms, sense of freedom and security, more rights and better representation of religious and ethnical minorities…are some of the basic needs that come to mind…

The one who convinces masses, that this change will arrive through their reforms would get great support. Especially by the media I suppose, as they suffer a great deal from lack of freedom of speech.

So when 42% of a nation is so keen on secularism and the rest is mostly impartial to the idea, secular Turkey can be guarded without the help of military force, but by the people. Secular leaders need to stop scaring people about the leading party but start acting in charge the way a true leader would be, showing that there is an advantage to secular values, promising the implementation of better life quality for everyone including the simple villagers, by laying out well thought plans for a better future.

Who knows Turkey might come out if this polarization with better human rights conditions as each party will have to promise to  improve the quality of life to be elected, and given their position now, the only way for the secular parties to gain momentum is through better promises.

 

 

 

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Sources:

http://www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/fiw09/MOF09.pdf

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/opinion/17fri3.html?scp=2&sq=&st=nyt

*http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/world/middleeast/17iran.html?ref=middleeast

**http://shakti108.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/be-careful-never-to-hurt-a-human-heart/

***http://shakti108.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/if-life-is-given-by-god-should-it-not-only-be-taken-by-god/

****http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5999622,00.html

*****http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2001/8/Human%20Rights%20in%20Arab%20and%20Muslim%20Countries

******http://news.softpedia.com/news/Top-6-The-Most-Severe-Human-Right-Violations-Around-the-World-63112.shtml

********http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/world/europe/16iht-letter.html?ref=turkey

Pure Desire

Pure desire is a wish that goes through our heart and is fulfilled without an attempt to realize it.

 I had desired a dog for a while. I cannot trust myself or my life style to take the responsibility of a pet. In spite of my desire, I have not made an attempt to buy or adopt one.

Recently I moved into a place with a garden. The garden is filled with trees of fruit and I have been enjoying my delightful coffee moments, sitting outdoors. One day, as I was listening to music on my I-Pod I got startled by something that moved pass by me. It was a large animal, clearly a stray dog. As a child I have been chased by stray dogs so many times that they tend to terrify me.  It passed so fast that I could not tell where it went. In time, I discovered that he lived under my balcony.

At first, he was no less afraid of me than I would be of stray dogs. He would just hide under the balcony as soon as I came out to the garden. He was so wild that he would not give me or my friends a second look. Even,  when there was food on the table, it did not interest him the least bit.

An extra ordinarily proud doggy!

One day we came across each other on the street. He seemed overjoyed to see me, wiggling his tail jumping around me trying to get my attention. I was surprised, as he had not let my friends pet him when we were in the garden.

I knew he chose me to be his friend and without giving it much thought I named him George. He felt like a George. Then I realized that I named him after a protector Saint that slayed a Dragon to save a Princess.  My every story has to have a fairy tale angle. I guess, I am a bit of a hopeless romantic.

Anyhow, George likes to join me when I take my bike out. People on the street joke about the protector that runs next to me, as I ride. He likes to salute me when I come into the alley. He charges at me, barking, running really fast wiggling his tail. The barking run towards me would have terrified me only a short while ago, whereas now it fills me with joy.  Although we have made friends, he is free. He can come and go as he pleases. The other day after saluting me on the street, he walked away with another girl and frankly I felt a bit betrayed.

Yesterday, as I was meditating on the ground he came and sat right next to me. I know that he could feel the vibrations. Still it was not until today that I became sure that I have a dog. The cloudy weather had put me in a weird mood, not sad per say but not too cheerful either. As I was sitting in the garden sipping coffee writing away, trying to get myself out of the weird state, he came out. He just sat right by me, until he cleared my mood like a best friend would do. That is the beauty of having a pet. They have a way of comforting us. Having had that moment with him, I also realized that my desire was fulfilled in an unthinkable way. I have a dog who keeps me company from time to time, yet he is not dependant on me. He is pleased when he gets food but would not die in my absence.

Divine has unthinkable ways of fulfilling our desires. I am stunned by each experience that reminds me of this.

Agree to Disagree?

He had encouraged me to keep writing. I was surprised when he did that, as he always seemed to enjoy picking on me, so “support” was not something that I expected from him. I valued his opinion though. It was interesting with all the people around me, that he would be the one to take interest in my writing.

Was it because he was English? They value writing.

 Or was it because he was a former journalist? They enjoy reading.

I could not really tell, but I recall him asking me why he could not find my blog, on line anymore. I told him that I had not written in a while. He just said that I should keep writing, so I did.

 My blogging habit started out, as an outlet that I was using to articulate my feelings. It was an emotional period in my life and writing about my feelings somehow helped. I had been writing since I was eleven years old. Nobody would see my journals though. My mother kept pushing me, to publish my writing on line.

 One day I did.

Until then, I was not so much aware that publishing my writing meant that total strangers would get to read about my innermost thoughts. It was an interesting acknowledgement. It also made me realize that we are never alone in our state. The world is filled with people who have similar experiences. Knowing that sometimes helps cope with unwanted emotions. In the meantime, people around me kept asking why I write those articles. I kept saying, because I enjoy writing.

The other day as I was reading “The Zahir” from Paulo Coelho. I found myself enjoying this book a lot.

I came across some lines where he explains that back in Brazil, even he was asked why he wants to write. His explanation, to this odd question is that his nation does not much care to read, so they do not understand why anyone would want to write. Not that I claim any resemblance with Coelho but our nation’s ways of receiving the idea of writing seems similar.

Anyway, as this emotional state that had caused me to write about my feelings, had passed. I had stopped writing, which is around the time that he told me to keep writing. As I expressed earlier he is English. This must be the explanation behind the encouragement. Since, I was not in a sentimental state of mind anymore; I started writing about all kinds of things that I found interesting.

Then one day I received an e-mail where he was telling me that I should have been a journalist. His words meant a lot to me, as he was not the kind of guy, who would say anything, to anyone, in order to get on their good side. I kept writing.

Recently I’ve started writing for a national, on line news publication.

The biggest supporter of my writing was my mother of course, but she is this amazing person who would have supported me if I decided to do the craziest thing, such as becoming part of Cirque Du Soleil. I know she would do the research or hand me the application form instead of telling me the dangers involved in this job like regular moms.

No doubt that I appreciate her fully, but I found myself appreciating his support too. Our endless disputes on world events may even have influenced my tone in writing. Although in the beginning his arrogance seemed unbearable, combined with my impulsive overreactions, we managed to “agree to disagree” on things. This went on until I discovered that he enjoyed annoying me, my passionate outbursts seemed to amuse him. Some of the questions were not his views but his way of elongating a debate. After that I started enjoying our disputes more, as I knew what to take serious and when it was just a pitfall to drive me crazy. Of course my Mediterranean short temper is still there but I know that those moments of heated arguments on world history or politics have been good for me. Surely, I had many arguments with opposing ideas even before I knew him; it’s just that nobody would make it their business to extend the discussion, simply to pick on me.

I live in a nation where there are so many diverse ideas that those who feel that they belong to a group with certain ideas can be very impatient towards members of the opposing idea and vice versa.

 Making a point without losing an audience can be tricky in this environment, yet I feel the patience is built within me. After all, even when the end result is to” agree to disagree”; valuable information is exchanged until reaching that point. Information gets across from both parties, which forces everyone to see the other one’s angle. Once the other angle is seen, it cannot be reversed and being able to do that makes everyone grow, even when they disagree.

Be Careful, Never to Hurt a Human heart!

Whispers of the Beloved

 

I cannot sleep in your prescence.
In your absence, tears prevent me.
You watch me My Beloved
On each sleepless night and
Only You see the difference

Looking at my life
I see that only Love
Has been my soul’s companion
From deep inside
My soul cries out:
Do not wait, surrender
For the sake of Love.

If you can’t smell the fragrance
Don’t come into the garden of Love.
If you’re unwilling to undress
Don’t enter into the stream of Truth.
Stay where you are.
Don’t come our way.

All year round the lover is mad,
Unkempt, lovesick and in disgrace.
Without love there is nothing but grief.
In love… what else matters?

Love is our Mother and
The way of our Prophet.
Yet it is in our nature
To fight with Love.
We can’t see you, mother,
Hidden behind dark veils
Woven by ourselves.

Do you want to enter paradise?
To walk the path of Truth
You need the grace of God.
We all face death in the end.
But on the way, be careful
Never to hurt a human heart!

Do you know what the music is saying?
“Come follow me and you will find the way.
Your mistakes can also lead you to the Truth.
When you ask, the answer will be given.”

 

The Master who’s full of sweetness
Is so drunk with love, he’s oblivious.
“Will you give me
some of your sweetness?”
“I have none,” he says,
unaware of his richness.

 

You know what love is?
It is all kindness, generosity.
Disharmony prevails when
You confuse lust with love, while
The distance between the two
Is endless.

 

 

This Love is a King
But his banner is hidden.
The Koran speaks the Truth
But its miracle is concealed.
Love has pierced with its arrow
The heart of every lover.
Blood flows but the wound is invisible.

by Rumi

 

 After repeated pleas from Avaaz organization along with many letters received on the matter, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan is finally making a diplomatic attempt to save Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani .Ahmet Davutoğlu is starting the diplomatic process on trying to save this woman.

 

 

Brazilian President Lula’s prior attempt resulted with no luck. Iran seems so dedicated to kill this woman, that her crime changed from fornication to attempt to murder her husband. They made her confess to this new crime. Somehow they must have felt that this will justify their cruelty against Sakineh. The rest of the world is going to say

“Oh wait! She was a murderer but has been in jail for the crime of fornication, waiting for the last five years, to be stoned to dead for the wrong crime.”

The misunderstanding that could not be realized for the last five years somehow became clear by her sudden confession and bad mouthing her lawyer for making an attempt to save her life. Yeah right! The rest of the world buys that story!

Accordingly she says:

 

*”Why has he taken my case to the TV? Why has he disgraced me?”

It is interesting that Iran bothers convincing the rest of the world that her punishment is well deserved.

*Another of Ms Ashtiani’s lawyers has said that she was tortured for two days in prison to force her to make her televised confession on Wednesday.

Her lawyer is seeking asylum in Norway. So far the world’s compassion towards Sakineh has not triggered the least bit of compassion in Iran. We are hoping that Turkey’s efforts will save her life. He lawyer risked his own life, by letting the world know about Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s unfair trial. While the world is holding their breath for Sakineh’s life, a 25-year-old man named Khayyam and a 19-year-old woman named Siddiqa, have been stoned to death in Afghanistan just like that. According to the New York Times article the young couple’s crime was to be in love. Siddiqua had been promised to another man .She eloped to be Khayyam’s second wife, which is legally fine as men are allowed to take up to four wives, nevertheless they were both stoned to death. Stoning to death is a Middle Eastern tradition that dates pre-Islam. Actually Jesus Christ saved Maria Magdalena from being stoned to death, so it was a regional tradition executed by Jews as well. Of course those were cruel times and man kind evolved.

Why these societies have not evolved is a mystery yet to be solved!

** After the Taliban proclaimed the sentence, Siddiqa, dressed in the head-to-toe Afghan burqa, and Khayyam, who had a wife and two young children, were encircled by the male-only crowd in the bazaar. Taliban activists began stoning them first, then villagers joined in until they killed first Siddiqa and then Khayyam, Mr. Khan said. No women were allowed to attend, he said. Mr. Khan estimated that about 200 villagers participated in the executions, including Khayyam’s father and brother, and Siddiqa’s brother, as well as other relatives, with a larger crowd of onlookers who did not take part.

“People were very happy seeing this,” Mr. Khan maintained, saying the crowd was festive and cheered during the stoning. The couple, he said, “did a bad thing.”

It makes one question once again, what kind of cruel people live in these villages? A society taking joy out of killing, people for being in love, is hard to understand.

Are they all sociopaths, hungry for blood?

According to the same article another woman was killed earlier for the crime of having sex.

**In northwestern Badghis Province on Aug. 8, a 41-year-old widow, who was made pregnant by a man she said promised to marry her, was convicted of fornication by a Taliban court. She was given 200 lashes with a whip and then shot to death, according to Col. Abdul Jabar, a provincial police official, who said the killing was ordered by the local Taliban commander, Mullah Yousef, in Qadis district.

These people have no problem killing a pregnant woman along with her unborn child and they have to make sure that she suffers the agony of 200 lashes before she finally gets shot!

Surely none of this cruelty can be justified by Islam or any other form of religion. These people enjoy torturing and hurting others. This is a sociological matter that probably needs in depth analysis. This part of the world seems to be filled with blood thirsty individuals. The first thing that comes to mind to bring out the compassion in people is through spirituality but these people are using religion as an excuse for their cruelty so that is clearly not an option. My mere assessment of the situation is as below:

• These people need to relax about sex! It seems to be the biggest crime ever that deserves the worst punishment.
• These people need some other forms of entertainment. Cheering over killing a young couple and calling a festivity is just barbaric.

How? That is a difficult question to answer but open minded, compassionate spiritual leaders might help them learn the basics of spirituality.

Love and Compassion.

I realize this sounds naïve but I cannot imagine how else this cruelty can be cured. I am not sure that the west can help this problem as the dynamics of cruelty under the name of Islam involve dealing with in depth knowledge on misconceptions, justifications and religious ignorance. These people in their twisted mindsets believe that God is on their side while they execute God’s creatures in the worst possible ways.

As expressed in an article in the New York Times.

***The great Sufi saints like the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi held that all existence and all religions were one, all manifestations of the same divine reality. What was important was not the empty ritual of the mosque, church, synagogue or temple, but the striving to understand that divinity can best be reached through the gateway of the human heart: that we all can find paradise within us, if we know where to look. In some ways Sufism, with its emphasis on love rather than judgment, represents the New Testament of Islam.

