This allows a break from the routine in the endless course of time.
I am certain that Today's Zaman has already covered the bayram topic intensively. Therefore, I will not be able to tell you much more about it. Today's Zaman's articles and columnists equip expats much better than locals do about the special aspects of bayram. Yes, you truly tap into a very rich source of information about Turkey when reading Today's Zaman. When reading my fellow columnist Pat's corner, even I, a local careful about traditions and anything Turkish, am surprised to find out some things that I was not aware of before.
Considering that it is bayram time, I will at least try to give you an easy-reading, positive letter and set of comments about Turkey.
My dear friend Simon visits Turkey from time to time, and he is now dealing with the renovation of his beautiful flat in Beyoğlu. A while ago, Simon sent me the following e-mail: “Dear Berk, I have been reading your column tonight, and you made me laugh at the lack of positive letters you receive. Let me set that straight, while we were in İstanbul last weekend we had a delightful time. The hotel I booked in April through a booking service (and had to cancel later) held and honoured our reservation and payment, the weather was great, as usual in İstiklal you can see the entire country in one minute, and all seemed very well. Restaurants were full of cheerful people and the whole atmosphere was very pleasant. Add on top of that some interest and excitement at finally being able to go forward on this long process and I had a very good time, although only two days. And if you need another good story on Turkey, last time we were there, we had to replace the screen on a new laptop which somehow became cracked. It took us about an hour or so to track down a Lenovo service agent via the internet, and after about 3 hours we were back on the street with a new screen fitted. I cannot imagine such service in most countries I have been in.”
Thank you Simon, I will try to remember your lines when walking down İstiklal street. Also, I will keep my faith in good and fast service in Turkey.
Yes, I sometimes receive some good news, although it is only a small percentage compared to the total number of e-mails I usually receive. It is not that good things do not happen in Turkey; it's that people do not mention good things. In my opinion, the nature of human beings is defective; it detects negative things and underlines them. Only a few people are wise enough to announce goodness although it is advisable to speak of good and otherwise keep silent.
I know that it will sound like a Beatles song, but I believe that all holidays are universal. I wish all people would celebrate holidays universally. This would give us plenty of time to take pleasure in things and enjoy life.
It is a special time of the year; things seem to happen in a good and different way during bayram. Like what? Like Canan made me coffee, a very unique event indeed…
All the best and happy bayram.
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 the 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.
