Writing for Zaman daily means having readers from 30 countries. It also gives the opportunity to make general observations about world events. There is one fundamental observation I have drawn based on my trips abroad: Turkish expats in Europe, America, Asia, Africa or Australia have largely abandoned the thought of living abroad only to earn money, then returning to their native lands. This way of thinking comes from contributions made by the representatives who are eager to keep our traditions and values alive by warding off the threat of total assimilation. The thinking is so strong that, in addition to suitable lands for school and mosque construction, Turks now want plots for graveyards. Turks are now permanent residents of where they live.
At this point, the integration issue stands out. They hold that if they are there permanently, they should be integrated with their host culture. Their conviction is that they cannot achieve that by isolating themselves and forming ghettos. There are a number of cultural and dialogue centers in the United States. While cultural centers enable Turks to deepen their relationships and create a sense of community, the dialogue centers are mainly focused on strengthening ties between Turks and locals. To this end, those non-profit organizations make contributions to promote Turkey by organizing occasional trips to Turkey attended by academics and other leading figures.
Only when they take such trips they appreciate our civilization. They meet with governors, mayors and religious authorities in our country. They are hosted by our businessmen and normal people in their homes. They visit Ankara, Konya, Antalya, Nevsehir, Denizli, Bursa, Sanliurfa and Istanbul. They make observations on our religious rituals, including azan and salat. They are impressed by Topkapi Palace, Mawlana Museum, the Bosphorus, the Blue Mosque, our history, culture, people, hospitality and sincerity. Their stereotypes about us are changed. When returning to their country, they have the image of the representatives of the actual Islam instead of the one equating terrorism with Islam. Now, they better know the Turks they live with in their own country. They offer joint action and works of dialogue. Maybe those steps seem modest, but they are heralding an era based on universal peace.
I contend that these hopes and excitements will make your festivities more joyful and meaningful. Taking joint action to resolve the global problems and creating remedies for fair income distribution, the environment, education, family and the youth might refresh the spirit to make changes in the world and make it more livable. I have learned here that our people are donating their sacrifices to the peoples of Africa and Indonesia via a relief organization, the “Kimse Yok mu?” (Isn’t there anyone?) foundation.
During in my stay in Germany last year, I was informed that the religious sacrifices in Niger enlivened the hearts of locals. Festivities become joyful and meaningful when we share our possessions with the others, especially the needy.
I wish you a happy Feast of the Sacrifice!