Rumi was a famous Sufi. His every message is of love and peace.

****Jalaluddin Rumi was born in 1207 C.E. ( i.e. Common Era aligned with A.D.) in Balkh. This city was then in the Persian province of Khorasan but is now in Afghanistan. The family travelled to Baghdad, to Mecca on pilgrimage, and to Damascus and eventually settled at Karaman near Konya in what is now western Turkey.
Following this move to Konya, then the capital of the western Seljuk Turks Jalaluddin’s father was busy as an Islamic theologian, teacher and preacher. Jalaluddin followed in this tradition and, upon his father’s demise in 1231 C.E. succeeded to his post as a prominent religious teacher.

He was Persian and was born in the land that is now Afghanistan. His father had been invited as a very well respected scholar, by the Seljuk Turk ruler of the time. When his father died, Rumi was invited to take his father’s place, then at the age of 25. Most of his work was created living on Turkish territory, as a very well respected Scholar, protected under Turkish ruling, where he was very free and very much encouraged by the Turks to spread his philosophy.  Although he was Afghani born, Persian it was the Turks that provided him the comfortable environment to flourish his philosophy.

Almost eight hundred years after his time, the Persian and the Afghani seem to be demonstrating the cruelest actions ever. Turks are somehow called into the equation to help save lives. I hope that values such as love and compassion can somehow be reminded to these people. Saudi’s finally are able to laugh at themselves for the terrible double standard that is going on in their culture. A comedy show that creates a performance where the central character takes four husbands, explaining herself using the conventional arguments Saudi men use to exercise their legal and religious privilege of marrying four times. Although some were angry with the show, humor might help them emphasize with women which is a bigger step than it might look like. Empathy is an essential step on the way to open-mindedness.

I hope that broad minded Scholars, from within Islam take the necessary steps to dissolve this absolute cruelty that is being performed, in Muslim regions under the name of Islam and manage to resolve the sociological problems, for the sake of humanity.

 Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Sources:

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10949629 **http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/world/asia/17stoning.html?_r=1

***http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/opinion/17dalrymple.html

****http://www.age-of-the-sage.org/sources/rumi_biography.html

*****http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/7950200/Role-reversal-Saudi-comedy-provokes-anger-among-male-population.html

http://www.haberturk.com/gundem/haber/543318-erdogan-sakine-icin-devrede

http://www.haberturk.com/dunya/haber/539830-sakinenin-hayati-sizin-elinizde

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_sakinehs_life/?fp

Spotted in Turkey: Orthodox Patriarch conducting service for Mass

 

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This is an interesting week. Steps that have to do with religious freedom have been taken on three continents.

• August 9 2010 Germany: A mosque has been closed down in Hamburg, as it is considered a place 9/11 plotting was formed.
• August 14 2010 America: President Obama reminded America it’s core values, the principle of equality and freedom of religious practice by supporting the building of a cultural Muslim center and a Mosque two blocks away from where the Twin Towers used to be.  
• August 15 2010 Turkey: An Auspicious Christian celebration of Mother Mary with about 2500 visitors, (many of whom travelled from abroad ) took place in an ancient Monastery in Turkey.

Before I share my views on these issues I would like to share some details on my background. I was born in Germany. After I completed primary School there I moved to Istanbul and completed my junior and senior high School education, at a private Turkish high School, with English education. Once, graduated I went to America for my college education and studied business.  Now I live in Istanbul.

The above mentioned countries are not only regions where I spent most my life, but also cultures that influenced and molded me, into who I am today.  I think they call it a ‘Global Citizen’ when one is attached to more than one place in the world, or detached from all.

I sure fall into the attached category. I feel a subtle sense of belonging with all three nations therefore inclined to follow ongoing events in all. I guess a small sense of ownership towards these country’s actions, will always remain with me.

I find it sad that Germany could not come up with a better solution than closing down the Mosque, not because I think that the Islam world will miss that place of worship but because those radicals can meet anywhere. Closing down the Mosque, does not solve the problem of terrorists gathering but affects Germany’s image.

Especially when five days after Germany takes this step, President Obama supports the idea of building a mosque two blocks away from where the 9/11 attack took place. The nation that had been attacked shows more tolerance than others. Public opinion on the matter is diverse and frankly when I first heard of it my reaction was not much different than any other American. I said “OK!  I understand that Mosques have a right to exist like any other building of worship, but do they have to build it so close to where the attacks took place?”

When I heard President Obama’s below view on the matter it gave me chills.

“We must all recognise and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan, Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. But let me be clear, as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practise their religion as anyone else in this country.

“That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.”

I spent my years from teenage to adulthood in the American educational system, which might be why I strongly believe in those core values. They make America a matchless place.

I think it takes a lot of courage to support this cause at a time that other nation’s such as  Germany are trying to close down existing mosques due to fear of terrorism. This consciousness of equal rights makes America a unique place that passes many other nations in guarding basic human rights. It was the US that was attacked by Islamic terrorist, yet they are the ones advocating tolerance. Even if the people do not always feel like being as broadminded, which is understandable, the principle of the government not discriminating against any religious or ethnical background still applies. It is understandable that those who lost their relatives during 9/11 feel offended by the mosque being built, two blocks away.

Still oppressing members of a faith due to some terrorists, who used the name of a religion for those attacks, would be unjust. 

Turkey has suffered from terrorism for almost three decades now. The terrorist group PKK is of Kurdish origin. That does not make every Kurd a terrorist. The same way not every Muslim can be perceived as a threat to national security, just because it was Muslims who attacked America.

During the seven years that I spent in the States, I lived among Americans and not once did I feel like a foreigner. I’ve always felt, completely at home. Looking back I realize that it is amazing that I do not have at least one memory of anyone making me feel like I do not belong or I am different.

 Nope, none!

Ok maybe my bubbly personality helped me fit in, without extra effort. Still, it shows how those core values are absorbed by the public, manifesting as welcoming attitude towards anyone and everyone.

Part of my character was molded by American ideas. I cannot tell whether my keenness on tolerance towards differences, comes from the time I spent there or from the historical background of my nation.  Either way today’s picture of America is, once again a land of acceptance. In spite of the otherwise oppressive environment, religious tolerance can be observed in Turkey too.

As I mentioned in the beginning of the article the third interesting event this week was that, Turkey is hosting around 2500 Christians arriving from different nations to celebrate a day for Mother Mary in the ancient Sumela Monastery. It was established around the year 375-395 after Christ. The spiritual leader of the world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew I, conducted the service at the Sumela monastery in Trabzon province, located in north-eastern Turkey. It is wonderful that such an auspicious event took place, at such an ancient house of worship, regardless of the fact that the Turkish population is mainly Muslim.

The events of this week, give an idea on each of these nation’s stand, towards certain differences.  

When I am asked what I miss most about America, my usual response is that I miss the sense of freedom. Those core values give an individual, immense sense of freedom and confidence. President Obama was right to hold them before everything else. As a person who has been shaped and molded with ideas of freedom of speech, only to become a better observer of the level of oppression on thoughts, in my homeland, I very well appreciate the importance of sticking to the principle.

The repression in Turkey does not derive from Islam, as this is a secular republic. The old feudal system’s residue manifests; in the form of an attitude, so embedded into the culture that in spite of the democratic system,  the one in power tries to oppress everyone else hoping to hold on to the power. During the Ottoman times the ones who dare speak up against the power, lost their head over it. Now loopholes are created, to legally keep down those who speak up. Each time the power shifts, the ones who are oppressed changes. History keeps repeating itself.

This is precisely what happens when the masses do not guard the principle, but dwell on individual concerns.

As Martin Luther King says:

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

 

 

 

Sources:

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10973459

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10911542

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10980785

Could Turks lead the way to Tolerance in Europe?

 

There was a time that the European Union would remind everyone of, democracy, liberty, justice, respect of human rights and ideas as such, all of which seems to change lately. The double standard of European mind set is surfacing and becoming more obvious in today’s global environment.

A hundred years ago Europe was able to go and exploit far away lands in India or Africa, without having to worry about that population coming to their home land. It was difficult to travel for the masses, communication means were scarce, and the level of awareness of the opportunities in Europe was limited. These days with the internet, TV, movies, almost all regions of the world seem to be aware of each other. Travelling to the other end of the world is a matter of hours.

Laws in Europe are gradually changing and adapting to the new environment. These days, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to strip foreign origin criminals of their citizenship. It is ironic that he would suggest so, given that he is of foreign origin himself.

 *“He is the son of a Hungarian immigrant and a French mother of Greek Jewish origin. Sarkozy’s mother is from the Mallah family, which originally came from Spain like all Jews of Salonika, northern Greece, and left with the expulsion of the Jews by King Ferdinand. They settled initially in France. About 100 years later the family immigrated to Salonika.
Sarkozy’s great grandfather, who died in 1913, was a well known jeweler in Salonika.”

He is of Greek Jewish origin from the mother’s side and Hungarian origin from the father’s side. This explains his support of the Greek while they are in economic crises. His Greek heritage explains his resentment to the idea of Turkey being part of the EU.

The idea of disowning French citizens of foreign origin when they commit a crime might seem like an easy solution but is it fair? What if every nation found a way to take away citizenship of their criminals? It is every modern society’s responsibility to deal with crime while respecting human rights of those who committed the felony.

This is one of the issues that need to be corrected by Turkey in order to become Europe appropriate.

What if Turkey went into the roots of their criminals and singled out the Kurds, Bosnian, Circassian, Armenian, Greek, Georgian and many other origins and simply took away their citizenships? The idea seems so ridiculous that I would not even humor with it. Yet France the land of liberty is seriously considering such a solution to their problem.

It is a slippery road.  Europe wants to get rid of those who do not seem to fit in. Traditionally it was possible for them to treat the people in their colonies one way and have different standards towards the people of Europe. Now that some of those people have legally become citizens of Europe, acting with double standard has become more difficult. Solutions, suggested by a leader, of the land of democracy are ironically anti-democratic. 

 What makes Europe appealing to the rest of the world?

• Freedom
• Respectful environment towards human rights
• Culture
• Economic Stability

Europe has lost a large part of its appeal in terms of economical stability, as they are suffering. Freedom and culture are still there, respectful environment towards human rights is becoming questionable. Economics can be fixed but the compromise on its core values will be an interesting evolution to observe while the history of European civilization is being re-shaped.

Peter Hitchens seems to be terribly worried of the idea of Turkey’s admittance to Europe. One of his recently written articles, end with the below quoted sentence.

**“Now we may have to pay attention. Among the bayonet-like minarets and helmet-like domes of ancient Istanbul an East wind is blowing, which I think will chill us all.”

He took pictures at one very conservative Islamist neighborhood of Istanbul and used them as an argument that they reflect the ideas of a whole nation. This is like taking pictures of Orthodox Jews and claiming the whole nation is strictly Orthodox. The portrait of Turkey that he drew in this article although completely biased, very well explains the fear of Turkish presence in Europe. This dread has been ongoing throughout history, so it is nothing new. As expressed by the American journalist Timothy Sexton, in the below quote, Europe had been worried of Turks for a long time.

 

***”Much to the chagrin of the Vatican, just a few years later saw the Turks driving forcefully all the way to the Hungarian border. This threat was countered in the typical manner with which the Pope sought to defend his Church: a crusade. Like most of the others, this crusade also ended with devastating losses by the Christian armies, this time during the battle of Nicopolis in 1396. After this victory, it looked for all the world like Europe was about to find itself becoming part of the Ottoman Empire.”

The past is in the past. The truth of today’s world is that there is an Islamic population residing and holding citizenship in Europe. It cannot be reversed, unless terribly antidemocratic steps are taken. Whether Turkey becomes part of Europe or not will not change the fact that European have to learn to coexist and tolerate different cultures. As these citizens ideally, have equal rights like any other citizen of Europe oppressing them towards integration leads to antidemocratic behavior.

 

Ironically Turks come from a tradition of tolerance towards differences. Throughout most of the years of the Ottoman Empire, Christians Jews and Muslims co-existed without religious oppression. As expressed in an interview by History Expert, Aron Rodrigue at Stanford University.

****”While it certainly changed over its five-hundred-year existence, the Ottoman Empire was one of the most remarkable historical examples of coexistence among different religious and social groups.”

How is that relevant?

The world is changing and whether we like it or not the global environment is forcing societies to tolerate and coexist around differences.  The feared Turkish presence might actually help integrating the already existing Islamic presence in Europe. David Domínguez-Navarro very well explains how Jews and Christians were not only tolerated but protected and integrated into the society during Ottoman times. Turks come from a tradition of co-existing in spite of differences and therefore managed to create a comfortable environment for members of all religions.

*****”The expulsion of the Jews of Spain in 1492 and Portugal in 1497 brought to an end what had been the most economic and cultural successful Jewish community in the Western World. As a result, the largest centers of Iberian Jews found a new shelter in the Ottoman Empire where they also met other Jewish groups and minorities from Europe previously incorporated to the Ottoman territories. The relationship between the Jews and the Ottomans had a strong influence on Islam’s acceptance of the Jews as one of the “peoples of the book”.

In Muslim lands, Jews along with Christians were considered dhimmi, or “protected ones”, they were to be tolerated and had freedom to practice their religions (2). This tolerant attitude towards the Jews existed before the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 in the Muslim controlled Spain, and allowed the development of a successful Spanish Jewish community after their expulsion from Spain in 1492 when they were welcome by sultan Bayazid II to establish themselves in his domains. Throughout the sixteenth century they played a key role in the Ottoman economy and public life and enjoyed religious freedom, safety and prominence not comparable to anywhere else since the Golden Age of Spain during the Caliphate of Córdoba 

Although they maintained a social and cultural system of their own they remained an active part of Ottoman urban society, greatly involved in the daily life, they became a pivotal influential minority during this period, and contributed to the commercial, professional and financial development of the Empire.”

