Turkey a fence straddler

I have heard some visitors say that Turkey is a fence straddler. They imply that Turks try to receive from both sides. The implication is that Turks should choose and take a stand. I was under the impression that the act of attempting to please everyone is what diplomacy and politics is all about.

It seems to me that Turks have decided. They are courageous in trying to maintain a stand that embraces both the West and the Muslim world. Turkey has overcome many obstacles since the establishment of the republic.

I remember when I first came to Turkey how surprised I was when I would hear people say that to be a Turk is to be a Muslim. It made me stop and think. After all, you could not say that about the US, I mean, that every American is Christian. It is just the opposite.

Visitors to Turkey are often surprised, as they don’t see what they expect. The obvious being: you do not see everyone closing shop and rushing to noon prayers, and alcoholic drinks are available in every corner shop.

As you speak with many Turks, you will see that to be a Turk is to be a Muslim. It is just that some interpret what that means differently.

In my book “Culture Smart!: Turkey,” you can read that Turkish traditions have their own flavor. Secular Turks will still call themselves Muslim, even though they do not attend the mosque regularly and do not uphold the five pillars of Islam.

Turks participate in many religious customs, such as circumcision, and will join in some of the fasting and special meals during Ramadan (the month of fasting). Secular Muslims do this out of social solidarity.

Turkey is a complex nation, and behaviors and practice vary greatly. It all depends on where you are.

I have heard some Turks and foreigners say that Turkey has lost touch with its roots. Has it? Often individuals who say this have forgotten that Turkey had roots before the Ottoman Empire.

There are many examples of the pre-Ottoman past in Turkish culture, some of which are fusions of Islam with Shamanism or the folk religions of the Turks’ nomadic ancestors. Depending on economic and religious status, individuals can be quite superstitious.

You’ve probably noticed most Turks make a “tsk tsk” noise and/or pull an earlobe while knocking on the table for luck. Westerners are known to “knock on wood.” I wonder how far back that dates… ancient Western civilization, maybe?

Turkey is a country of diversity. There are the modernists/secularists who want to travel, shop, learn about other cultures and try new ideas. Then there are others who are more pious and practicing Muslims.

It is true that in some neighborhoods you will see that locals appear more religious. They protect and stand for Islam more than in other ones. The mosques are more crowded, and people dress more conservatively, similar to some stricter Muslim countries in the region. The difference is that women here may drive a car and work in a public place.

However, there are some urban areas where you may wonder where you are -- as it does not resemble the place that comes to mind when you hear the name of the nation, Turkey. Often when a foreigner hears Turkey, certain traditional Middle Eastern images come to mind. Turkey is working hard to change its image.

When you observe the idea that to be a Turk is to be a Muslim, you see that some people are more religious than others in their Muslim identity; moreover, culturally each has a Turkish identity.

History indicates how Turkey’s Ottoman, Kemalist and Cold War legacies have each had a pivotal role. Turkey and its relations with the Muslim world and the West continue in the religious and cultural identity search and formation. The world watches as Turks forge ties with neighboring states as well as Europe, Asia and the United States. Enjoy Republic Day!