Turkey has a very small part of its land situated in Europe and the rest in Asia. As you cross the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, you will see a sign that welcomes you to the respective continent. A number of countries in the Middle East and Central Asia continue to have difficulties extricating themselves from the whims of autocratic rulers and poverty.
When you read Elizabeth Warnock Fernea's book, “Guests of the Sheik: An Ethnography of an Iraqi Village,” first published in 1965, you learn from Fernea's vastly informative insights what it was like for an American woman to live for two years in a tiny village in southern Iraq in a small mud-brick cottage with her husband. Her life was spent only with the women of the town, and she wore the all-enveloping black veil. Though not as common, a visitor to Turkey could have had a similar experience in some parts of the country around the same period.
In the last half century, Turkey has managed to have less political instability and less economic underdevelopment than most of her neighbors. The Republic of Turkey has demonstrated that she is, as we say in English, “a brick.” Often the term “brick” is used to describe a person who you can count on. NATO and other alliances could probably say the same could apply to Turkey.
Turkey has overcome many challenges. To begin with, evidence of this can be seen on a very superficial level by the Western and Asian banks, firms and retailers who have established regional headquarters here and opened many branches. This would not happen unless there was some indication of economic promise and political stability.
As quoted in Duygu Bazoğlu Sezer's report, “Turkey's Political and Security Interests in the New Geostrategic Environment of the Expanded Middle East, Occasional Paper no. 19” (Washington: Henry L. Stimson Center, July 1994), Foreign Minister Hikmet Çetin said in 1993 that “its geopolitical and geostrategic location places Turkey in the neighborhood of the most unstable, uncertain and unpredictable region of the world … it has turned into a frontline state faced with multiple fronts.”
Since the European Union's acceptance of Turkey's candidacy in late 1999, the government has made moves toward a more pro-Western stance on some issues.
Turkey, just like the other nations in the region, feels threatened in one way or another by her immediate neighbors. Each nation understands that the use of military force is important and part of the international game.
In Turkey, overall, living conditions and lifestyles have greatly improved. In addition, Turkey is emerging as an energy hub.
The $64,000 question that Turkey faces is whether or not it wants to strengthen its pro-Western and secular orientation.
Turkey has much to offer many nations -- large and small. Turkey's geostrategic location and national assets can offer a great contribution to the model of democracy in the region.
If you are planning to move to Turkey in the next few weeks, you can be assured, if you so chose, that your experience -- as far as living conditions and lifestyle -- will be one with more ease and comfort than those who came in earlier years. Different from that of Fernea in Iraq or those of us who came to Turkey between the 1960s up until the mid-1980s.
Don't worry. You won't be forced to dress a certain way. You won't be caught like the Ferneas. You'll be able to find a bed big enough for two, a kitchen with hot running water, indoor toilets and plenty to purchase to fill your cupboards. There are no shortages of basic staples.
Shipping everything except the kitchen sink is not necessary any more. You'll have a wide selection of furniture, white goods, small appliances, computers and other technology, cars, toys and food available to purchase.
In fact, you can find almost anything you want here. What's the catch? It all depends on if it is imported or not. In other words, if you have the money, you can get it.
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