Aside from tolerating differences, the Ottoman system ensured all members of the Empire were involved and contributed to the development of the whole.

It is ironic that Sarkozy’s ancestors who had been expulsed by King Ferdinand were sheltered by the Turks, that he seems to oppose so strongly now. It was their tolerance that created a comfortable home for an expulsed community. 

Sarkozy’s solution of expulsion will not serve in long term and Europe will come to the point of seeking ways of integrating people of different origins. Turkish experience might come in handy since the issue of foreign origin’s presence in Europe will not go into thin air.

 

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10820457

 http://www.ejpress.org/article/16221

 http://www.stanford.edu/group/SHR/5-1/text/rodrigue.html

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1299213/Peter-Hitchens-disturbing-picture-growing-repression-heart-Eurabia.html

 http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/33307/the_ottoman_empire_and_its_effect_on.html?cat=37

 http://www.tarbutsefarad.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3579%3Aeconomic-role-of-the-spanish-jewry-in-the-sixteenth-century-ottoman-empire&catid=1305%3Adiaspora&Itemid=101450&lang=es

 

Turkish Royalty! Angelic little Prince and Princesses in the flesh!

 

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Each time I see a picture of members of the Turkish Royal Family, I am astonished for two reasons. The first reason is that they are incredibly attractive looking people, just the way one imagines Royalty to be in fairy tales. The second reason is that we did not used to see or hear of the descendants of the majestic family. As paintings were forbidden or frowned upon during the Ottoman times, most of us do not have so many real images of the Sultans stuck in our head. Frankly I know what the Romanov family looks like better than what many of our Sultans looked like, simply because I have seen photos of the Romanov’s. This is one of the reasons, that to see the Sultan’s great grandchildren, in the flesh amazes me, each time. However silly it might sound I must admit that their beauty makes me feel proud.

As I had expressed in one of my previous articles on Princess Roxanne Kunter, the Ottoman Sultan’s procreated only with the most stunning ladies, who were part of the Harem, which explains their beautiful looks as a family. The sultans were probably also very good looking (see picture of the little Princes, of the same lineage) and incredibly powerful men. Western movies always make the Harem look like a place of detention, where women were held against their will. I’ve often found this interpretation odd. There is an American TV show called “The Bachelor” if you have seen it, you will realize how 15 women fight over the affection of an ordinary man just because, it is a competition and they become famous. The women of the Harem were competing over the attention of a possibly very good looking man, who happened to rule over a territory that extended to three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa.  Should she bear his child, she would get a chance of being the mother of the next emperor. Now if anyone has caught an episode of the Bachelor, they will realize that women tend to be competitive around each other and controlling the man who is an object of desire for other women can be a great ego boost for ladies.  Surely I do not advocate polygamy in this age and time but the misrepresentation of ancient Harem life, in western movies has often appalled me.

Nevertheless, the reason we never used to hear of the Royal family is because 155 member of the Imperial family were expulsed in 1924. This expulsion took place along with the renouncement of the Caliph title. The definition of the word Caliph according to the dictionary would be:

ca·liph–noun

1. A spiritual leader of Islam, claiming succession from Muhammad.

2. Any of the former Muslim rulers of Baghdad (until 1258) and of the Ottoman Empire (from 1571 until 1924).

So the Ottoman family were considered successors of Muhammad thereby the leader of all the Islamic world. That is a very powerful title to be relinquished just like that. Although it might seem so now, at the time that was an essential move to establish a secular Turkish Republic. One cannot be the spiritual leader of the Islamic world and keep government issues separate from religious issues at the same time. Along with foundation of modern Turkey, Turks drifted away from Ottoman history. It took modern Turkey a long time after its formation, to become economically less dependant.

When I read quotes as the one below in the New York Times it astonishes me.

*“Turkey is seen increasingly in Washington as “running around the region doing things that are at cross-purposes to what the big powers in the region want,” said Steven A. Cook, a scholar with the Council on Foreign Relations. The question being asked, he said, is “How do we keep the Turks in their lane?”

 

Turkey’s rise as a regional power may seem sudden, but it has been evolving for years, since the end of the cold war, when the world was a simple alignment of black and white and Turkey, a Muslim democracy founded in 1923, was a junior partner in the American camp.”

 

“Cross purposes to what the big powers in the region want”, “How to keep Turks in their lane?” “Turkey’s rise as a regional power may seem sudden!”

 

Clearly those who wrote these lines have no idea about Turkish History and that it was not so long ago that Turks were not only the sole power of that region but they also ruled over the region while they were also accepted by all other nations in the area as a spiritual authority, successor of Muhammad.

So yes! Turks might be a rising power but that surely is nothing new, the leadership attribute is simply part of Turkish heritage. How to keep Turks in their lane would be something that many failed throughout history but maybe the American nation is too young to acknowledge, this. They know the modern state that has had economical weakness for decades and has been trying to unite with the E.U. for a long time.

Europe however remembers a different time. As American Journalist Timothy Sexton expresses in one of his articles Turks had been a strong power in the region for centuries.

 

**“Like most of the others, this crusade also ended with devastating losses by the Christian armies, this time during the battle of Nicopolis in 1396. After this victory, it looked for all the world like Europe was about to find itself becoming part of the Ottoman Empire.”

Americans are brilliant in observing change and keeping ahead even using it to their advantage. The world as we know it is changing and power is shifting yet again, as it has many times through out history. Turkish American relations have improved since that article was published in the New York Times and I believe the alliance will only get stronger.

Getting back to the subject of Ottoman Dynasty, after their expulsion in 1924, female members of the family were allowed to come back in 1952 and male members were allowed back in 1974. Conversely it is only lately that the Ottoman Dynasty members are becoming more known to the general public. Prince Osman Selaheddin Osmanoğlu has recently celebrated his 70. birthday. We all got to see the pictures of the youngest members of the Turkish Royal Family. The sweet little prince and princesses are amazingly attractive looking like the rest of the family. These little angel like creatures, are the living extension of our history as they are the great grand children of Fatih Sultan Süleyman who conquered Istanbul in 1453, thereby triggered the beginning of the renaissance era or Sultan Bayazid who gave refuge to the Jews who were expulsed from Spain by King Ferdinand. It gives me great pleasure to be able to hear about the current lives of members of a great part of our history. All the stories of Ottoman honor and glory that we grew up hearing about seem to be justified when we see the images of our scandal free, dignified Imperial family. Their poise screams Royalty. It’s kind of nice when we can put a face with the name, it is even better when the image matches the tales of pride.

I understand that for a long time they might have been perceived as a threat to the modern foundation. However, The Republic of Turkey is an established secular democracy now and the Royal Family represents our glorious history. We can look ahead, owning up to our established democratic system without denying our glorious past.

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/world/middleeast/09turkey.html?_r=1

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/33307/the_ottoman_empire_and_its_effect_on.html?cat=37

Stoning to Death! Who’s gonna throw that stone?

Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s face has become known to the world as she is under threat of being sent off, to a terrible death. She already received 99 lashes in front of her son; she has been in jail for the last five years while awaiting her execution. She was about to be stoned to death but international opposition might spare her, only to get a more humane execution.

What was her horrible crime? Is she a serial killer? Did she torture anyone? What could she possibly have done to deserve such severe punishment?

 Although never proven, her terrible crime was having sex with another man while married. She signed a confession but that does not mean she did it. She claims that she is innocent and she was forced to sign it. I can see these people forcing anything on a person.

Even if it was true and she did cheat on her husband, it is hard to understand the cruel punishment.

God knows how many wives the husband has! It is OK for him to sleep with more than one woman but his wife is punished in the worst possible ways for something as simple as sex.

I want to corner the guy who accused her in the first place and tell him               “Hey it’s just sex! Get over it!”  

I do respect different cultures and their traditions but not when these so called traditions terribly oppress the female gender. I would be equally upset, if a man was under threat of death by stoning only for straying.

Cheating on the spouse is bad of course. It is hurtful for the party that has been betrayed, it is frowned upon, in many societies. However, gathering up some people and stoning someone to a slow, painful death over it, is taking disapproval to a whole different level.

It makes me wonder how they can throw that stone. I bet that it is not easy,  for an ordinary person to kill someone, just because the law justifies it. The action of killing when not under threat of being killed shall not come easy. Many people shrug even when they see a bug, as they can’t step on it. It makes me wonder what kind of a society is filled with people who are ready to throw stones at another human being who cannot even cover her face in defence, as her hands would be tied. Capital punishment by stoning is applied by regular people. The stoning is initiated by the relatives of the person that is being executed.

I do not believe that Iranian people are crueler than others. Rules and regulations in societies are meant to bring peace and order for the people of that society. When those rules are making members of the society merciless, what is the point of order? Organized crime has a sense of fairness, yet is still completely illegal, as order is maintained thru the most brutal actions.

Here in a legal system a woman’s chastity is forced upon her by threat of death. It sounds like the kind of thing the Mafia would do, yet this is totally within the laws of Iran’s legal system. Even from a religious point of view it is difficult to imagine that God almighty would want one of his creations to seize to exist, at the hand of others because she strayed. It is difficult to separate compassion from spirituality. Islam suggests that one will be judged after death, therefore everyone will be asked to explain reasons behind actions.

I wonder how do they imagine themselves explaining:

• 99 lashes,
• five years in jail,
• attempt to kill by stoning,
• arrest of relatives of lawyer (as he defended her and might have alerted other nations only to change the form of her killing into a more humane one)

 All these in the name of religion?

When time comes, it shall be difficult to justify these callous actions to the Divine!

 

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10579121

Spotted! A real Turkish Princess!

A true Turkish Princess has enamored many, in the past few days. No one knew of her until her grandfather Osman Nami Osmanoğlu, who is the grandson of Sultan Abdülhamit II. passed last week. Roxanne Kunter is the direct descendant of a throne owner.

True Beauty!

I was one of the many who were taken by her beauty when I saw her picture taken at the funeral, on the front page of the Sunday paper. She had a scarf loosely over her hair to oblige with the protocol of a mosque. Actually it is no surprise that her looks would be breathtaking. She comes from a long, long lineage of beautiful women. The Ottoman Empire ruled for around six hundred years. The Sultans had harems and were procreating only with the most beautiful women from different regions of the world. So many genes of beauty entered that family tree that it is normal that Turkish Princesses look like fairy tale beauties. Aside from her gorgeousness, her royalty manifests through the strength in her eyes. Her great grandfathers were some of the most powerful, most feared men in world history. It is visible in her eyes that she comes from that lineage.

Her presence in the flesh touched me, as not much is heard of the royal family’s current life, unless one passes. In the beginning of the last century, after the revolution, when modern Turkey was formed, the Ottoman Royal family had to go into exile. Many members moved to Europe. I guess due to fear of take over, for a long time they were kept away.

Royal life in the Ottoman Empire was cut throat competitive in the literal sense. As there were many beauties in the Harem, the ruling Sultan would have sexual encounters with more than one lady. The first born son would be heir to the throne. Many brothers from different mothers are known to have killed each other for the crown. The one to survive it all and make it out alive got the throne. The same rule applied for the mothers of the Sultans. As long as she is exquisitely beautiful, even a slave girl could end up part of the Harem, so in that sense there were no cast systems or other upward mobility obstacles in the Ottoman Empire. The same way little Christian boys, enslaved from captured regions were raised to become top commandants of the Ottoman army. They would be rich and very well respected not only within the nation but anywhere they go, as they had important ranks in a strong Empire.

Compared to other strong kingdoms of the world, at the time there was a much stronger sense of possibilities in the Ottoman Empire, the ability of social and economic mobility.

A slave girl could become the mother of the next Sultan. Of course in her former land she probably was royalty, enslaved thru invasion of her country. This still seems more democratic as people were not stuck in the rank or class that they were born into. People were making an effort to place their girls in the Harem as young, as age of two so she would be raised in the Palace taught all kinds of etiquette and proper manners suitable to be part of the royal environment, until she reached the proper age to meet the Sultan. Once part of Harem, even if the Sultan never showed interest in her, they had to find her a suitable husband, possibly a promising young officer who would provide well for her. So contrary to common belief Harem was a place that people wanted to become part of, as it was a gateway to a certain life, linked to the royal family.

Then again survival was key. Members of the Harem were assassinated by rivals as soon as the pregnancy was noticed. A girl who was impregnated by the Sultan had to hide her pregnancy, until she could inform him or someone close to him. Once she had the boy, she had to look out for him, until he gets the throne. The survivors were not only the most beautiful ladies but also very intelligent ones, with a strong sense of survival and very sharp manipulation skills. The Ottoman gene pool was not only filled with beauty, but also with intelligence which explains part of the success of the empire for as long as it lasted.

When I read the news that another member of the Royal Ottoman family had died at the age of 97, for a moment it made me wonder how he must have felt, being denied of his royal treatment, even though he is a direct descendant of the Sultans, that as a nation, we all are so proud of. Then again, none of those Sultans got to live to be ninety. None had peaceful lives either.

Reminiscing on our history made me notice that; although the Ottoman Empire was ‘just’ in the sense that they were way ahead of the world with the possibility of a ‘nobody’ having a chance to become ‘somebody’ while the rest of the world was comfortably racist against anyone that could be viewed as a lower rank, at same time because the one in charge had all the power, our history is filled with incredibly unjust events that took place while fighting for power.

They say history repeats itself. Sadly in this day and time, I observe that those in charge lose their sense of fairness against those they rival with, although it is very essential to maintain and stabilize fairness for the benevolence of the whole nation, and future generations. At the time leaders were brutal as survival was at stake even for members of the royal family, yet now it is a democracy. No one is beheaded when they loose power.

