Dear Charlotte: We are looking for information on driving neighbors’ kids to school. Our local bus service people (at our girl’s Turkish school) told us several times that we were going to be fined for taking kids (other than our own) to school. We take our neighbors’ children to school, and, of course, we don’t charge a fee. So we went to the police to ask about this, and they have told us that it is against the law to take anyone but your kids to school. Would you send us your thoughts/experiences on this topic? I wonder what the fine is. Might it be different for folks with “m” license plates? Does anyone have the wording of this law? Thank you! From: Law-abiding citizenDear Law-abiding citizen: Your note reminded me of just how different foreigners can approach a situation. I think a Turkish parent would not have gone directly to the police to find out the information, but as a parent s/he would have approached the school principal to learn the facts. Naturally, the local bus service is going to say this to you whether it is true or not, as you are probably seen as being in competition with him. He may not be able to appreciate the kind act you are doing for your neighbors, and he has no way of knowing if you really are not accepting any payment.
A controversial topic this week has received much attention in the media, and many various comments on different Web sites have been posted about the Swiss and their new ban on minarets. Even though I had not written about this topic, this comment with a different twist was copied and sent to me. I would like to share it with you. Hans from Switzerland wrote about Swiss minaret ban drawing worldwide criticism (Nov. 30):
“Some of the reactions appear as exaggerated as the Swiss vote itself. But for Turkey in particular there are reasons to react swiftly and strongly. What I mean is advertisement. Turkey has landscapes recalling the nicest regions of Switzerland, which itself is a tourist magnet with high prices. So Turkey can offer each: mountain tours, skiing and minarets. An offer for rich Muslim Arabs, certainly, but also the rest of the world, including Europe. Seize the opportunity the Swiss have offered with no cost for Turkey!” From: Hans
Dear Hans: Thanks for the copy of your comment. Bravo! I agree it is always best to look on the bright side and make the best of a situation.
Do you have reverence for the sound of church bells? The call to prayer?
I know some foreigners who live in close proximity to a mosque and revere the call to prayer as it represents a symbol of individuals who seek to worship God in the way they have been taught.
The other day I was in Budapest. I heard in the faint distance the ringing of church bells on Sunday morning. I had not heard this sound for a while. It’s true that around the Moda neighborhood in İstanbul or on İstiklal Street near Taksim on Sunday morning, if you are in the right place at the right time, you will hear church bells ringing. I’m not used to hearing this sound as I am not usually in these areas, so I enjoyed the moment of reverence it symbolized.
When I moved to Yeşilyurt in the mid 1980s, I remember my new Turkish neighbors on Ekin Street discussing the new mosque being built down the road. Most residents disapproved, but eventually, an agreement was finally reached so it could be built.
Bernard Lewis in his book “The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years,” defines the modern history of the Middle East by setting the premise that for centuries Muslim civilizations had been defined by religion. The civilized world was dar al-Islam, the house of Islam. All the others were inhabited by infidels who were seen as a threat and had not yet accepted the Muslim faith.
Any time an act against another religion is taken it is understood as a clear signal against diversity, freedom of religion and human rights.
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
