I was around when the parks were landscaped. It made such a difference to one’s frame of mind to see some trees and green grass in the concrete jungle. I never thought I’d live to see the day when the parks around İstanbul would have outdoor fitness equipment for all ages -- men and women, boys and girls.One of the first things I noticed when I came to Turkey years ago was there were rarely any girls playing outside in public. For many years, the idea of women exercising in public or girls playing outside was frowned upon.
When I lived in Salacak, I’d look out my window at the sidewalk along the shoreline. In the mornings, you saw only those headed to work or school. It seems that in the 1990s, doctors must have begun to emphasize the importance of walking and jogging. The scene from my window changed; people were dressed to walk and jog.
One of my most memorable days was when shortly after moving to İstanbul, I missed seeing trees. Some friends with a private car took me to a park that was about half an hour away one afternoon. Our destination was the forest near Bahçeköy. I was surprised when we arrived and saw a fitness trail and some equipment installed as a cluster of outdoor exercise stations in the playground and spaced along the fitness trail.
It’s hard to imagine that in the 1980s, it appeared to be the only place that had equipment outdoors for the general public. Sadly, only the privileged that had cars could easily go there.
It’s easy for newcomers not to realize how much some things have changed here. Turkey has not always been as you find it now.
It was not that long ago that all you could see along most of the seaside road from Kumkapı to Bakırköy were rows and rows of dilapidated buildings where leather factories stood and the air was badly polluted. The shoreline along the Golden Horn on both sides was nothing but an eyesore and health hazard. These places have been cleaned up. Spacious parks throughout the inner city are enjoyed by many now.
You can find in nearly every neighborhood park a selection of equipment that provides a cluster of fitness and recreational equipment for building upper body, leg and back strength as well as enhancing agility, flexibility and endurance. You see males and females -- from elementary school children to senior citizens -- making use of it and enjoying it.
Another change that has been gradually happening is the attitude of a number of Turks toward the admiration of pets. Although I take my responsibilities as a dog-owner seriously, my dogs don’t dominate my life. However, they do require a daily walk or two and some personal care.
All dogs like to go for walks. Noses pressed to the ground, mine attempt to turn over every bit of debris in hopes of finding something to nibble. Usually if a nibble is found, I try to prize open the jaws and remove the potentially dangerous or moldy old bone.
Regular walks are a necessity of life for them. At least one of them en route to the park may have an accident in a most inconvenient spot. I want to just look invisible while this happens. Understandably, dog waste is one of the main complaints of those who use both sidewalks and recreational areas such as parks and children’s playgrounds. I always have some plastic bags tied to the leash or bulging from my pocket. I scoop it up in a bag and dispose of it.
Yes, things are changing. Two years ago at the entrances of the park warning signs read, “No dogs!” A year or so later the signs were replaced with a different sign which read, “Please clean up after your dog.” Recently, some new stylish stainless steel litter bins that are three-in-one in function have appeared in the park. The waste container has a side pocket which holds plastic bags and on the front a tap and a dog bowl below it so your dog can have a drink of water.
It’s great that the local municipality realizes that fitness activities are essential to improved health, longevity and enjoyment of life for people and pets.
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