It is time to keep the interest of the people and future generations, ahead of the ‘whatever it takes, to survive’ attitude!

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

How to repair a broken heart? Just forgive; the rest takes care of it self!

Lately I seem to be able to enjoy the simple things in life more than usual. At a party that I attended, I saw people that I had not seen in a few years. Everyone kept telling me how great I looked. I guess, it was my inner joy manifesting on the outside. I am much happier than I was, the last time I saw those people.  I could not understand why but who cares, who analyzes, why they feel good anyway?

Then some small events made me realize the difference between now and the last time that I saw these friends. At the time my heart was broken.

 “You can’t just walk away from me like before, you care about me now! I know this because you always take care of me.” Those were his words in one of our final arguments.

Yeah, hello! Of course I cared about him.  I was not denying it, so God knows what his problem was. A normal person would appreciate me, taking care of him and not use it against me. Then again I liked most of his abnormalities. I cannot help my strength but it does not mean I do not suffer. The fact that I was emotionally invested should not have to mean that I would let anyone mistreat me. So I did not! My free spirit rebelled against emotional blackmail. It made sense at the time. Now I realize that it is possible that he was just angry at me. Ah well, I felt, completely pushed out of balance at the time. So I ran from it all.

I had not thought of any of these past events in a while. A few years have gone by, since that conversation. Luckily one forgets such things. It was not until a few days ago that I realized that I had forgiven him. We bumped into each other on the street and as soon as I passed him by, I noticed that there were no hard feeling or any kind of resentment left.

Ok! Maybe a tiny little bit of resentment but nothing that a smile cannot fix.

Thank God for that because not forgiving would only hold me back from my spiritual evolution. Actually, now that I am sharing, I should reveal the weird details too.   I knew that I had forgiven him even before the encounter. About a week prior to the encounter I had a bad dream about him where, he had health problems. Although it was just a dream, I got worried.  I knew that I did not have to wonder for too long or call him.  As soon as I put my attention on him, I was going to see him. Oddly how the ability to see him through my attention, turned out to be, a surprisingly reliable method to meet.  A few days after the dream, I bumped into him on the street and he looked perfectly fine so I was relieved.

Some more days after this encounter while looking for a document among my messy files, I found the below article on my computer. I never posted it on my blog and completely forgot about writing it. I love writing because it is my way of dealing with things. I never was one of those people who can just whine to their girlfriends, seek everyone’s attention and support, yet I envy those people sometimes. Reading back I felt touched by the expression of my naïve state at the time. One can only express such sorrow when it is raw. Here go my feelings written at the time:

 “How to repair a broken heart?

 Is that even possible or do we to have continue life with broken parts? Is a broken heart like all other tangible things that break down?

 The time that my heart broke down into pieces was not a moment but an elongated process, over a period of time. Looking back I realize how excruciating it was. I was feeling like walls were closing in on me and everything was collapsing. The pieces that were broken gradually crushed into little dust parts. Each new heart breaking move, felt like a bulldozer was driving over the little broken pieces and crushing them into sand, until I had no heart left.

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However much it hurt, to have it completely destroyed that was a relief because by then I had become numb. I recall the first numbing strike. It hurt so bad that I could not even react or know what to feel or what to do with myself. My whole existence felt like up in the air, trying to float away from what I was facing. Worse than the pain itself, was the fact that I was not able to escape from it. I did not have to endure the person who was causing the pain but disconnecting myself from him did not take away his ability to inflict pain and that, I had to live with. Given my practical, solution creating, result oriented nature; not being able to control the situation and watch my heart crumble down was hard to accept.   In time I found myself completely numb. It did not hurt anymore.

What a relief!

So without even thinking about it, my escape had let me, to go on without my heart. It was such liberation from all the suffering that I did not even realize that it had cost me my heart. I had lost the ability to feel.  The romance department of my life has been completely shut down. Of course I still have my heart for humanity, for family, for friends, for good deeds to be done, even for complete strangers; my ability to share love is a hundred percent there.  

As far as romance is concerned, I am completely shut down.

What a pity.

I cannot feel attraction, romantic feelings or that type of affection for anyone. I had not even realized it until recently. The love that I have in other areas of my life has disguised the absence of my heart so far. I was under the illusion that all was fine, as pain had stopped. Somehow the absence caught up with me. Once I started questioning what caused the feeling of absence, it hit me.  

I had not stopped to question why I automatically turn down anyone, if I sense their interest is beyond a friendly chat.  I had always been choosy with my romantic affairs. I never was a very flirty person so I thought this was part of my chastity or usual picky attitude.

I guess resenting anyone that seems attracted to me, must mean that my lack of interest is beyond common reasons. It is only recently that realized that I have no affection or attraction for anyone because there is an empty spot where my heart used to be.

 Nothing gets activated when I meet someone. I have been going on without a heart for so long that I have a hard time relating to those who feel attraction.

The void is there but I do not have the necessary equipment to create the change that will fill the gap. One needs to have a heart for that; mine had been crushed into dust.

 So what will happen now? 

I guess I will keep enjoying reading, writing, sports, meditating, cooking, dancing……….and hope that our hearts have the ability to repair themselves magically, where the dust particulars find each other and assume form again. Until then…..what to do…..? “

Yesterday when I found this article I was hesitating whether to reveal it or not. I am OK now, but I decided to share anyway.  The healing power of time is amazing. It is hard to imagine myself so weak, right now. It is also hard to envision my heart to be so closed up. I could not possibly disclose this piece, if I did not feel completely fine. Just in case anyone out there feels sorrow, do not worry!

Natural joy finds its path, back into the heart. Once you start laughing for five minutes at the most simple joke again, just like little children, you know its all good! It happens so spontaneously, that one cannot recall the pain. Had I not written down all the tenderness, I would have not recollected what it was like, to suffer so badly.  Our ability to forget past pain makes us eager to keep at things. I mentioned that I had to forgive for my spiritual evolvement… This is precisely why!  

 The trick is, to not become bitter over things. We are not alone, everyone goes through stuff! How we deal with it determines our ability to enjoy again or be stuck on once upon a time… I suggest, desiring to laugh again…it sure beats sulking!

Delightful Moments

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The moment is all that exists. This is one of the most essential points of my Yoga practice. I have been practicing Sahaja Yoga for over a decade. Many ask me how it helps. I tell them about the love, the child like joy, the inner satisfaction, the empowered feeling that comes with practicing Sahaja Yoga. The instant that we go thoughtless, it brings us into the moment.  Many find the idea of being thoughtless difficult. I understand them. My guru Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi who is the Founder of Sahaja Yoga calls the transition “The actualization of self realization.” So it is not something to be understood through a mental process but more like a state, to be in.

 

 

Why am I talking about this?

I sometimes observe sorrow around my circles. Having this knowledge, one wants to share of course. To be Joyful is, to be in the moment. The ability to detach from whatever is clouding one’s mind and to be in the moment is a great blessing. Problems are always there. I never heard of anyone who does not have them. How to deal with them is what matters. These are some of the interesting moments that I experienced lately.  I was able to feel in the moment and detached from the rest of my life.

 

The Man with a Big heart

The other day a man was featured on the local news. They gave him an award, as he had been taking care of his disabled wife, who could not function below the waist. One of her arms would not move either.  He had been taking care of her for 16 years. She said, that he had not been impatient or harsh with her for one moment, had he been harsh she could not have endured to live.  The man’s daughter got Leukemia and he started looking after her too. He was the sole bread earner, doing all the house chores and taking care of his sick wife and daughter with love and compassion. One could feel the love he had for the family while they were interviewing him. He said, “No one would be surprised if a wife took care of her husband till death, I do not understand why people, judge me for doing house chores. I love my family.”

I felt touched by the love; he was capable of giving in the most selfless manner. Although one would think that he has a good reason to be sad, there was no sorrow in this man’s eyes, only love and compassion.

So perception changes everything. He did not believe that he had much reason to be sad. He seemed glad to be the help that he was, for his family. His selfless attitude could single handedly re-establish one’s faith in mankind.

 

The Bitter Sisters

 

I see sorrow in the eyes of some around me. It makes me want to dissolve the grief, instantly. I do not posses that kind of power. I can only try to cheer one up and maybe give them love. The strange part is that those in grief seem to have a good life. Health, nice family, financial stability, yet the pain in their eyes’ looks real. At times that the pain is disguised, it seems to manifest with bitter remarks. Actually my attempt to help them get to a joyful state brings out their desire to pull me down. They are insulted, and eager to show me what a terrible place the world is. They start the ‘ugly world’ demonstration by pointing out things in my life that I should feel bad about.

One cannot expect those who do not love themselves, to love others. An almost annoyingly bitter, personality that likes to pick on others comes out of this situation. Frankly, when up against that harassing type of behavior, I react. Then again, I realize that these sour people have to live with themselves and that must be the worst punishment. Their soreness is their warden. If only they managed to break out of that state, they would be able to enjoy the simple things in life, such as a simple good cup of coffee. Feeling love and sharing it, caring for others, enables one to be in the moment.

 

The Construction Worker and My Magical Coffee Maker

The other day as I walked away from such bitter people I came home and made myself a nice cappuccino with my espresso maker that I would like to believe has magic. (See photo) The miraculous attribute of this particular espresso maker is that, it makes me very happy, each time; I make myself some coffee with it. Would other coffee makers do the same?

No, I like this one and I am sticking with the explanation that it has some kind of magic.

It is when we stop believing in miracles and magic, that bitterness starts gradually taking us over.

So the other day, after I had some magical moments of day dreaming with my beloved cup of cappuccino, I left to go to the swimming pool. It was a bright sunny day. I was walking by the shore before arriving to the pool and suddenly rain started pouring down, like buckets of water at a time. Before I could take cover anywhere I was soaking wet. My dress was completely drenched and water was dripping down my face. Thank God, I was not wearing any make up. Some gentleman appeared out of nowhere and offered his umbrella, for me to hide under. It was too late. I was already completely wet. Standing would only make me feel cold. So I kept walking and enjoying the freedom to be messy like a child. Then I saw a construction worker lifting something heavy in that awful rain. I felt bad for him, and I kindly smiled. Of course I had forgotten what a mess; I was at the moment, totally soaked to the skin. The construction workers response was pausing for a moment and looking at my drenched outlook then he bursted out a very loud laugh at me. I must admit that I did look funny. My previously elegant cotton dress looked like a sack saturated by water.

 

Nature has a beautiful way of reminding us that we are all one.

In about fifteen minutes the rain slowed down. I went into a coffee shop and changed into a dry dress and a cardigan. What are the odds of having spare clothes with me?

I like fresh clothes after each shower so I had them with me for after sports. This is the sane explanation. The other one is that my magical coffee moment made me happy, therefore prepared for the mysterious events of the unseen future.

Yes! I know, I have access to the weather channel too. I love my fairy assessment of events, what can I say.

The Big Man

So on this rainy day I could not swim but a few days later I was swimming at my Gym’s pool which is not very big. Usually not many people swim at the same time so it does not bother anyone that it is not vast. On this particular day however a few of us were swimming at the same time. I do not clock, my laps, but like to measure the overall time I spend swimming. So I am not at all competitive about swimming or anything else really. On this day that we were all crammed in the small pool doing laps, I found myself swimming at the same pace with a very, very big man next to me. After a while I found myself secretly competing with him.  I do not know what had gotten into me, the man was almost twice my size but like a cartoon character there I was on my secret quest.

It all went well, until he noticed. I do not know how he even realized. From under his arm he gave me this amused look with a smile and took a giant leap forward, I was left behind trying to stabilize from the wave he had created, as the pool is small. Now I really felt like a cartoon character. I do no know why these last few days I am ending up almost drowning under lots of water, looking funny. The big man kept giving me amused glances. Of course I completely ignored him, for he had not only discovered my secret competition but defeated me with a single move, and a smile that mocked me. Milan Kundera calls this situation “Litost” I think, or if I slapped the guy, yet loved him it would have been “Litost”.

Of course I did not take the whole thing serious at all but the moral of this story is that I always swim with the great pleasure. The moment I found my self competing with someone, other than myself, it pulled me out of being in the moment, into the moment of ridicule.

Comparisons, rivalry are just silly things that keep us from feeling satisfied with the present moment. One can improve without trying to keep up with anyone or even realizing anyone.

Most of us have our big desires but in the meantime, everyday small things also happen. Some choose to completely disregard the small moments as the are focused on a goal or busy being concerned on what they have or do not have. Not letting those moments slip makes all the difference on the quality of life and outlines the perception of one’s life. Thus a man with many troubles can look happier than a woman who seems to have it all.

Once we know how to appreciate, Divine presents us with so many special instants. When we add those moments up, that is our life.

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Toda Raba!

Limor, Me, Guy

_May I sit with you?

_Sure!

_That looks nice! What are you drinking?

_Coffee Mocha with lot’s of whipped cream.

_ I should get one too. I’ve noticed you before; we are taking Creative Writing together. My name is Limor.

_Pleased to meet you, Limor.            

_I love your outfits, we should hang out together.

_Ha-ha thanks. Sure we shall hang out.

That is how our friendship started. It is easy to bond over a cup of coffee when you are in college.  We used to party, work out, go to the beach, and do girly stuff, together. Life was fun.

Shortly after that day, I found myself surrounded with a group of Israeli friends. They were the nicest people ever.

 ”Boi, Boi” They used to rush me, with a bright smile.

I could feel the Middle Eastern hospitality. When there was a gathering at someone’s house, they would always argue with each other, wanting to be the one to pick me from my apartment. This kind of taking care of each other exists in my culture too, so it did not take long for me, to feel much attached to the whole group.

