Turkey & My Foreign Perspectives with Bea Vanni

My Gigantic Digital Logo: Bliss Coming

You may wonder what that GIGANTIC logo on my blog's sidebar has to do with Turkey. Well, you'll find out more this week its greatness when you read about the internationally acclaimed novelist, Zulfu Livaneli and why Abdullah Oguz is attracted to her writing. I can guarantee you that BLISS will come your way. Stay Tuned, Turkey and New York, to hear about another bright star on the Turkish horizon. 

Foodies: Prepare to Cook Turkish!

Calling all Foodies in Turkey! Do you love Turkish food but fail to deliver when your guests arrive? The solution has arrived just for you in Istanbul.

 

Food engineer, Dr. Teslime Mahmutoglu, now gives culinary courses on a recurring basis on the Asian side of Istanbul. Teslime, a graduate of Middle East Technical University in Food Engineering, lives as an expat in Warsaw, Poland, working for an international food certification company.

 

She spends half of each month in Istanbul teaching parents, children and other interested adults how to delight the palate with delicious Turkish gourmet menus full of distinct flavors and esthetic interest.

 

Classes are given in English, and I expect in Turkish if needed, and absolutely everything needed to cook a full menu with desserts is provided for every course.

 

From a true Mediterranean culinary artist and cook book author, Dr. Teslime offers consultations for planning your parties and dinners and other food-related events.

 

For a peek at her latest cook book, Ekmek ve Yemek Tarifleri, published by Pegasus, 2007, Istanbul, go to Greenhouse bookshop in Kadikoy and tell Charlotte that Bea sent you.

 

Happy Cooking and Eating!

What Turks Can Learn From "The Big Idea" by Donny Deutsch

Turkey was crushed in 2001 by their last major economic crash and experienced incredible economic collapses year after year prior to that time. Due to constant economic upheaval, Turkey produced some of the finest entrepreneurs in the world. Always landing on their feet after economic devastation, amazing quite rightly describes Turkish entrepreneurs. Lots can be learned from the Turks about business, but they don't share their knowledge very easily.

 

Recently, I won a FREE copy of the new book by Donny Deutsch, the creator of the popular business program, The Big Idea.  It's a great show where their invited guests talk about their successes and failures with their entrepreneurial endeavors. Also, new businesses can prove their worth by presenting their newest and viable ideas. Maybe CNBC in Turkey will include The Big Idea for their Turkish audience. 

 

Do you want to win a FREE copy of his book, "The Big Idea: How to Make Your Entrepreneurial Dreams Come True, From the AHA Moment to Your First Million?" Then check out the Vibrant Nation article that gives you the easiest of possibilities to win this must-have reference for your latest endeavor.

Moral, Social and Spiritual Values Shared, So Where's the Divide?

"We speak different languages; We come from different cultures;
We keep different traditions.
No matter who you are or where you are,
You are not responsible for the past,
But you are responsible for the future."

 

I don't know who wrote the preceding words, but I found them apropos while writing more on Who Speaks for Islam. Hence, today I'll postpone what I promised in my last post and instead add another segment to this series. 

 

In The Trouble with Islam Today, Irshad Manji notes that Muslim families bring up their children to believe Islam is the most beautiful way of life—morally, socially and spiritually.

 

Meanwhile, Joel Brinkley writes about how Saudi religious authorities directed the execution of two Saudi journalists for suggesting religions other than Islam are worthy of respect. Why? The Koran demands respect of all religions and prophets.

 

Chairman Mohamed Sini of the Trust for Islam and Citizenship says he respects freedom of speech, all the while slamming Ayaan Hirsi Ali for speaking in defense of Muslim women's rights and considers her motives to address such issues as 'pure provocation'.

 

While Muslim women desire equal treatment, they're not interested in complete adoption of Western values or morals. In "Who Speaks for Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think" majorities in most countries surveyed believe men and women should have the same legal rights: Iran at 89 percent agreement; Egypt at 74 percent and Saudi Arabia at a high 73 percent.

 

Conversely, accepting all parts of the Islamic system may force a person to feign authenticity and create pressure on an individual to think and do the same as everyone else, sometimes not so nice.

 

Since 911, Muslims have come under pressure to examine their own world wrought with high numbers of poverty, violence and decline, at the same time held unfairly responsible for terrorism, religious wars and the ails of the world.

 

Moreover, Muslims feel their countries must modernize and reduce and control both extremism and terrorism. Fortunately, rejection of attacks on civilians is held globally reprehensible by Muslim and non-Muslim societies alike.

