Celebrating America in Turkey

Longtime and new Fourth of July traditions

Sean, 27, an English teacher in Bursa, says: "Back home I didn't really do anything special for the Fourth. I don't know, it just didn't seem like such a big deal. After a couple of years in Turkey, though, I've really come to appreciate my country more, its culture and freedoms. So this year a few buddies and I -- some of my American friends -- are trying to organize a little barbecue deal, a get-together with some of our Turkish friends. It should be fun."

Another American teaching English, Christina, 24, from İzmir, echoes Sean's sentiments: "It's funny, when I was in college I thought there was nothing really special about American culture. I mean, what is it really? Music videos and clothing? Sometimes I think living here in İzmir has taught me more about Americans than Turks. I've realized how American I really am, and that I'm actually very proud of my country. I've had to defend my country in conversations with Turkish friends many times, defend our operations in Iraq and some of the decisions made by our president. It may not be a popular view, but I'm very proud of my country and my people. There are lots of Americans in İzmir, so a bunch of us are going to have a night on the town to celebrate this Fourth of July."

For yet other American expats in Turkey, celebrating America's birthday is the continuation of a longtime tradition, but still has an added dimension so far away from the States. Samantha, 43, a homemaker in İstanbul, says: "I've always celebrated Independence Day proudly, and it's no different here in Turkey. I lived in China, Mexico and Malaysia before coming here to İstanbul, but I've never missed out on celebrating Independence Day or Christmas or Easter. Especially when we had kids, me and my husband felt it important to make sure we did something special every year on these dates, to keep them tied to their primary culture even as they learned about the people and cultures around them."

Military, diplomats having special celebrations

In some places in Turkey, July 4 is indeed an official holiday. The US Embassy in Ankara and US consulates in İstanbul and Adana, as well as at the US Consular Agency in İzmir, are organizing large events for both Americans and Turks to celebrate America's birthday. Members of the US military based in İncirlik and their families will also be marking the date with festivities.

A spokesperson for the US Consulate General in İstanbul spoke to Today's Zaman ahead of yesterday's 2,000-person reception at the consulate. The event included American food donated by local outlets of American restaurants, a live performance by New Orleans jazz band Coolbone, a flag ceremony, the singing of the US and Turkish national anthems, and a speech by Consul General Sharon Anderholm Wiener. The guest list included Turks and Americans from the government, media, education, business and cultural sectors.

"It's a wonderful way for Americans to share what we love most about our country and what we love about the Fourth of July, which we really see as a celebration of our independence and democracy. … It's a chance for the American community to feel perhaps a little bit more at home, but really to share with friends and contacts here in Turkey," the spokesperson said, adding that the events in İstanbul, Ankara, Adana and İzmir were to "enjoy the summer and celebrate all the things we love about America: our freedom, our national heritage and our beautiful country."

A 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs spokesperson said the base at İncirlik would be hosting a Fourth of July celebration for the entire base community. The family event is to include live music, door prizes, youth activities, food and drinks, and a fireworks show. "The 39th Air Base Wing is proud to celebrate America's 232nd birthday together with our host nation," the spokesperson told Today's Zaman.