One of those days, I was invited to a child’s birthday party who just turned two. The party was at Limor’s place. It made me happy because as a student in San Francisco, I was away from such family environments.

So as we were all playing with the baby, eating cake, enjoying, another guest arrived. A tall, very good looking guy who had the brightest smile.

What a loud man!  He filled the room, as soon as he walked in. The two year old, went crazy over him. He was one of those people that everyone instantly likes. Before I knew what was going on, he was in my face asking Limor how she had not introduced him, to such a beautiful girl.

Yes, he did not bother talking to me yet, but was comfortably loud about me. I was flattered, yet puzzled.

Then he asked my name, and started wooing me. His name was Guy. He wanted me, to be his girlfriend. Although, it only had been ten minutes since we met, he was talking about our future. Naturally I did not take his words too serious. Yet he kept calling and repeating them for days to come.  I saw him a few times that week, in gatherings where the girls were accompanying me. I recall Sunday noon, as I was sleeping in, someone knocking on my door. There he was, telling me that he came to serve me breakfast. What a sweet person. I had not even decided whether to date him or not. Everything was happening so fast. His mind was made though.

About a week after I met him, we were enjoying the pool of the apartment complex that he lived in. He lived with his parents. Close to sunset, he said that he was going up to his apartment to take a shower, he invited me upstairs. I was not comfortable taking a shower at his parent’s place, as I had not even met them yet, so I told him I should go home. Somehow he tricked me into going up for five minutes.

I should have known better.

His family of course had the Middle Eastern hospitality and as soon as I walked into the apartment, they did not know how to comfort me. They insisted that I stay for dinner. I tried to say no thanks, as I was feeling sticky from the pool, but they did not take no for an answer. My Mother was the same with anyone who walked into our home, so the custom was familiar.

It was not until the sun had set that I realized that this was no ordinary dinner, it was Shabbat. As they turned off the radio, the phone, lit some candles, Guy told me

_Every Friday from sunset until, sunset the next day, we do not watch TV, or listen the radio, this way the family sits together with no distraction and disputes do not last long among us.

I found that tradition admirable.  

So as the prayer went on I was a little annoyed with him for having tricked me up there, not giving me the chance, to at least bring flowers for his mother. He had his traditions and in my upbringing, it was rude to go to someone’s home, empty handed or join an auspicious event without being properly dressed. After dinner I thanked his parents a million times and asked for permission to leave, yet his mother insisted I should stay over. I had not even washed after the pool, as I assumed we were going up for five minutes. So against all her insistence I said that I had to leave. She insisted that Guy should take me home; I should not go alone at that hour. It was not so late. We walked out of the apartment and I punched him lightly for not giving me a chance to meet his parents properly. As he was laughing, he said we should take the stairs down. We were at the 16^th floor, so I asked him if he was claustrophobic, he said yes.

I asked him but how come we used the elevator going up, he made some more jokes and I forgot my question. Then he insisted that we should walk to my apartment. I asked him to go back home and let me take a cab. He came with me anyway but seemed distressed. As we came to my apartment, I turned on the lights and some music. It was only then that he told me that he needs to stay away from electricity until sunset the next day. I found it funny that he would not tell me this from the start and made me question his odd behavior. Of course I respected him for his beliefs. In a very childlike, innocent curiosity, I asked him

_Will it be a sin for you when I turn on the music?

I did not understand why he would not let me be exposed to electronic equipment. He told me that I should get used to this, the sooner, the better, I would adjust. I knew that response came from a good place. He was merely trying to share what he believed in. His strictness in religious practice was not causing a disturbance on my behalf, as he was a loving person the way genuinely religious people are. It was more than following some rituals.

So our conversation went from one subject to the other. I asked him if he goes often to Israel. He said that he had to go for the army. I had seen Limor’s photos with guns. It seemed interesting that girls had to go to the army as well. He told me that men serve for a longer period than women. He said,

 _It is every Israeli national’s duty to defend the country!

I did not give it much thought at the time but these were the soldiers of the Israeli Army. His protective attitude towards me lasted long after our relation was over.

A few days ago, as I was walking around Taksim, in Istanbul and people were screaming hateful things against the Israeli army, I realized that they were talking about the people, who had invited me to their homes, shared their dinners and their prayers with me. The people who made me feel like part of their family, when I was thousands of miles away from mine. The Israeli army was being portrayed as some kind of evil force. I cannot believe that Turkey and Israel are at each other’s throat.

In any given nation, it is not the people, who are evil.  

It is the nature of war that makes anyone and everyone evil, as it is based on the principle of kill or be killed. It does not leave much room for love and compassion.

There are kind people everywhere in the world. Somehow we are provoked to hate each other over political disputes. I’ve always believed that God did not create these differences but people did.  Love must take over at some point and overcome all the disputes in the world. Among individuals love is everywhere, but once people start gathering under umbrellas’ of nation, religion, ethnic group, race or social status, clashes start.

The unifying force should not be any of the above mentioned things but love itself.

So for every moment of love that we are able to savior ……..Toda Raba!

Get your Virginity stitched back and you’ll be good as new!

Islamic attitude towards women is very difficult to understand. Recently an Iranian cleric had the audacity to blame women for the potential earthquakes on Iranian soil. It is interesting that it never occurred to a man of religion that the earth might be reacting to an unjust environment. No! It has to be because women were spotted showing some hair.

*“Many women who do not dress modestly … lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity and spread adultery in society, which increases earthquakes,”

So a woman’s very existence when seen by a man is a threat to him. This must be the mind set behind the Burka and all. A man shall not see a woman because the moment he sees her, he will have sexual desires, and it will be her fault that her very existence, triggers sexual desires in him. Somehow this only happens to Muslim men. Men of other faiths manage to co-exist in spite the presence of female bodies around them. Muslim men in western countries also somehow manage to survive being around females that they can actually see. They are still putting up a fight to keep ‘their’ women covered when residing in western countries. 

It is a matter of ownership. As long as she belongs to him, why should others see her? The same way he expects to acquire her brand new, not used. This must be the logic behind many Arabic women getting surgery to get their virginity restored.

A young woman, who is sexually active, chooses to go under surgery to deceive her husband because it is important that she is considered brand new.

**“Young Arab women wait in an upmarket medical clinic for an operation that will not only change their lives, but quite possibly save it. Yet the operation is a matter of choice and not necessity. It costs about 2,000 euros (£1,700) and carries very little risk.”

A lot of social trouble can be expected in a society; when instead of accepting that for a woman sex is a humanly natural act too, deceit seems like the only way out of trouble.

So in the end the simplest moral values seem to be totally eroded, in order to abide with the rest of the rules. Lying becomes OK, even taking it as far as undergoing surgery because a certain fiancé cannot live with the idea that she has a reference point and will be able to judge him. Clerics see no harm in blaming women, simply for being women, as God created them and not hiding it.

After all men cannot be around a woman’s figure, it is not their fault; it is her fault for existing..!

Yeah right, the earth must be acting out because of women not because of all this twisted mindset used to oppress God’s female creatures…..

Belgian Law makers passed the Burka ban law. There is a huge debate whether it is taking away a woman’s right to follow her faith or liberating her from her husband’s oppression. Judging from a cleric’s views, who is supposedly a higher authority on Islamic religious views, it sounds like women are oppressed. He sees no harm in singling out a gender and blaming them for natural disasters which is discrimination against women, right then and there with absolutely no ground, yet no hesitation.

So it is OK for a society to ambush a woman to make a choice between suicide and surgery to restore virginity but it is not fair to make her uncover her face and take a step towards giving her an identity?

By the way, she is still allowed to cover her hair and her body; the ban is against the Burka which is an attire that covers the face thereby makes the person anonymous.

I am surprised that there is even a debate!

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar 

 

Sources:

*http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/19/women-blame-earthquakes-iran-cleric

**http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8641099.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8652861.stm

Magical Kitchen

We were just a bunch of kids. That is how it all started. I remember, he came all the way to the States just to be with me. I was crazy about him. We started living together but some how it felt like playing house. It was all fun. We would walk in the snow; get really cold, come home fall asleep in each others arms, under a cozy blanket while watching a movie. The simple pleasures of life were enough. We were eating, drinking, dancing, I remember a lot of dancing, and it was so much fun.

He is the reason I learned cooking. I often wonder if that is why I enjoy cooking so much. The first time that I ever had to cook, I was nineteen years old, a freshman in college and the love of my life at the time was prone to loose weight. It felt like that I had to feed him. I had not boiled an egg, until I went off to college, so I had no idea how to go about cooking. Then again at home I was accustomed to so many dinner parties with all kinds of delicacies that it never occurred to me that cooking was a job that needed certain skills.

I recall that we were fed up with hamburgers and Pizza, we felt like having proper food, so we went to the store bought all kinds of ingredients. Our dinner was going to be stuffed peppers. This was such a common dish back home that it never occurred to us that it might be complicated to cook for someone who never boiled an egg.

Apparently American Bell peppers were quite different than Turkish peppers. I still wonder why our first attempt to cook was not with a simple pasta dish. Anyhow the meat inside the peppers dried yet the peppers did not get softer. If I wanted to cook Turkish delicacies in America I had to factor in the different reactions of the ingredients. It did not much matter, nothing much mattered, and that is the beauty of being in love. One gets to enjoy anything and everything. Even though the first “Dolma” did not turn out too good, every dish we tried after that tasted amazing, or we thought so who knows, same difference anyway.

His mother was amused with our effort to cook. She would send us recipes. I was the cook, he was my helper, not that I expected him to help but I was enjoying so much that he was drawn to the kitchen. I was laughing while he was insisting that I give him a task too, like a little boy. My ritual was to cook and dance at the same time. I still follow that ritual, it is fun what can I say.

I recall a year after we broke up the first time we saw each other he said “I am starved, for God’s sake cook something” I asked him “What happened? You were competing with me in the kitchen?” He just said that he forgot how to cook. So I walked into the kitchen, turned the music on and danced away while cooking.

 I must say, I do not think my dance moves look very cool as I am cooking, funny too probably.  It is something, I do out of joy. I know that joy, goes into my food and fills the room. It was funny, how his roommates who knew me from Istanbul had a new found respect for me, only because I was feeding them.

He said that he missed my joy a lot. I always thank God that I have joy.

To this day I feel a kind of transformation as I am cooking. In time I learned many more dishes from many cuisines. I saw the movie “Julie and Julia” recently. I was filled with joy just watching it. Soon after I found myself in the kitchen enjoying, yet again.

Cooking feels so therapeutic, that I wonder is it because my reasons to learn to cook were to feed someone I loved so deeply?

Who knows? All I know is that as soon as I am playing with the ingredients I am overjoyed. A few years back I felt deep love for someone whom I could enjoy those simple moments with. He knew many dishes yet could not peel garlic as he did not want his hands to smell garlicky. It was sweet. As we were cooking in the kitchen all else was disappearing. We would just laugh away. Of course I would have to listen to him being serious about life before we could end up enjoying the moment, and each other’s company. Life is filled with so called troubles. The kitchen however seems to be a sacred region that makes everything go away. It is those magical moments that make life beautiful.

Maybe that is why I love it so much, who knows..? All I know is that it is the simple joys in life that seem to make life so pleasurable.

Check your own backyard!

Illegal Armenians are threatened to be shipped out of the country. Personally there have always been Armenians, Jews and Greeks in my life. That is the beauty of being from Istanbul. The city has been touched by so many diverse ancient and beautiful cultures. My High School had a strong student body of Armenian, Jewish and Greek kids. We grew up not knowing our differences. One of the best friends of my child hood is Armenian.

I did not grow up to think of her or any other of my Armenian, Jewish or Greek friends as minorities or someone who is different than me. Naturally, that has not changed and I cannot bring myself to think of Armenians as different. Our historical or cultural backgrounds might be different but one does not think of such details about their child hood friends.

Later in life I also have had Armenian maids who came from Armenia. They are the ones under threat right now. Not the ones I personally know as they are married to Turkish men, therefore legal.

* Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the BBC that of 170,000 Armenians living in Turkey “70,000 are Turkish citizens”.

“We are turning a blind eye to the remaining 100,000… Tomorrow, I may tell these 100,000 to go back to their country, if it becomes necessary.”

Thousands of Armenians, many of them women, work illegally in Turkey. Most do low-skilled jobs such as cleaning.

Still it is terribly disturbing that anyone would have an issue with a bunch of cleaning ladies who left their home, went abroad trying to make ends meet. The cruelty behind picking on them is beyond comprehension. On a political arena some big shot people agree or disagree on how to address events of the past. Why should these women have to suffer as a result of their dispute?

The similarities of the cultural behavior is what makes these maids part of the household. I have been spoiled by Armenian maids/aunties and I cannot think of them as foreigners. The ones I have known so far are women of a certain age, who have grand children, but still need to work and have come to Turkey to do house work. They are very mothering, bake nice cakes and know how you like your coffee the way a family member would. They are more involved with the house than one would expect of a maid. Their firm attitude, combined with the sweetness and the way they demonstrate ownership over simple household matters has always made me feel very close to these women. It has always felt much more personal than an employer, employee relation given that we live under the same roof.

These details might seem irrelevant but I felt the need to write about these to make a point that 100.000 immigrants is not some random number. We are talking about human beings, who have established lives in Turkey, not to mention that they touch other’s lives not as laborers but as human beings that we share moments with.

The Prime Minister of Turkey has positioned himself as a humanitarian by strongly opposing what he calls cruelty in Gazza.