 

While we still see people throughout the world similar in degrees of moral corruptness and wrath against one another, Turkey, a 99 percent Muslim country, bears little resemblance to that of my native country, America, regarding the Muslim demographics.

 

Muslims in America are the most ethnically diverse in the world. According to Jen'nan Ghazal Read, American Muslims are well-informed and come from over 80 countries.

 

Muslim immigrants living in America for more than ten years resemble the general U.S. population. While most are employed, 25 percent earned a bachelor's degree or higher and another 25 percent earn $75,000 or more per annum.

 

Ghazal Read goes on to say that Christians, Jews and Muslims share similar numbers for attending places of worship; however, only 61 percent of Muslims say they pray daily compared to 70 percent of their Christian counterparts.

 

You can easily surmise that Muslims, no matter their nation, are similar to Westerners in their thoughts about global issues like terrorism, practice of religion, women's rights, freedom of speech and many other issues.

 

Of particular importance, though, a majority of Muslims in all countries expressed that what they most disliked about the West was the denigration of Islam and Muslims, promiscuity, and ethical and moral corruption. Conversely, in their own societies, they don't like the economic and political corruption, extremism and their lack of unity.

 

Both the West and East rebuke all these blights to our societies in vast numbers; however, it seems when looking from the outside in, many also have at least of sparkle of ethnocentrism.

 

That's okay because it gives us a place to start to bridge the divides and reach out to one another to forgive misunderstandings, myths, grievances and agitation.

 

So for the final segment on Who Speaks for Islam, we'll look at What Actions can we take as individuals to stem the tide of yet more Islamophobia and Muslim-bashing?

 

Until then, you're invited to leave your thoughts, feelings and comments on this burning issue.

Turkey and America Embrace Religious Values and Muslim Society

The Muslim world has already been part of America for a very long time, and living in Turkey for so many years helped me remember pieces of what we share about our religious values.

 

Americans seem to have forgotten that America was built on the backs of immigrants from diverse cultures and countries to include Muslim-Americans from America, Turkey, Europe, Africa, Asia or wherever. There's no need for Islamophobia here, but a greater need for understanding and learning.

 

Roger Cohen recently wrote that there's a war going on for Turkey's soul, but I disagree. Turkey is going through a time, like many nations, to figure out who they are and how they wish to evolve. He also talks about how countries change.

 

Islam and democracy have been working in Turkey in many aspects since the 1920s, save freedom of speech and ability to surf the internet at times. They'll continue to seek out their way to integrate religion into daily life.

 

How will they do this? A look at some responses given by Turks in Turkey will help them pave a strong way for religion and democracy to stand in unison. While a majority of Turks embrace the Sunni sect of Islam along with 85 percent of Muslims as a whole, there are few disagreements among Turks on major issues.

 

Foremost, a vocal 88 percent of Turks living in Turkey believe that a constitution for a new country should include guarantees of free speech. Conversely, 97 percent of Americans do.

 

Turkey, a new republic only in 1923, gave women the right to vote in 1934 for parliamentary (national) elections. Since 1934, Turkey has had female heads of ministries and state and women in the cabinet. In contrast, America, founded on a secular society several hundred years ago, has never had a female head of state, although in 1920, women gained the right to vote nation-wide.

 

Oddly enough, Islamic activists in Turkey have emerged as an "alternative elite" in mainstream society, where the AK Party was overwhelmingly elected by democratic vote in 2002 and 2006. Those who've faced Turkish courts for crimes against the state still get elected to parliament and cabinets and as prime ministers.

 

On the other hand, America, too, has fundamentalist elites in mainstream society and voted in office while mixing religion and state affairs. Fortunately, seeking public office with a criminal record is largely rejected.

 

What's troubling for many who don't understand Muslim values or why militant groups terrorize is that in the name of Islam Muslim societies throughout the world are terrorized more than the West.

 

Turkey experiences bombings throughout the year by the PKK in the southeast, on tourists in Turkish Riviera vacation spots, and in Istanbul at banks and synagogues. Even Al Qaeda fingerprints have been tied to bombings in Istanbul.

 

Unfortunately, due to these numerous bombings throughout the world and what the Western media equate to both Muslims and Islam, the book "Who Speaks for Islam" states that 57 percent of Americans surveyed believe there's either nothing redeemable about Islam or Muslim society or that they know nothing of either.

 

So, while religion plays an important part in Muslim and American societies, it is primarily Islam, in all of its diversity of opinion, cultures and practices, equated to the well-known side of world terrorists, extremists and militants.

