Needless to say, this article generated many comments and e-mails from readers on both sides of the argument. Some felt that the Turkish tourism industry is well prepared for the ever-growing number of visitors to the country each year. Others, usually citing their own negative experiences with less than honest taxi drivers and merchants, felt differently.There is, of course, more to the situation than meets the eye. While there will always be individuals who are constantly alert to a potential way to make money unethically, or who would rather sit and drink tea than perform the work they are paid to do, the vast majority of people are honest, hardworking and kind. For the tourists who take the time to meet Turks who are not intent on selling them goods or literally taking them for a ride in a longer than needed journey by taxi, the true character of the Turkish people comes out. This is the real image of Turks that those of us who live here and love the country hope is what is remembered from a visit here. From my own personal experiences, the vast majority of Turks are ready, and often eager, to help a stranger in their midst in any way that they can.
Just last week, near one of the gates to İstanbul's Grand Bazaar, I witnessed yet another example of typical Turkish caring and compassion for a stranger in need. An elderly American woman and her daughter were on their first visit to Turkey. Anticipating their shopping trip through the labyrinthine streets and alleyways of the bazaar, on foot they navigated the tangle of traffic near the Nuruosmaniye entrance to the bazaar. Almost safely across the narrow street, the woman tripped and fell, blood gushing from a cut on her forehead. Her daughter, a nurse, knew that even though her mother's injuries seemed minor, stitches were required. As her mother lay prone on the sidewalk, while Turks gathered to offer assistance, a young man knelt on the sidewalk and cradled the mother's head. This young man spoke some English, and he comforted both women as he held paper towels to the mother's head to try to staunch the bleeding. Concerned shopkeepers brought water and more towels for the woman and her daughter. Several people called for an ambulance, and when it was delayed in arriving due to traffic problems, they continued to call and give updates on how far away the ambulance was. The young man stayed with them for over 30 minutes until the ambulance finally arrived to take them to the hospital. Even though he most probably had his own plans set out for the day, this young man was content to stay with the women and make sure they had the care they needed.
This was not the most auspicious way to begin their trip to Turkey, but the elderly woman and her daughter were very appreciative for the concern shown to them by strangers who just happened to pass by. Fortunately, after their quick hospital visit to have the gash stitched up, the two women took it easy for a couple of days in İstanbul and then continued on their visit to the rest of Turkey. I hope that the impression they will take back to the United States will be positively influenced by the kindness of strangers, even if at some point in their trip they encounter individuals who seem to only be out to scam luckless tourists.
The passersby who stopped to offer assistance to the women are by no means unusual. I would hope that anywhere in the world people will pause to help someone in need, in whatever way that they are able. Some stopped to make sure an ambulance had been called. Others brought water and others offered apologies and encouraging words. The attention made the women feel less alone in a foreign environment. As a traveler myself, often in countries where I have little or no language skills, it can be very stressful to need help and not know where to turn. It is the kindness of strangers that travelers rely on when an emergency arises.
In spite of the attitude that some have held that Turkey is not ready for tourists, I think that in many ways, Turks are the best attraction the country has. In spite of the few unscrupulous ones, Turks are known for being warm, welcoming and caring. After almost 12 years as both an expat and a Turkish citizen, I must say that even though there are many things that could run smoother here and that there are more efficient ways to get work done, it is the people who have made this my home. Is Turkey ready for tourists? Perhaps the infrastructures could use improvements, but I think the openness and care of Turks makes this a good tourist destination. I know that, for many reasons, Turkey has been a good place to live and raise my family.