Given this positioning, one can not grasp him as one, to go after a bunch of cleaning ladies to make a political point. The pen can be mightier than the sword. However Turks are not experts at using the pen as means of defense. Historical events are being evaluated by many. Turks do not come from the tradition of explaining themselves to other nations. Mainly because as an Emporium they did not really have to bother. Historically European Emporiums or Kingdom’s had many alliances mostly through marriages. The Spanish princess would grow up to be the wife of the English King; thereby the Queen of England or the Austrian Princess became the Queen of France.  Europeans are used to working out issues and explaining or justifying themselves to their neighbors. Turks however had expanded the Ottoman Empire through invasion. The attitude of resolving disputes through reasoning is just not part of the tradition. I believe that is one of the reasons Turks are not the best at expressing their side of any story. It is a state of being thorn between explaining or ignoring those accusing thereby giving them, the message that they are not being recognized as an authority on the matter. It is not only Turks that act with old habits. When accused of not acting Humane, China told the US President off, by simply saying “Check your own backyard!” (Implying the on going torture carried out by Americans at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp) After decades of poverty, the historical ruler attitude came back, just like that.

In this age presentation is everything I suppose. The British Empire used to be the Empire where the sun never sets. They ruled over so many areas that the Empire’s territory literally covered every time zone around the globe. The French had colonized many regions in Africa and the Middle East. I do not think that neither the French nor the British colonized these countries by kindly asking for permission to exploit those lands and their gold or diamond mines. One would assume that some blood was shed. Possibly entire areas of the same ethnic and national background. For some reason it is not considered genocide. Probably because their intention was not to wipe that nation or people of a certain ethnic background off the map, but while invading they killed many of the same nation.

It is difficult to find Native American’s in the States because almost the entire population was wiped off the map. Genocide or not?  Yet, I do not hear the whole world talking about this sad event, or hear about other nations having their own voting systems on the issue. Ironically Americans or French are the strongest supporters of the declaration of Armenian Genocide committed by the Turks.

This reminds me of a snap shot from the movie featuring Jesus Christ’s life story. Everyone was ready to stone Maria Magdalena until Jesus said “Those who have not sinned shall throw a stone at her.” None could go on.

**“The government of Azerbaijan claims that Armenian forces performed acts of genocide against Azerbaijani civilians on several occasions throughout the 20th century. The claims center on Azeri massacres in 1918 as well as the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Human Rights Watch described the events in the Khojaly Massacre as “the largest massacre to date in the conflict”, and 30 from 636 members of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, recognized the “massacres perpetrated by the Armenians against the Azeri population from the beginning of the 19th Century” as genocide.^[242] “

Accordingly, Armenians brutally killed Azeri not way back in History but merely a century ago, yet the world does not gather to make a big issue out of it.

Those were the times. Somehow Turks killing while defending Ottoman territory as part of a war is considered an attempt to get rid of a certain nation. It was cruel. Those were times that every strong nation was cruel, as they are today. Aside from the fact that it was not only Turks who were cruel, which does not necessarily translate into genocide given that the nature of every war is cruel, at the time many Turks had been killed by Armenians. The Ottoman was loosing power; therefore territories ruled over were seeking outside support to rebel and part from the Empire. Defending land by oppressing rebellious acts was how things worked at the time. The intent was not to go after a specific nation such as Armenians but simply to defend the territory.

**“However, according to some interpretations, such as that of the Prior of the Franciscan monks living in the region of where the events happened, claims this was not an act of genocide and that it was a two sided battle: “when they advanced victoriously under the protection of the Russian Army, the same spectacle occurred as in the year of 1915, but that time it was the Turks who got it in the neck. Wherever the Armenians found a Turk he was mercilessly hacked down, wherever they saw a Turkish Mosque it was plundered and set on fire. Turkish quarters went up in smoke and flames just like the Armenian quarters. You are presently about to travel round the country and you will still be able to follow in the footsteps of war: Bayburt, Erzincan, Erzurum, and Kars. You will still see smoldering heaps of rubble; you will still smell blood and corpses, but it so happens that these were Turkish corpses.”^[102]”

I wonder if the Chinese reaction will in the future become another one of the many famous, wise, Chinese proverbs. “Check your own backyard!” I have a feeling that if persistently campaigned every year, all the Empires of the time can be proven guilty of genocide somewhere in the world and maybe even in more than one region, given the same logic is applied.

 Many people in XYZ part of Africa belonged to the same tribe! How many did you have to kill before you could colonize them? Ok, you’ve killed this many of the same nation so we can assume that you wanted to make sure that ethnicity went extinct through your killings! Thereby you have committed genocide.

Keep saying the same think every year at a certain date and in a few years you can declare the French, the English, the Italian, the American …..This list can go on… guilty of Genocide.

Personally I oppose all killings and hope for more peaceful times everywhere in the world. One hopes that mankind would evolve in time. The fact that many nations including the Ottomans had been cruel invaders at the time, when evaluated by today’s norms is sad enough, how will it help to carry that grudge to these times? So far the only outcome is that the poor Armenian women, who work in Turkey, feel uneasy and worried that they might be deported. Having said that despite of the historical disputes almost every news anchor has expressed their opposition to the deportation of Illegal Armenians in the country and Turkish civil organization made protests on the streets against the idea. The people of Turkey do openly support Armenian presence whether legal citizens or illegal. There is no hatred on this end. As the illegal immigrants chose Turkey as a destination to work, one assumes there is not so much hatred on that end either. Then I cannot help but wonder who does it help to stir up dispute and provoke hatred among the two nations?

 Sources:

*http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8572934.stm

**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocides_in_history#Uganda

“Eternal Condemnation” Not scary anymore!

At the beginning of this year I heard somewhere that astrologically this is the year of Libra and therefore there will be exposition and justice in the world. I am not sure if this is purely; hear say or something like that is really happening astrologically. This is an area that I do not know much about. However I must admit that things that could not be questioned decades ago are being exposed. The Catholic Church is one of the institutions that are under the microscope these days. For centuries no one would dare question this institution for fear of eternal condemnation.

This unquestionable status unfortunately seems to have created the right environment to freely do wrong. Adults all over Europe are speaking up about the abuse that they endured when they were children. The beating although sounds harsh, somehow is understood as it was considered a regular method of disciplining children by families, schools and all other institutes until recent years. As long as it was not to the bone breaking, bleeding kind of beating, spanking a child was accepted. Of course one would hope that the church would have had more loving ways of disciplining children but apparently some did not. It is understandable, how it is difficult for them to respond to those accusations with today’s norms. This would be like accusing members of the old kingdoms of pedophilia as they married really young.

The sexual abuse that has clearly been going on at the Catholic Church has no excuse though. An institution that praises innocence and purity, harming immaculate children is not acceptable. The worst is that no one could even complain of it.

*“Reports surfaced last month that Catholic priests had sexually abused more than 170 children at Jesuit schools in Germany.

Those have been followed by fresh allegations of abuse at three Catholic schools in Bavaria, and within a boys’ choir that was directed for 30 years by Monsignor Georg Ratzinger.”

Monsignor Ratzinger happens to be the brother of the Pope himself. That is not very reassuring. This took place around the brother of the highest ranking person among the Catholic Church. **The Pope himself was registered in the Hitler youth. That also always seemed a bit weird to me.

Of course we are not supposed to judge anyone with their past but then again Hitler Youth! Really? The words Pope and Hitler within the same sentence just do not sound right. Conversely Divine operates in mysterious ways and nothing is as it seems.

**“The controversy over Benedict’s self-confessed membership of the Hitler Youth has suggested that the steps of the 82-year-old Pope appear to be more sure-footed than those around him.”

So he seems to have better values than those around him therefore probably deserves his place more than the others would have. I can see why he confessed as he is a Holly man. The part I question is why would others around him succumb to lying? Is that not against the core of many spiritual values?

The meaning of Holly has changed a lot. One would assume that Holly people are those who are loving, forgiving, unifying, compassionate…..

Members of one of the most influential Holly institutes in the world took advantage of little children by sexually abusing them to satisfy their perverted needs, and this went on, in more than one region and happened to many kids over time. What is exposed is so bad that it does not leave much room to isolate the incident and clear the institution’s name.

I personally went to a Catholic primary school. I loved it. Everyone was loving and nice. No one did beat anyone; it was a very sweet environment. All my memories are filled with love. I cannot recall any incident where harshness occurred. I guess it was religious in the true sense. So clearly not all Catholic Schools were hurtfully strict, or abusive.

It is terribly disappointing given that Jesus Christ left a message of love behind him. His legacy was for the world to become a more loving and tolerant place. It is hard to accept that human kind is so eroded that there is no place for pure love.  The Catholic Church fears the outcome of secularism and people drifting away from religious institutes. As a child I have received a lot of love from members of this institution and it is with me for life. I strongly believe, in love and tolerance and surely some of who I am today was formulated in those days. So when love is advertised more than fear I am sure more would be drawn towards the Church again.

I do not know if some stars and planets are really shifting and astrologically a new era has really started; but I would love to see that whether it is the Catholic Church, Jewish or Islamic institutes, any spiritual path focusing on attracting followers, by love and comfort as opposed to fear and condemnation. The move towards secularism and religious institutes loosing power seems to force them in the direction of love, which is not so bad after all. Although the negative sides of the Catholic Church are highlighted right now, love is there. I know it as I have received lot’s of it first and as a child.

Sources:

*http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8559514.stm

**http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8046483.stm

Buried Alive!

A sixteen year old teenager named Medine was brutally killed over nothing. Her very own, family who was supposed to protect her, buried her alive. They did not even care to try to make her suffer less, but chose a very painful method to take her life.

This has happened in the South East of Turkey. I have never been to this region. Most of my life the South East of Turkey has been under terrorist attacks, therefore considered a bit dangerous to visit. There had been a few years that the region was more peaceful but I was abroad and missed that period. It is not like one cannot go but I have kept postponing it.

The life styles are so different in remote areas compared to the cities that I have a hard time acknowledging that this happened in my country.

It was an honor killing. She lived in Kahta which is a mainly Kurdish area and where most honor killings take place. She dishonored the family by merely talking to boys. Apparently in her society opposites sexes shall not communicate. In this day and time there is nothing understandable about the parent’s or the society’s behavior. The fact that the tradition is Kurdish as opposed to Turkish does not matter the least bit. It happened in Turkey. Surely the killers will be punished severely, but how does that help poor Medine who went to the police over and over again to escape the battering that she had to endure at home, only to be sent back to her family.

The law in Turkey punishes such crimes, but that does not help when the society is OK with it. Neglecting yet another Kurdish region, in the name of respecting their tradition is not OK either. The Kurds of Turkey have put up a strong fight to be able to hold on to their ethnic traditions and encountered many barriers. I recall feeling good that Kurdish songs are finally heard on TV, not because I have a taste for this music but because I believe that they should not be banned from such simple pleasures. Denying this ethnic group the basics, has not helped at all, yet worked against integrating them.
The one time that an obstruction against one of their traditions seems like a just idea, there seems to be none. *In four years there were 16 honor killings in this region. Of course those who kill are imprisoned for a long time. It does not help though. Honor killing by definition is a nonsensical thing to do. Who in their right mind would kill their own child with an insane idea of not loosing face towards others? It is premeditated, so the person, who commits the crime, is ready to spend most of their life in jail. The idea of prison does not scare or stop them. They probably never had an amazing future to look forward to anyway. In their twisted mindset, they believe that what they do is right and worth giving up their freedom.

Clearly, the girls in this region need to be protected by the state. Whether it is via shelters or other means such as police intervention does not matter, as long as they are protected when they seek help. Medine could have been saved if the police reacted to her complains but they did not and now she is dead.

As I am writing these lines I am invited to a few ‘high-end’ parties at venues overlooking the breath taking view of the Bosphorus, where you can see very chic Ladies and Gentleman mingling and enjoying each other’s company. The disparity between our life styles is immense. Medine and I are of the same nation even when from different ethnical backgrounds, by law we have the same rights, yet she was buried alive for talking to boys. She probably never even kissed a boy. They did not even care to get her to lose her consciousness, before burying her alive. She had to endure the whole thing knowingly.

She never had the slightest chance and that just does not feel right!
As Martin Luther King has once said “Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless. “
I hope that more than sending the killers to jail shall be done, to prevent other girls from becoming victims of this tradition.

Sources:
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8501181.stm

Memory Lane

She apologizes for sleeping with him right after I broke up with him. It does not really matter anymore; it was a long time ago. Did it hurt at the time? Hell yeah, he was the love of my life, she was my good girlfriend. I recall him telling me that he did not even find her really pretty but he was trying anything and everything to get over me. Some people have odd ways of justifying their actions. Who knows, maybe he was punishing me in his own way. I did not react. I was too numb to react. Although I had left him, I also was trying to get over him. I kept far, far away from his mates who thought I was gorgeous and told me I deserved better than him, on the contrary I warned him that those were not his real friends. Not only them, but I kept away from men in general. At least I never had to have a guilty conscious. Tonight she told me that he was in love with me even when with her. He only stood with her for two weeks, as he was still in love with me. She had to endure that yet she still seems to feel guilty. All of this happened ages ago and I could not care less. Why did we have to run into each other with her after so long? Who knows? I did not even recognize her until she reminded me who she was. Now that I remember, why do I genuinely feel love for her? Who knows? We had been good friends and I do not feel like fixating on that bad memory. I have been over him for a long, long time. The fact that he did such things helped me get over him although it caused tremendous agony at the time. I was a lady as ever, never crossed any boundaries that would cause him pain. All he had to endure was my absence. Looking back I am glad for my choices of the time. I guess it was easier to move on when there was no guilty feeling. He kept trying to patch things up for many years to come. I could not anymore, he had numbed me, with all the pain he caused. He had to live with the consequences of his actions, and I lived with mine. What she did was not very nice either. Tonight she told me that we were the most wonderful couple that she had ever seen. It shook her fate in love when we broke up. Who knows, maybe at the time she hoped that he would look in her eyes the way he looked into mine. Maybe that is why I forgive her so easily. Thank God I have always been the one to receive the gaze filled with love. Many judged me for not acting out, not being vengeful at the time. It was not because I was naïve, but because I was strong. Oddly how, after this many years when I had forgotten all about these events of the past I get the confirmation, that my ways were right. Acting with love no matter how bad things get, is a better way in the long run although it might not seem so at the time.

