It could be Seattle, Washington, Hot Springs, Arkansas or Afyon, or some place in Turkey like Muğla or Sultanıye. How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Chief Seattle, American Indian chief of the Squamish, understood the value of the environment. If you have ever read any American Indian legends you know they are rich and colorful. I've met many Turks who seem to have a fascination with American Indian culture. Rivers, mountains, forests are sacred.
In the Seattle area, mineral springs with acclaimed healing properties were discovered and used by native Indians in the late 1800s. Today we refer to these as "spas." In the late 1800s and early 1900s, white settlers flocked to these healing waters, seeking cures for their ailments while enjoying the natural environment and nearby recreational amenities.
Does this sound familiar? Turkey has an abundance of natural springs. You can check out Web sites such as www.allaboutturkey.com/spa.htm to get a list of the hot spots in Turkey!
Back in Seattle in the early 1900s, sanitariums (health resorts) were built there, utilizing the lake's water and mud to heal all manner of ailments. By the mid-1920s, it had become a pilgrimage trek.
Maybe Henry Thoreau, American naturalist, poet and philosopher, knew the value of water too when he said: "Water is the only drink for a wise man."
Sparkling or still?
I spent some of my youth in a city southwest of Little Rock with a population of 30,000 residents. The name says it all! Hot Springs, Arkansas. People came from all over the States for its 47 thermal springs. They would fill their water containers and flasks. In the winter months the town swelled from the flock of tourists, not from the heats of the mineral springs.
Who was the first New World explorer in 1541 to take a dip in the springs? Hernando de Soto, who was on an expedition through Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Sometimes I overhear American tourist in Turkey expressing their dislike to have to buy bottled water. Those who do not understand the situation think that others are trying to rip them off. The ability to provide fresh, clean drinking water for all citizens is something some of us take for granted until we have lived in a country where you are not able to drink from the t ap because of contaminated water supplies.
Times seem to be changing! If you are planning a visit to the States you should read the book "The Drinking Water Book: A Complete Guide to Safe Drinking Water." This book tells you everything you ever wanted to know about drinking water. There's good information on water-purifiers for the home, bottled water, vending machine water and the quality of public water systems throughout the USA. The book will make you probably think twice before drinking tap water in the States!
Have you talked with some one about water lately? Opinions on water really vary. Here are just a few comments from Today's Zaman readers: One English Today's Zaman reader believes there is no difference between bottled and tap water. She says: "Seeing them buying bottles of water at super markets in the UK when it is fact it's no different from tap water -- now that's hilarious." Felicia (UK)
Ash writes: "We pay to have it treated so that it's safe to drink and we pay to have it piped to our homes. We pay to have the pipes maintained. I don't mind it at all -- I'm so very grateful to have the wonderful drinking water that we have!"
Ayşe writes, "The water people buy in supermarkets is mineral water; its not the same as out of the tap." (İstanbul)
Jean shares: "Most don't have to, but I prefer the taste of spring water. It's a nice treat at YTL 4.50 for 19 liters."
Cliff says: "Is there anywhere where you don't 'buy' drinking water -- I'm in the USA and my water company charges me to supply water to my house... so I'm buying it, yes???"
I say, let's go to Sapanca and fill up or to Afyon and take the waters!
"With true friends even water drunk together is sweet enough." (Chinese Proverb)
Enjoy water (be it sparkling, still or spa) and your friends!