 

What actions can we take as individuals to stem the tide for more Islamophobia and Muslim-bashing? That's in the next part of Who Speaks for Islam.

 

Until then, weigh in with your opinions and feelings by clicking on Comments below.

Understand The Muslim World and Connect to Diversity

Floods, family and relocation tasks have delayed more commentary on Who Speaks for Islam in Turkey and the Muslim world. Today, I continue for increased understanding...

 

Engaging with people in meaningful ways has been proven to help overcome our fear and prejudices and learn about the sources of agitation, misunderstandings, and misinformation.

 

Dr. George Gallup from Jefferson, Iowa, and founder of the Gallup Poll, believed in the wisdom of the people. Not just American people, but people from Turkey to India, China to Australia and places in between. Thus began the search for answers to thousands of questions by real people sitting in their own homes and nations.

 

When Egyptian journalist Sameh Fawzy recognized more similarities than differences of religions at weddings, he found that we are, in fact, more similar as a world people. We can bridge the divides by addressing these similarities, and Fawzy wrote compelling reasons why.

 

At the words '9/11', considered the terror event of all time on the American people, we experienced a new day in media. With it came the popular term global terror and the time when Osama Bin Laden claimed his religious rhetoric.

 

At the same time, many feel Bin Laden hijacked Islam, and the media has had a field day ever since. But what are the actual views of the ordinary Muslim on the street, the silent majority? How are Muslims and non-Muslims equally alike?

 

Over 50,000 residents, both literate and illiterate, from more than 35 countries in Asia, Russia, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, urban and deep rural small villages where no roads even go, were interviewed in their homes and over the phone answering a myriad of questions:

 

Why do some Muslims view America with hostility? Is Islam to blame for terrorism? What are primary drivers for terrorism?

 

The study applied the same techniques in all areas to ensure no misleading and accuracy within +/- .03 percent. Continuing today, this worldwide survey encompasses 140 countries with 90 percent of the world sampled.

 

This survey is entirely paid for by the Gallup Poll and protects its reputation by taking no funding from outside interests.

 

I wanted to give you a short background of this study and hear about the responses from Muslims around the world. To refresh your memory about why I'm writing about this study, see my introductory post and the second one on my observations of this hotly debated topic.

 

In the meantime, you might want to check out how Turks are creating human intercultural dialogue through movies which have recently won some awards.

 

On Wednesday, I'll give some interesting facts about how Turks in Turkey responded compared to those in the West.

 

Remember to share your comments about how you feel by clicking below on the Comments link.

Baby Boomers Want to Know 'Just Who Does Speak for Islam'?

Who speaks for Islam begs an answer, but who's interested in the answers seem to be the baby boomers, many who've already traveled Turkey or other parts of the world.

 

As I sat in a room filled to capacity waiting with others to learn more about Islam, I observed one thing that screamed out: People 40 years of age and below are just not interested. At least not here in Des Moines.

 

Why do I say this? The room demographics revealed baby boomers have a keen interest in this issue while the younger people didn't even show up. How can such issues not attract the young? It's their world, too, that's changing, while Turkey and many countries are now becoming a bread basket of multiculturalism.

 

I expect the boomers, not only built careers with open minds and forging the non-profit sectors in America, but now they also show up in force to solve the problems, understand the issues, and learn where to go from here.

 

Where are the children of all these boomers? I know where! Stuck in their self-centered, individualistic worlds of the past two decades in which the boomers probably created.

 

Can we solve how to bridge the great religious divide without the involvement of our youth?

 

Here in the Midwest of America, we have organizations that sponsor these great events. The US Center for Citizen Diplomacy and the Iowa Council for International Understanding forge ties with other countries' thinkers, movers and shakers bringing people from around the world to discuss their most urgent issues.

 

So ask yourself: When was the last time you attended an event solely to learn something new, express yourself, or commune with others dedicated to healing the world's ills?

 

I invite you now to weigh in with your opinion on just whose responsibility it is to bridge the gap between Muslims and the rest of the world? I believe it's mine.

 

Read the next segment on this issue in a couple of days and please share your comments on each part. Thank you!

Your Opinion on Islam Counts: Compare Fact From Fiction

Do you know how Muslims in Turkey feel about their religion, Islam, and the relationship to how the rest of the world thinks? One of the hottest serious issues today around the world debates the question 'Who Speaks for Islam?'

 

Recently, I attended just an event sponsored by the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. It works toward increasing citizen involvement and inspire global partnerships.