Natural High

 

I have often thought that substance abusers must be seekers of the truth who experiment on their quest towards the truth. They know that there is more to life, than the ‘nine to five job’ or the ‘shiny car’. Sadly, I have observed the high state induced by the use of substances, being followed by the very low state. It seems like a cycle hard to get out of, as to get out of the very low they seem to run towards the uppers. The uppers use so much of their energy that the next day, they feel terribly down again. What a vicious cycle!

Running from one extreme to the other must be terribly tiring. I have never tried drugs.

In college I recall some friends wanting to share the substance experience with me. They were so impressed by the incredible high that they wanted to share the go through.  A friend was trying to talk me into using something that would make me dance till the break of dawn. I was already dancing till the break of dawn so what was the point? It had not yet occurred to me that not everyone felt naturally so energetic and happy which was one of the reasons they indulged in things that freed them from their inhibitions.

My point in the article of course is not to brag about what a fun person I am, or that they are wrong. It is just that I know that everyone is capable of feeling the natural high, without having to endure the horrible ‘down’ syndrome the next day. As children we all had this quality. During one of my visits to India I have seen all kinds of people from all over the world dancing and enjoying with no inhibitions whatsoever. Just like children. Lawyers, Scientists, Artists, Doctors, Merchants, House wives, even Politicians would just jump out of the crowd during a recital and start dancing, making others get up and dance along. Sahaja Yogis are fun people who love dancing, music and feasts. The upside is that because it is not induced with any kind of substance there is no down state the next day. Just like when we were kids, we could have all the fun and not be tired or in a state that makes us try to escape ourselves the next day.

I have had similar experiences in Togo Africa. It is admirable what great talent Africans have for music and dance. In spite of all the poverty and diseases they are in a constant dancing, singing and enjoying mood which I have a high regard for. One lady told me that she was surprised that the Westerners were feeling sorry for them. She said that although they had not much, they knew how to enjoy life and that she felt sorry for the Westerners as they are always so worried. I must admit that Africans know how to enjoy.

It has been my observation, as well as a known fact that substances tend to create addictions that are hard to break. It is the vicious cycle of, up and down that makes it hard to get out of the habit. This is something that I can relate to as I have personally fought nicotine addiction and it was very annoying to observe myself get edgy when my body craved nicotine. One of the reasons that I was disturbed was that it did not make any sense that an outside influence would have so much say, over my mood. That was the sad truth though. A few hours without cigarettes was making me, a less sweet person.

All the joy that I mentioned above was disappearing! Can you imagine? What could possibly possess me to put myself into such a dependant state? Eventually I rebelled against that kind of seize. It was difficult in the beginning but a great relief once I cleared out.

I believe that substance abusers are seekers. I also believe that the awakening of the Kundalini is one the best experiences of the feeling ‘high’ ever possible. One feels empowered in so many ways, yet joyful, yet humbled, invincible even. More in control, yet no need to control.  It feels like one has entered the Kingdom of God. As the awakening is spontaneous the realization of all the transformation might come in the most subtle ways. I recall meditating with a friend this summer. He kind of felt something that he could not even pinpoint. Later he explained the experience beautifully. He said that soon after he left my apartment “the high kicked in”. He had lost his job, his apartment, practically everything in his life was falling apart, yet he could not stop smiling, laughing and joking. The job and the rest worked itself out in time, as it always somehow does. He felt idyllic even before it all worked out, which was a priceless ability, when nothing seemed to work.

Below you can find the link if you are curious about this wonderful state “The Awakening of the Kundalini” through Sahaja Yoga.

http://www.sahajayoga.org/experienceitnow/default.asp

If Life is given by God should it not only be taken by God?

I do not understand the fanatic Islamist. *A 23-year-old British citizen was arrested, after being raped, in Dubai. What kind of a twisted mindset accuses a woman who has been raped for having illegal sex? How can sex be a crime that is punishable by law, but even when it is, how can she be guilty of that crime when she did not volunteer, but was forced?  I am often curious of the justification process behind these brutal actions. Why would God want anyone to be so cruel on his creatures? So how could anyone claim to do these in the name of God and to make the world a better place?

**In Malaysia fanatic Muslims attacked a church because members used the word Allah to refer to God! This makes absolutely no sense! How dare these people, justify such evil behavior in the name of Islam? What kind of faith is this? Kill those who are not like you?

Those who feel close to Divine ideally would be more loving, forgiving and compassionate. In principle God spoke to people through prophet’s and Holly Books such as the Torah, Bible and Koran that were intended to be spiritual guides to make the world a more loving environment. I just do not get how these so-called religious people miss this really essential point and feel free to aggress and attack innocent people.

Now they are upset with Sarkozy because he tries to make sure that women in France are liberal. About a decade ago it was difficult to explain to a European how tricky it is to remain, liberal and democratic when there is a threat such as fanatic Islam. I recall receiving strong oppositions during chats on the matter. The most common argument was that if the majority wants something, then it is OK.

Women who cover their heads with a scarf are not allowed into  Universities or any other state buildings in Turkey. The logic behind that law was that Turkey is a secular state and therefore religious attire should only be appropriate in religious institutes. It sounds a bit harsh and unfair to the women who want to cover their head and go to college. Many complain that this is against basic human rights; everyone should be allowed to be educated. It is such a tricky matter! Everyone should be allowed to be educated, no one can argue with that. The reason those who oppose this, is mainly to avoid the spreading of a mindset that takes away the simplest liberties and uses liberty in order to plant seeds of extreme ideas.

Now that Europe feels threatened with fanatical Islamic ideas, I see that freedom of religious practice, which is a major part of being liberal, is automatically taken away. Is Sarkozy liberating women or taking away their freedom to live by the rules of their faith?

*** President Sarkozy last year declared the burka a “sign of subservience and debasement that imprison women” and said it was “not welcome on French soil”. Obviously his intention is not to take away their entitlement but to give them rights.

***In July, al-Qaeda leaders in north African issued a call to arms against France on an Islamic extremist website.

“We will seek dreadful revenge on France by all means at our disposal, for the honour of our daughters and sisters,” they warned.

At the same time, fanatic Islamists all over the world are looking to kill an old man because he drew cartoons of Prophet Muhammad. OK they are offended, but to want to kill someone over drawings!!!  What happened to communicating, to tolerance? What happened to the transforming power of spirituality? Killing seems to be the only means of interaction, and in the name of Allah?

The common belief is that Allah’s first command to Prophet Muhammad was through Gabriel asking Him to read. Although He did not know how to read, He did it. This enabled Him to personally write the Koran with a code that makes it impossible to tamper with over the years. Ironically Muslims are not known for their reading. I do not think that these killers actually read the Koran. They would have realized that it is a sin to kill innocent people.

It is interesting that they feel the right to take away life just like that. Cat Stevens converted to Islam as he saw some beauty in the religion and probably found peace through it. I cannot imagine anyone seeing that any longer. The picture of Islam right now is; women being raped and then arrested for being raped, religious people who called God’s name in Arabic while praying being killed for calling Allah, those who voice an opinion on the religion or Prophet being threatened by death. Essential ideas of spirituality such as love and compassion for some reason seem totally irrelevant.

I cannot help but wish that they open their eyes and discover the beauty and the power of love and compassion, instead of destruction and oppression.

*http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/6949008/British-woman-arrested-in-Dubai-after-being-raped.html

**http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8447450.stm

 ***http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/6946579/Women-who-wear-burkas-in-France-face-700-fine.html

Don’t wait too long!

I love it that around Christmas everyone remembers that miracles exist. Happy thoughts make the season magical. As kids we all used to believe in miracles. When we grow up, most people stop believing in them. Personally I’ve never stopped believing in miracles which must be why they keep happening to me.

I recall my first memories of marvel. When I was in the kinder garden, one day another little girl came with beautiful bright red shoes. She told us that she had found a four-leaved clover, put it by her bed, went to sleep desiring the shoes and there they were when she woke up! Of course we all believed her with no doubt and started searching for the four-leaved clover.

Another little girl who had very long eyelashes had told me that she regularly applied Nivea cream on her eyes which is why her eye lashes were so long. Evidently I was a gullible kid, who was into beauty regimens at a young age. I recall getting into trouble at home as I had covered my eyes completely with Mom’s cream. I was very upset to be held back from applying my secret potion. I actually do have long eye lashes now, but I am not sure what helped.

My most vivid memory of a miracle was Santa’s gift though. I was still in the kinder garden and very confident that I had been a good girl. I had not told Santa but there was this toy that had just come out. It was a huge head where kids would play dentist by fixing the teeth on the head with play dough. The toy head was blue and bigger than my own head.

I recall one morning waking up and seeing the gift box, in my room. I was convinced that I would have known if Mom or Dad entered my room. I made sure that I slept light enough to catch them should they enter my room. So the only explanation was Santa himself. I recall tiptoeing towards the box in case Santa Clause might still be there maybe hiding behind the huge box. After carefully checking the area I realized no cone was there so I opened the box and started playing with great joy. Santa Clause knew what to give me; I was such a lucky little girl.

Today on day time news they were interviewing mall Santa Clauses about the economy. The poor guys were complaining about how hard it is for them to get by on minimum wage. They went on and on about their financial difficulties while still dressed in Santa Clause costumes.

I am sorry for those guys but I felt that it was very disrespectful of the news channel to choose Santa Clauses to interview on this issue. In a child’s mind Santa Clause might be invincible and that is a harmless and joy giving belief. I like it that all adults get in on the secret and let the children enjoy the fairy tale.

It is because of such sweet memories that every year around the holiday season I feel tremendous warmth and joy. The smell of the ginger cookies, the Christmas cakes, the beautiful decorated trees, the wonderful mood that takes everyone over. Living in Istanbul, it takes a little more effort to feel festivities of the season. The upside is that, it made me celebrate it in more traditional ways. When I was in the States my “American Mommy” Ursula and I used to bake through the season. Actually, she was baking I was helping. I just loved spending time with her, in the kitchen. She was making Stollens and sending them to her loved ones via mail. We would also make cookies together. The smell of cookies in the oven, a Christmas miracle movie in the background and our lovely chats were priceless. I would question why we had to sift the flour or why we could not use the mixer on some recipes but had to mix with a spoon. I did not realize the craft that she was passing on to me, as I was more interested in her magnetic personality and just liked to be around her. The first time that we were baking together was prior to visiting some friends. I asked her why we don’t buy the sweets that we intend to give them. She told me that our vibrations had to be in the food that we would bring along.

It made sense.

After I moved to Istanbul I found myself baking cookies around Christmas time and bringing them to my friends. I did not even realize that I was carrying on her tradition until a friend of mine reminded me of cookies that I had given him five years ago. He told me that he liked the chocolate chip cookies that I had given him so much that he tried to buy similar ones but could not find any that tasted the way he liked them. I could not believe that he had not told me this for five years. I would have made him ten more batches, right then and there.  I did not have the heart to tell him that I lost that recipe. It made me think one should never wait too long to tell if they like something. I offered my dear friend the delicacy of this Christmas and made a note to myself to find a good chocolate chip cookie recipe. The Christmas spirit has made me face two heart warming facts. Ursula was right when she said that we have to bake the cookies if we can, as they are made with our love and that is a wonderful gift. My friend has confirmed this by trying to find a store-bought substitute yet not liking it. The second fact is that one should never wait too long to say that they like something and certainly not look for a substitute when what they liked initially, is within reach.

Two days away from the New Year, I feel jolly, filled with heart warming moments. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season filled with Christmas miracles and that this New Year will bring plenty of bliss to all. Miracles happen all year-long and just in case we forget towards the end of the year we are reminded that loving each other, enjoying each other and forgiving each other is the gate to miraculous moments.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

Stripping on the Altar!

 We live in interesting times, where churches are converted into strip clubs, minarets are being banned. It is difficult to understand the mindset behind these actions. A church in Hungary was deconsecrated and sold off to become a strip club. *”It has now become a nightclub and a stripper performs her finale on the altar each evening,”

A place of worship turns into a venue where women are stripped off their dignity and money is thrown at them, to turn men on. Naturally the Church opposes to the idea. Some find it difficult to understand what is so bad about a strip club. Nothing! Except that women are not only being stripped off their clothes but their sense-of worth as well. They are being objectified and not at all respected. I can see how a sacred institute that in principal, values all human beings, does not agree to the idea of, one of God’s creatures to be stripped off her self respect, especially in God’s House. Then again everywhere is God’s house. If we accept God as our maker we believe that he made it all and sees it all.

I wonder if this contrast is a sign of where the world is headed. There are many strip clubs in the world that we do not know about, unless we are interested in visiting one. The reason this one made it to the news is due to the controversy of performing an act of stripping, indulging in lust where some used to go to keep away from those sins. This is almost like a mockery of religious ideas.

What happened to love and compassion? No one seems to be concerned with that. The girl taking her clothes off, on the altar is making a choice. If she feels empty on the inside, needs alcohol or drugs to get thru the night that is still part of her choice, but the unhappy state is the indication for her to change it or not to change it. It is her path and we can only offer love and help if she wants to create change but not judge her. 

