Living in Istanbul is an unequalled experience. I’ve always been told the tales of religions living side by side, in peace during the Ottoman reign over the land.
It gave me pride to know that the country that I am a part of and that is a part of me was common ground for all these civilisations and religions.
For years; Turkey has been a home for Catholics, Christians and Jewish decendants. When you walk the streets of Istanbul, you feel that diversity in every street, on every corner of the historical part of the city. It’s magical.
Then, I get a wake up call; “Three slain at Bible publishing house.” “Priest slain in Church.” “Pope shot by Turk.”
All this hatred is so unnecessary and sickening that sometimes, my pride fades away and is overtaken by shame.
It shames me to know that the country that I am a part of and that is a part of me has ceased being a peaceful haven for those who wish to speak their mind and follow the religion of their choice. It is now the pawn of dark forces trying to tarnish our image and abolish the peace and religious tolerance that so many have worked for for so long.
Hey,
I found your blog by accident googling for info about Istanbul (via Istanbul streetstyle).I found it very interesting to be able to get your perspective on Istanbul, Turkey and life in general. Thank you.
I’ll be going to Istanbul for the first time in mid May so I’m trying to do some research about the city and it’s cultures.Preparations, but mostly because I enjoy it.
It’s funny though as I went for a walk in a park in Stockholm there was this massive celebration “childrens day” with a singer and Turkish flags and baloons everywhere.
Have a nice sunday
Rebecka
Hey there Rebecka
Thanks for commenting on my blog, I really appreciated it.
Preparing for trips abroad is always so exciting. I remember when preparing for my various vacations I always get so dizzy with excitement that I can barely wait till boarding time, containing my enthusiasm isn’t really my forte.
I bet you’re going to adore Turkey as much as I do, Istanbul is a gem, a gem that needs discovering by every single soul on this earth!
Let us know if you need anything when you’re here, don’t hesitate.
- Idil
Rebecka: You might want to coincide your trip to Turkey during the massive celebrations expected as Gul becomes President.
They will be so massive that Gul might get scared and resign?
Oh how that would be sweet.
For every protester, there will be a supporter, this time on the streets. We hope the provocateurs are not watching and salivating.
Either Turkey is going to have to learn to accept the hard facts gracefully, or Turkey is headed for some internal strife, which will open up the Kurd and other minority floodgates, against the secular establishment.
I think Gul should continue on ‘smiling.’ All is well and life is good Idil! Because it can always get worse . . . You might get Hillary or Barack or Giuliani to run for President.
Now now, why make this about me? I haven’t even commented on Gul yet! Even though I’m scared of myself. I might just not comment on the subject at all. One must sleep before one decides on the matter.
Idil: Too bad you are not running for President. I would’ve voted for you. Maybe you should think about joining the majority party.
And you should consider not making fun of me anymore >:( bad Metin.
[...] Ignore Me If You Can posts her feelings on what is becoming of her country: For years; Turkey has been a home for Catholics, Christians and Jewish descendants. When you walk the streets of Istanbul, you feel that diversity in every street, on every corner of the historical part of the city. It’s magical. Then, I get a wake up call; “Three slain at Bible publishing house.” “Priest slain in Church.” “Pope shot by Turk.” All this hatred is so unnecessary and sickening that sometimes, my pride fades away and is overtaken by shame. [...]
“It shames me to know that the country that I am a part of and that is a part of me has ceased being a peaceful haven for those who wish to speak their mind and follow the religion of their choice.”
This is not about a country. This is about a religion that teaches hate and violence. Look around you, look at Islamic societies. Intolerance and discrimination are part of Islam, from the time of the prophet until today. It will get worse, because Muslims blame everything and everybody but Islam.
Ask yourself why this hatred exists? Ask yourself who is doing this and why? Ask yourself about the concept of “freedom of Religion” in Islamic societies. Be honest.
It will get worse, the future will not be nice.
You care of yourself. Think!
John Kactuz