 

As part of this program, over 200 people gathered to hear Dalia Mogahed talk about how Muslims feel worldwide. Dalia Mogahed, the executive director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies in Washington, leads an unprecedented study on this issue and also directs the Muslim West Facts Initiative.

 

If you don't already know..."Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think," is a premier book written by Dalia Mogahed and John L. Esposito, based on the findings of the Gallup Poll in a multi-year and ongoing study to find out what Muslims think in over 130 countries.

 

Over the next couple of weeks, my posts will show not only how Turkey and America share many values not yet recognized, but how similar the world masses think in general about the key issues revolving around Islam today.

 

Contrary to the diatribe spewed by the world media, Muslims and the West are not at loggerheads over the way they think and feel. In fact, again we will see how similar people think and feel on this planet.

 

A simple solution to stem the tide of clashes over Islam and other major issues of our day dictates persistent and open communication where everyone is welcomed.

 

I invite you to join me in this important discussion because it takes the masses to break the code of silence and share what we know and feel in our hearts. Leave your comments by clicking the Comments link below.

Ragip Zarakolu: Freedom of Expression Pioneer & Award Winner

For International Human Rights Day, you found a roundup of problems still present in Turkey. Today, I found a perfect complement, a Turkish publisher, to go with the post on violations. It's a really good one!

Congratulations go to Ragip Zarakolu for pioneering Freedom to Publish in Turkey! The International Freedom of Expression Exchange gives annual awards to several people each year who emulate the best of courage while promoting freedom to publish independent thought.

This year the 2008 IPA Freedom to Publish Prize will be received by a Turk who, since 1977, has undergone harassment by the Turkish government. As late as early April 2008, Zarakolu faced prosecution under Article 301; the fate of many writers, journalists and publishers.

Zarakolu continued his publications, even though, he endured jail sentences with his wife Ayse Nur, confiscation and destruction of books, and repeated large fines, all in the name of respect for minorities and human rights in Turkey.

You can read more about this special man, Ragip Zarakolu, on the IFEX site and find out about winners from other countries, as well as, a posthumous award to Hrant Dink.

Greenhouse Christmas & Sacrifice Holiday in Turkey: Pleasure and Pain

The Christmas season is upon us, but this year Christians and Muslims can celebrate together in Turkey as another year passes. The Sacrifice Holiday (Kurban Bayram) begins on the 20th through the 23rd with Christmas Eve on the 24th followed by Christmas Day.

Not all countries celebrate Christmas or the Sacrifice Holidays at the same time, but one thing is for sure: There is both pleasure and pain for people around the world during these special times.

While many anticipate the holidays with fervor and glad tidings, some do not have such good fortune. This year while I am busily preparing to return to the states and the anticipation of seeing my friends and family, I also have heartache for a few of those special to me here in Turkey.

Recently, we learned about the losses Charlotte McPherson (Greenhouse Books owner) has experienced back home with her dear brother still badly injured from a plane accident and the loss of his wife and father-in-law. To help her through this time, she shared her feelings and told us about another practice here in Turkey. She never forgot us through her pain, so let's stop by the Greenhouse in Kadikoy before the holidays to give her our best wishes for the coming year.

Also, this past week my endeared apartment landlord and his immediate family have faced the loss of a beloved son, nephew and grandchild, only 18 years old, and a successful university student. These upcoming holidays may also be difficult for them with the rawness of only a few days time between their loss and the holidays.

Let's be especially aware during these holidays that not everyone wants to celebrate and may need our support in other ways to help them through their pain. My hand and heart go out to my dear friends in their sorrow and hope that their pain will pass quickly.

On a lighter note, maybe you and your friends or family would like to go to a live performance. The British Community Council (BCC) presents RED RIDING HOOD at Sisli Terakki Vakfi Theatre—Levent Performance on Friday and Saturday, the 14th and 15th of December at 19.00 and also on Saturday at 14:30. Adults pay 15 YTL and Children 2-12 years of age 10 YTL.

All proceeds go to charity, but hurry, because tickets are only available through Saturday from Greenhouse Books at Moda Cad 28, Borucu Han, Caferaga Mah, Kadikoy, phone 0216-550-4961, serakitapevi@superonline.com.

While you're picking up tickets, enjoy the festive season with Christmas music and magic in the store. Browse for Christmas gifts and a wide selection of books. If you can't decide on a gift, give a Greenhouse Gift Voucher.

Right now before the holidays, they are open Mon, Wed-Sat, 10:30 - 18:30 and closed Kurban holiday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And, don't forget to wish Charlotte and Marion and their able staff Happy Holidays. Same to each of you too!