11 March, 2008

The Trouble with "Turkishness"

The idea that there is one model of "Turkishness" or even one ideal Turk, pushed for and accepted by many, fails to acknowledge the truth and beauty of the many peoples that make up this country. I've had friends whisper the fact that they're Kurdish. Diversity may bring certain challenges, one only has to look to my home country for that, but overall it made the country richer and stronger. Would I be the person I am today if I'd not grown up around people able and encouraged to celebrate their cultures and diversity? I don't think so. I am very interested to see Attila Durak's photographs of the true wealth of Turkey. Read this article from the NY Times to find out more.

Salaam.

No comments: