The way a Turk starts a conversation might seem strange at first. Turkish people are curious. One of the first questions asked may be about your profession. He does not want to know how much money you make but is rather trying to start a conversation. Oftentimes, a Turk does not know another way to begin a conversation.
I believe conversations started by Turks used to be different. The conversations did not concern one's profession. Turks were never interested in “how much you were worth,” unless it involved business.
What happened to this former attitude?
People are still nice; no one should doubt that. However, the former core values and attitudes have changed.
Why does a conversation start with such a question?
In the past century the moral values – the culture and codes of Turks – have been re-constructed in a manner where money is of utmost importance.
In the olden times, Turks were raised in a rich culture and were proud of their rich heritage. However, as time passed and the country evolved, moral values began to change. The former values slowly began to disappear, and with the privatization of the economy and the globalization of the country, people soon became more concerned with money than with moral behavior.
Some of the children who were raised with the rich culture of this country are now buried in nice cemeteries with nice gravestones announcing their professions or status. Some of them, on the other hand, were not as lucky, and they do not have a gravestone and were buried under the monuments in the Dardanelles and other battles. This generation of fallen men, who could have passed down their cultural inheritance, died without sharing the codes they had gathered from their fathers and grandfathers.
Following this missing link, brought on by a generation of war casualties, the people of this country faced a very harsh time where they were socially and financially relegated. I am very upset about this unwarranted approach to the people of this country by a small group of other people. A relatively small group of people who enjoyed power sidelined the vast majority of the nation, who were left in a state of ignorance. This intentional and unacceptable social situation resulted in two generations growing up without the core values and cultural legacy Turkey had constructed over the past 1,000 years.
Wow! After reading what I have written, it reminded me of the U2 song “Achtung Baby – Acrobat.”
Thank you God, not everyone in the country has lost his or her memory.
Around 1985 when many changes were made to the financial structure of Turkey, we were left without the moral values from our past. The period from 1985 to 1995 brought an even more difficult life where the ultimate goal was to only make money. The generation from the '80s and '90s is hopefully much better and richer in old culture.
After you become good friends, what should you be careful about? The next article is on Monday.
NOTE: Berk Çektir is a licensed attorney at law and available to answer questions on the legal aspects of living in Turkey. Send enquiries to b.cektir@todayszaman.com The names of readers are disclosed only upon written approval of the sender.DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended to give basic legal information. You should get legal assistance from a licensed attorney at law while conducting legal transactions and not just rely on the information in this corner.
