Turkey

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This entry was posted on 12/14/2006 3:34 PM and is filed under uncategorized.

One of the most divisive issues facing the European Union is Turkey’s application for membership. Politically, strategically and economically, there are good reasons to bring Turkey into the fold and foster progress there. But Turkey is a large, poor and populous country, sprawling from Europe into Asia, and culturally it presents a worrying prospect for many Europeans. The world will be watching as Turkey continues its push for EU acceptance--or perhaps opts to join a more aligned Gulf States. 

 

Among the other emerging trends in Turkey: 

 

East Meets West: Elements of European culture are working their way into Turkey as it continues to seek entry into the European Union. This will raise new questions of assimilation, given the practical realities of an aging continent trying to determine whether to admit a younger newcomer. 

 

Modern Islam’s Secular Home: Turkey has become the secular face of modern Islam, but as waves of strict religious observance sweep through the Islamic world, Muslims are increasingly feeling the need to affirm and proclaim their religious affiliation. The relationships between the various streams of Islam, and between Muslims and the non-Islamic world, are now crucial issues for Europeans. And coming to terms with the problems of cohabitation and finding solutions palatable to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike will be a matter of urgency in Turkey, as well as all of Europe.   

 

Brand Turkey: Which country boasts the city voted European Culture Capital of 2010, a wonderful climate and a seamless blend of history and modernity that makes for a Back to the Future-type experience? The answer is Turkey, but it's done a nice job keeping these attributes a secret thus far. Look for Turkey to start brushing up its image and create a brand for itself in the coming years.   

 

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    • 12/14/2006 4:15 PM Dan wrote:
      Turkey should not be allowed to join the EU until the following 2 conditions are met:

      1. Acceptance of the Armenian Genocide. Turkey has massacred more than 1.5 million innocent men, women, and children, and are yet to acknowledge those mass murders during 1915-1922.
      2. Complete withdrawal of all Turkish forces from Northern Cyprus, and unification of that country.
    • 12/15/2006 5:19 AM graeme wrote:
      Frankly I find the implication in this article that 'progress' is only possible in a western backed economic and social model very offensive.
    • 12/15/2006 9:15 AM Fanar wrote:
      I wonder what you mean when you say that Turkey tries to assimulate to western culture. I appreciate western culture very much but I also appreciate other cultures. I don't want the world to end up like what is happening in the states where every town looks the same from Southfield MI to Pheonix AR, corporate chains of restraunts, shops, gas stations, etc... It's not all grim but I like the differnt and imperfect places that I visit from town to town. Diversity is a beautiful thing and it would be a sad sad day if I looked outside and only saw sparrows or maple trees. I don't want every place I visit in my travels throughout the states or abroad to look and feel the same. I want to experience how people live in other parts of the planet, in their own way, however they choose it.

      I also notice that language like undevelopment is being equated with poverty. I appreciate driving through Spain and admiring the color of the soil and wild plants that grow on the side of the road. We need to brand preservation and nature. I hope that a country like Turkey will balance it's land development and preservation for all to appreciate.
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