It is not surprising that Californians are wondering if 2010 could be the year that the super quake hits the San Andreas Fault. Devastating news about recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile has made some residents of California a little anxious about whether they will be hit by the much-feared earthquake, simply known as the Big One.Here’s a note from Celalettin in response to a recent column:
Hello Charlotte: I am so glad that you wrote about the earthquake in Haiti. You talked about the earthquake that happened in Turkey, but you did not mention that one also struck Adana. I was just 13 in 1998 when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Adana. It killed people and left many families homeless. This experience will always be in my mind as though it was yesterday. I believe that because we live in the end of times, as described in the Quran, if you happen to read it or believe in it, events such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and so on will occur. I don’t know what the Bible says about this matter, though. An earthquake is destiny. You cannot prevent it from happening, but can only take measures to protect people from the calamity. Whatever people believe in, we should help each other. We should not be coldhearted. We should have compassion when disaster strikes. We must work together to live in peace. Celalettin T. (Adana)
Dear Celalettin: Thank you for pointing this out about Adana and for sharing your story and what you believe. Inspiring! You are right. An earthquake stuck Adana (southern Turkey) on June 27, 1998, and caused a large number of deaths and extensive damage to many older constructions as well as to some of the newer multistory buildings.
Perhaps more people should have animals so they can have an earlier warning about danger. I am a firm believer that dogs sense an earthquake long before humans. Although earthquakes are a sudden phenomenon, it is not unusual to hear a pet owner say that before the earthquake, they noticed their cats and dogs acting strangely before the ground shook -- barking or whining for no apparent reason or showing signs of nervousness and restlessness. Animals are sensitive to their physical environment.
I recently received a letter from a dog lover in Canada. Here is what Elizabeth had to say:
Dear Charlotte: Thank you for your interesting articles on Kangal dogs. In a previous article you say: “The Kangal dog is famous here. Turkish experts have published articles about the dogs, and their view corresponds clearly with the public perception: Kangal dogs are a ‘breed apart’ and not to be confused or interbred with other Turkish ‘çoban köpeği’ (shepherd dogs). Legends about the prowess of the Kangal are numerous.” I am very interested in the articles “Turkish experts have published” -- but I don’t know where to find this information, or how to access these articles. I live in Canada, I am an owner of a Kangal dog and a Web site devoted to Kangal dogs: www.kangal.ca
I would love some information re where a person could access more information and the articles you are talking about, of course in English. Any information would be greatly appreciated. From: Elizabeth (Canada)
Dear Elizabeth: Let me just share the title of a book published in 2009 in Great Britain. The title is “The Kangal Dog of Turkey” by Lesley Tahtakılıç and Margaret Mellor. Google the authors and contact them. Also, if you can obtain a copy of the book, you will find many references listed in the book. The city of Sivas would be a good place to start to find research by Turkish scholars in English on the subject. Try to track down this lead: Demirci, T. (2005) “Owners’ approaches to keeping Kangal Dogs -- a clinician’s view,” in Oğrak, Y.Z. (ed.) “Proceedings of the 2nd International Kangal Dog Symposium.” Sivas, Kangal Governorship/Cumhuriyet University. Happy hunting!
Many people have felt earthquakes in recent days, and animals sensed them. In some way, let’s remember those who have lost loved ones and those who have lost their homes.
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