At the same time minarets are being banned. Islam has become a threatening idea. I wonder if those who killed innocent people under the name of Islam feel at peace, given that they spoiled the image of the faith that has the second largest community of followers in the world. The Koran clearly accepts Jesus Christ and Moses as Allah’s prophets and recognizes both religions to be sent by Allah. It is also clearly expressed that every Muslim has to respect members of both religions.

How fanatic Islamists miss such a clear message is beyond me. I am assuming, what we are up against is the justification process of the intellect yet again!

The damage is done and the world perceives Islam as a threat. Obviously no one is threatened with the fear that Islam will bring love and compassion to the world. This is the confusing part. From a spiritual point of view, the belief is that God sent prophets and religious books to correct human behavior and to give some guidance to humans. When we read the messages of God, they do not seem to change much from religion to religion. Over and over mankind has been reminded to act with love and compassion.

Yet here we are.

It feels like members of different religions are treating their faith like some kind of sports team that they support, fighting over who is better. Fanatic Islamist have taken it so far that they think it is OK to attack others. Somehow they believe that it is OK to force the rules of their religion onto people. Why would our maker give us a mind and free will to make our own decisions if we were meant to be forced?

The Koran openly bans attacking and killing others. It only says “if under attack and spiritual oppression one can fight back.” So bombing, Synagogue’s, killing priests, or flying planes into buildings full of innocent people is not justified.

Anyone with common sense would see that! Why would God command anyone to kill his own creatures?  Come on!

Now thanks to those hungry for power, who shamelessly abuse the name of Islam in the name of their mission, innocent followers of the same faith are having difficulties. I am sure the fanatics translate this into the clause of “oppression of religious practice”. 

Whose fault is this oppression? After terrorizing the world with suicide bombs, can they really blame others for having concerns? The church opposes to the ban of minarets. The church believes in freedom of worship. Still those who banned it probably feel threatened. It is not like the mosque reminds anyone of basic worship these days.

Spiritual fulfillment comes from love. While everyone is busy fighting over whose team is better somehow the important message gets lost. God made us all and we are all supposed to love each other, regardless of our differences.

Crucifixes are taken out of class rooms, as they are perceived as offensive, minarets are being banned as they are perceived as a threat, meanwhile young women are stripping in the House of the Lord, on the altar, and the law allows women in Afghanistan to be raped by their husbands.

Relevance?

The crucifix or minarets are symbols that remind us of values of God! Isn’t taking every step with love in our heart the most important message of God?

Sources:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/vaticancityandholysee/6670813/Vatican-condemns-immoral-church-conversions.html

­* By Nick Squires in Rome
Published: 6:00PM GMT 27 Nov 2009

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8385893.stm

Promoting Prostitution?

These past days I have received some opposition to one of my articles that was about perverts, such as Polanski and Marco Weiss.

http://shakti108.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/perverts-are-on-the-loose-protect-the-children/

I was surprised to see the reaction. Some of my readers expressed their belief that it was OK to be sexually involved with a thirteen year old. At first I did not understand, how something so clear could even be an issue of argument. Evidently I was wrong, moral values do change dramatically from culture to culture. My Guru Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi says “The intellect can justify anything but the spirit will always know the truth.”

I have observed this justification effort over the past few days.

As I am writing this article on the German TV channel RTL CH there is a program on how to be a successful Dominatrix. This came on right after the German version of “Wife Swap” which is a family show. So the channel is a regular family channel yet it is airing a show that is literally giving pointers on how to please clients better if you go into this field. The show does not strike one as sexual but rather informative. Lady Atropa tells how lucky she is to find her dream job, how important it is to understand human anatomy to be good at what she does. She goes to a warehouse to buy some perverted sex toys, her clients explain how they like to be dominated as a relief from a stressful week, while wearing a leather fetish mask. Then it moves on to another elderly prostitute who just helped a retarded man be relieved and how she deserves to be paid as she gave her time. It is so cleverly featured that one almost feels grateful to this lady for taking care of this poor retarded man.

A few days ago on a French TV channel I saw a show that featured being a strip dancer as one of the good ways to make money. They showed how one could take classes and get into the field.

Watching these shows made me understand the mindset of those who see nothing wrong with the abuse of thirteen year old girls. What do you expect if it is totally natural to promote prostitution or striptease as good jobs on TV? I do not have a child, but raising a child around such values seems scary. I questioned myself these past days, whether I am a conservative person. I came to the conclusion that I probably am a bit conservative compared to these cultures. Through my Yoga practice it has been a life style to see things through my spirit. As my guru says, the spirit will not justify, like the intellect. I just feel it in my heart that it is not OK to sexually abuse a 13-year-old girl, because she is just a child even if she looks older; she has the brain of a child. The same way I find it wrong that TV shows promote prostitution, give tips on how to become a successful dominatrix, or feature striping as a profitable job while explaining how to become one. I cannot imagine any parents wishing for their children to have a future in the above mentioned careers. This is the easiest way to test whether something is morally correct or incorrect, if you do not wish it on your loved ones then it is not good. Many argue in the name of modernity, using these supposedly open-minded ways of looking at things.

The problem in today’s society is that people do not care about each other anymore which makes it easier to keep an open mind on twisted values. As long as it does not affect you and your family, one does not care and not judging is considered a very good deed which makes it easy to explain the not caring attitude. Personally, I support the idea of not judging. However, this is beyond not judging. In my opinion not judging means to be able to coexist or even extend a hand when needed to the one that you do not necessarily share the same ideas with.

Being so oblivious to moral values is not good for the society. In Italy they are planning to take Christ’s Crucifix out of the classrooms. This is in the name of respecting other religions. This is hard to understand, why should any member of any religion be offended by Jesus Christ. I believe that all religions are sacred and never understood how the followers of a certain faith could feel superior over the other. God sent prophets and books to make the world a better place yet people chose to use it as an excuse to fight. Application of religious values unfortunately lacked compassion in many cases that with modernity most values have been abandoned.

Traditional values are good for a society. Being modern should mean to have an open mind towards different ideas, to have love and compassion towards the one that is different but one should not have to give up on simple moral values in the name of modernity.

I am against the idea of judging a prostitute or out casting her but that does not mean the job should be promoted as a dream job. Extremes are never good and somehow society seems to have arrived to another extreme, where abusers of children become celebrities, and Dominatrix prostitutes are featured on TV as experts of their wonderful profession giving tips to those who want to join the sex industry.

Perverts are on the Loose, Protect the Children!

The French are opposing Polanski’s arrest because he is talented. The fact that he sodomized and raped a child does not seem to bother them. It is very difficult to understand the logic behind their opposition. Americans on the other hand are dedicated not to let him get away, with what he did, for the sake of fairness. No one should be above the law. I love the idea that no one is above the law. Although O.J. Simpson seems to have been above the law.

I grew up, admiring Michael Jackson. Rest in peace, I am still a big fan. Still the fact that he was accused of molesting children more than once and ended up settling out of court makes me feel uneasy about the whole thing. I love Michael Jackson. I want to believe that he was framed more than once just because he was so popular. I want to believe that they wanted to smear him, which is why he was accused over and over for the same crime.

Still I cannot help but question, was he above the law only because we all loved him so much?

If he was; the suffering that those innocent children might have gone through is a horrible thought. Money can not make that go away. 

Americans do not understand why the French want Polanski to get away with his crime. I do not understand why Americans are sometimes against the double standard and other times not.

Is there a guilty conscious for all the unjust treatment that African Americans have received in the past; that now if they are popular, they cannot be charged even for the crimes that they actually have committed?

Mitterrand the Culture Minister of France has no problem admitting that he likes to travel to Thailand as he enjoys having sex with boys. Naturally he opposes Polanski’s arrest.

When did it become OK for perverts to openly express their actions and desires? They actually seem to expect acceptance. Some claim that he should not loose his public position as he did not commit a crime. According to this logic, if one satisfies their perverted needs in Thailand it is OK. The boy who suffers there is no ones problem. After all he did not break the law in France. The fact that he took advantage of an innocent child does not bother anyone.

When the 17 year old German boy Marco assaulted the 13 year old British girl Charlotte in Turkey, her parents pressed charges and he was imprisoned for assaulting a minor.  Somehow Germans found this very unfair. In Stern Magazine Marco’s father critisized the verdict as unjust. He called the Turkish view on the issue “Glorifizierung der Jungfräulichkeit”*which means Turks glorify virginity.

His son abused a thirteen year old girl and he blames the Turkish justice system to be way too sensitive on virginity issues. Would it have been OK to abuse a thirteen year old in Germany?

I am sure the German law is as clear as the Turkish law that you cannot push to have sex with a child.

The same magazine features articles on Polanski, frowning on the idea of raping a thirteen year old. So what Polanski did was not good according to the magazine but Marco should have gotten away with sexual abuse of a child.

So the Pervert’s logic somehow justifies perverted actions as long as they are commited away from home. Mitterrand chooses Thailand, Marco chose Turkey and Polanski chose America. The same logic makes perverts very sensitive people. They are deeply offended to be held accountable of their actions.

So the supportes believe that Polanski should be free because he made good movies. Mitterrand should not be judged for his actions as he did not commit a crime, in France. Marco should not have been charged, he did not abuse the British child in Germany. These Turks are too sensitive about this whole virginity thing anyway.

Morality is far away from these arguments. It makes me wonder how these supporters would feel, if their children were raped or sexually abused. Would they still think that an artist, every now and then can do crazy things and one should look away or claim that it is OK because it happened abroad?

Martin Luther King said „Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.“

 

I am hoping that not letting Polanski get away with what he did, even thirty years after it happened will only be the beginning. When it comes to protecting a child’s innocence, we should all be alerted and there should be no loopholes, or get out of jail free cards for anyone. A child is still a child in Thailand, America, Africa, Turkey or France.

It is the adults’ responsibility to guard and protect children anywhere and everywhere in the world.  

Follow me on Twitter@banugokyar

Source:

*Marco Weiss akzeptiert Schuldspruch nicht 16. September 2009,

http://www.stern.de/panorama/missbrauchsprozess-in-antalya-marco-weiss-akzeptiert-schuldspruch-nicht-1509447.html

Total Bliss?

 

 

Emotions can be very overwhelming sometimes. It is only after we find the balance that we feel liberated. What a relief it is to be liberated of all ties that seemed to hold back the joy.

 

Pure joy is the best kind of joy. It comes from within and is not reliant on the outside, therefore not affected by things happening on the outside.

 

I have lost and found this joy multiple times and it has caught my attention that getting carried away in concerns that have not much to do with the spirit kill the joy. It is those environments that create a hollow feeling which makes us feel miserable. I have observed many people trying very hard to fill that void through external activities. Usually, socializing, being part of the crowd is one way people try to achieve this.

 

Socializing becomes a way of avoiding the emptiness inside. Drinking, partying keeps the mind occupied momentarily and creates a false sense of joy. The temporary solution actually enlarges the void. Whether it is the company of people or alcohol; when the joy giving substances wear out, the joy goes away too. The moment of facing the disappearance of fake joy is the moment the unbalanced state is faced. Most people try not to face it and get sucked into a life style where the concept of happiness is totally dependant on things or events

 

How many times have you appointed change on your current status as the key to upcoming happiness?

 

I will be happy when I am promoted. I will be happy when I am married. I will be happy when I have children. I will be happy when I buy that house… that car….it never ends!

 

Being satisfied with the current state is the key. Contrary to common belief, being able to enjoy the moment does not keep one from moving forward.

 

 

I have come to realize that, even when one does not take part in these external activities or becomes part of this crowd, just observing from afar can suck the joy out of someone.

 

Bliss can only be found on the inside. Looking for it on the outside would make it even harder on the person, creating a feeling that joy is hard to find. Actually the only time that it is hard to find is when one looks for it in the wrong places.

 

I have known this for a long time, which has helped me not look for bliss on the outside.  Of course knowing this, made it more puzzling how could I lack the feeling of joy?

 

I knew where to look, but what had happened to it.  Why did it disappear in the first place? Compared to many, I was considered very happy and peaceful as I was capable of enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like a good book, a nice cup of coffee, quiet moments, good music or the sight of a beautiful view of nature. These have always given me pleasure.

 

Still, I knew better than that which brought back the question what had happened to that constant super high feeling that I knew so well?

 

The inner joy that used to make me feel satisfied and in total bliss no matter what was going on had vanished. I had become one of those people who need to make an effort to feel the joy. Of course my effort would not be through partying or materialistic achievements as I knew that was not where I would find my inner peace. Knowing what I knew, I chose to pull myself away from the so called happy circles. Not that anything is wrong with those circles but I had lost the balance. Most of my life I had been able to lift others to my level of happiness, whereas this time I was sinking to their level of unsatisfied condition. The joyless state around me had become stronger than me.

 

Most of my life the solution to my problems has come through listening to the Divine. So, I have resorted to more meditation.  The more I have mediated the more bliss has arrived.  Even though the lack of joy state was only temporary, it made me see how tough life must be for those who have to go through life like this.

 

The constant high feeling that is not reliant on anything, has come back and I am ever grateful to be able to feel so blissful!!!

 

At the same time the temporary feeling of emptiness has helped me relate to those who lack genuine happiness. God help them!!!

 

Nothing on the outside can fill that kind of gap and the more they try the worse it gets. There is a saying that “God makes the loved one lose something and then find it again.” This process, gives a new sense of appreciation. So my new found appreciation of absolute bliss has triggered my eagerness to share it yet again with the rest of the world.

 

It is through the practice of Sahaja Yoga that I am able to feel constant pure joy.

 

The kind of happy state that is there just because……like children….!

I wish everyone gets a chance to experience this wonderful state of joy!

 

 

 

 http://www.sahajayoga.org/experienceitnow/default.asp