[EXPAT VOICE] A matter of pride

As an American, I’ve found Turkish national pride familiar and something I can immediately identify with. Nearly 240 years ago, my country also found itself on a quest for independence. Living in Boston, I was brought up on the stories of how American colonists stood up and took up arms against the British Empire. Because of this, I wanted to know more about how Turks celebrate their country and independence.

“It is something so special. The feeling can’t be compared with any other,” said Mehmet Güleç, a Denizli businessman, when asked to describe Turkish pride.

Turkey’s pride may not be able to be described in words, but I’ve certainly felt it. During August’s Victory Day celebrations, I was in İstanbul where buildings everywhere along the Bosporus donned Turkish flags. Even 30-story skyscrapers were draped with colossal flags the size of city blocks. Some of my friends are uncomfortable with such grand displays, but I found the unity displayed on these two days profoundly hopeful.

Part of that hope came from Denizli where I was invited to a Republic Day reception at Pamukkale University. Live music featuring a dazzling female singer filled the hall. Mammoth Turkish flags hung almost everywhere: from the second floor balconies, windows and even on glass elevators that proudly displayed the banner. Along the walls were posters displaying the reforms made in 1922 and the subsequent successes of the Turkish Republic, including the advances it made for women and in education.

The faculty and other guests danced through the night from dances such as the Tango to cultural dances. People shared food, drink and conversation. In the middle of the evening, student performers dressed in oriental garb and put on an interpretive dance illustrating Turkey’s rich 5000-year history that culminated with the arrival of a dancer representing Atatürk in his military garb and Ottoman fez.

For me, Pamukkale’s reception was a sign of not only Turkish pride, but also the progress Turkey has made in its short 87-year history. In 1900, the aging Ottoman Empire was a collection of interconnected tribes and today the Turkish Republic represents a unified country that also stands as one of the world’s 20 largest economies.

“We have crazy blood,” said Güleç as we talked over a glass of Turkish tea. “It doesn’t matter how powerful our enemy or how dire the situation. Even if we knew in one second we would die, we would do it for Turkey.”

Certainly, ideological differences divide Turkey’s political landscape just as they do in the United States and every other democracy. But both Turks and Americans find themselves able to unite behind their nation. This does not necessarily mean blind obedience, but rather a desire to serve and contribute to the success of our home countries.

“The mind will change, but our power is in our blood. When the time comes, it will rise,” said Güleç about the Turkish spirit.

It’s that strong sentiment that I’ve come to admire from Turks as they proceed to tell me the “great accomplishments of Turkey.” Turkey has much to be proud of and I’m happy to be its guest during such an exciting period.

Two months ago I clipped a keychain of the Turkish flag on my photographer’s vest to show my appreciation of Turkey. People stop me many times, often giving me a quick nod in approval of the flag.

Others ask, “Why are you wearing this?” some even add with a perplexing look, “Are you Turkish?”

I say no, adding that I’m an American and understand that freedom comes with a price.

As Güleç noted during our conversation, the red color in Turkey’s flag “symbolizes the blood lost in the fight for independence.”

I say I wear the flag because I share the feelings of what it means. My country also understands the price of independence. I want to show my support for Turkish independence as I travel.

It’s a matter of pride.