How about you?
I would like to thank each of you who have taken time to drop a note, ask a question, give a comment or share about your situation. Keep your letters coming!
Most would agree that a cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent. A number of Today’s Zaman readers commented on the article, “There’s nothing like a cup of coffee!” They all agree coffee and friendship go together. One Today’s Zaman reader, Murat Arat in California, informed me that he has a Web site on Turkish coffee. If you are in the US and missing a good cup of Turkish coffee, check out this site: http://turkishcoffeeworld.blogspot.com
Take a look at this informative video!
Elizabeth Press writes that she is a videographer for streetfilm.org, saw my column about “A perfect world” on traffic and mobile phones and thought readers would be interested in this video: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/taking-a-bite-out-of-traffic-in-istanbul-turkey. It describes the action and plans being taken to improve public transport for the future. Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth.
In the article on “Boogie bears and giant trees,” I shared how Westerners often do not understand the concept of cin (pronounced “jinn”), which are evil spirits. A Today’s Zaman reader named Umar Cook, who describes himself as former American soldier who became Muslim while deployed in Kuwait in 1992 and who currently resides in Ankara with his Turkish wife and six children, sent in a comment on jinns. He thinks it would be helpful for people to understand the Islamic relationship between jinn, humans and angels. He even prepared a little explanation based on the Quran and sent it to me. I tend to stick to the anthropological perspective in my column, but if you are interested more in what the Quran says, drop me a note and ask for Umar’s paper.
Ayfer Arslan shares how she tires of always reading about politics and trouble. She enjoyed the article “Music is good for the soul.” Ayfer explained this in her letter: “I believe that Turkish folk music is the best. It is not simple and is not written just for the sake of money. The lyrics are sincere, deep and make people relax and think about important life issues.|
Thanks Ayfer for your comment and feedback!
Back in October I received a long letter from Nadira (in Malaysia) about her two children. I shared her claim that her signature was forged on official documents that were used to get her children out of the country. Her ex-husband brought them to Turkey. As a result a lawyer made contact and offered her help to get her two daughters back from her Turkish husband. Recently she sent me an update on her situation. Her struggle continues but since her situation has been printed in newspapers, the Turkish embassy quickly submitted the documents to the Singapore officials. She expresses hope to get her children back one day soon -- it’s already been two years!
“Dear Charlotte: I traveled to Istanbul a few years ago with some female friends and was glad I did! Though nothing negative happened, I could feel the oppressive attitude. I felt safe in a group. I am afraid that we were harassed and this hampered our feeling of wanting to travel of the beaten path... The parts of Turkey that I visited were amazing. But the hassle or the expectancy of hassle robbed us peace of mind and freedom you like to have to be able to enjoy your time and just relax. From: Pat (US)”
Thanks Pat for your comments and insights about traveling in Turkey. Turkey is such a beautiful country with so many places to explore. I’m sure female travelers who plan to visit Turkey in the near future will value your comments.
Have you got a question about Turkish society? Any insights into Turkish culture? Perhaps a personal experience that you can share that will help others avoid embarrassing gaffes and mistakes? Share with us.
