Anthropology and Archeology for the Turkey Traveler
Jun 3rd, 2018, 10:35 AM
#101
Jun 4th, 2018, 12:36 AM
#102
Thursdayd,
the main reason for outside migration is the distrust of the Erdogan government and the fear that human rights and liberties will be curtailed further.
secondly, it is highly unlikely that the situation regarding Turkish passport holders being required visas for most countries will improve. So those who can afford it buy EU or Canada residence permits leading to citizenship. This costs from 250,000 Euro for Portugal (possibly somewhat less for Greece and Malta) to 600,000 Canadian Dollars. Similar possibilities exist for Inited States. I do not know requirements for Australia.
thirdly, the Turkish educational system, never good, has actually worsened with reduced teacher and academic quality, required elementary school and high school courses in addition to electives with no alternative in Sunni Moslem upsets liberal business men and professionals. The few good quality private schools have capacity for only a few thousand students and are very competitive, not easy to enter and as hard to continue, not the best situation for possibly spoiled rich kids.
Otherwise, it is possible to keep your investments in foreign currency in Turkey and play all instruments of international markets, and also to invest outside the country with any amount of liquidity. The money transfer regulations are much looser than in USA or EU.
So basically, it is the quality of life, human rights, freedoms rather than investments which prompt the Turkish rich to go abroad.
Regarding the current situation:
there is no terrorism risk for the population or tourists
for the first time, Erdogan seems to be losing his grip.
the main risk is of Erdogan using aggressive tactics during and after elections. The period between June 23 and July 20 may carry risks to all.
the main reason for outside migration is the distrust of the Erdogan government and the fear that human rights and liberties will be curtailed further.
secondly, it is highly unlikely that the situation regarding Turkish passport holders being required visas for most countries will improve. So those who can afford it buy EU or Canada residence permits leading to citizenship. This costs from 250,000 Euro for Portugal (possibly somewhat less for Greece and Malta) to 600,000 Canadian Dollars. Similar possibilities exist for Inited States. I do not know requirements for Australia.
thirdly, the Turkish educational system, never good, has actually worsened with reduced teacher and academic quality, required elementary school and high school courses in addition to electives with no alternative in Sunni Moslem upsets liberal business men and professionals. The few good quality private schools have capacity for only a few thousand students and are very competitive, not easy to enter and as hard to continue, not the best situation for possibly spoiled rich kids.
Otherwise, it is possible to keep your investments in foreign currency in Turkey and play all instruments of international markets, and also to invest outside the country with any amount of liquidity. The money transfer regulations are much looser than in USA or EU.
So basically, it is the quality of life, human rights, freedoms rather than investments which prompt the Turkish rich to go abroad.
Regarding the current situation:
there is no terrorism risk for the population or tourists
for the first time, Erdogan seems to be losing his grip.
the main risk is of Erdogan using aggressive tactics during and after elections. The period between June 23 and July 20 may carry risks to all.
Jun 12th, 2018, 09:23 AM
#105
Only twelve days before the elections and it is evident that Erdogan is in trouble.
His rallies draw less than a quarter of the crowds that his main opponent Ince draws.
He stops for half a minute or more in mid sentence when his prompter fails.
He repeats old speeches and has nothing new to say.
he looks unhealthy and unhappy.
However, his media continues to boost him
His control of the police, judiciary and military is a major risk.
Add to that his control over all the imams and preachers stationed at tens of thousands of mosques and his courting of the village headmen.
This was one of my very recent tweets:
MoreBallot prestamped with Ak party stamp given at#TurkishConsulate in #Paris, France. Voter saw through trick & managed to get clean ballot after some argument. (Halk TV live coverage) If this can happen at major consulate, what can we expect under military control in rural Turkey?
I advise any traveler to Turkey on the 24th of this month (June) to tay away from voting stations and/or any gathering of people, including mosques.
If you are in Istanbul, fly to the Aegean and visit Ephesus or the Dead Sea near Fethiye. Should be a good day to be on the beach or on a gulet.
His rallies draw less than a quarter of the crowds that his main opponent Ince draws.
He stops for half a minute or more in mid sentence when his prompter fails.
He repeats old speeches and has nothing new to say.
he looks unhealthy and unhappy.
However, his media continues to boost him
His control of the police, judiciary and military is a major risk.
Add to that his control over all the imams and preachers stationed at tens of thousands of mosques and his courting of the village headmen.
This was one of my very recent tweets:
MoreBallot prestamped with Ak party stamp given at
I advise any traveler to Turkey on the 24th of this month (June) to tay away from voting stations and/or any gathering of people, including mosques.
If you are in Istanbul, fly to the Aegean and visit Ephesus or the Dead Sea near Fethiye. Should be a good day to be on the beach or on a gulet.
Jun 13th, 2018, 07:56 AM
#107
The vote is cast by stamping "YES" on the party of your choice on a sheet carrying names of all parties, for the deputies to The Grand Assembly.
A second ballot is for the President. This time the sheet contains list of all presidential candidates. You again have to stamp your choice.
Apparently, in the consulate in Paris one person was given a ballot with Erdogan's name already stamped with "YES"
This happened at a location where all party representatives were present. Later the main opposition party representative vehemently denied that this was common, saying it was a single occasion and an accident. (!) Strange denial and defense!!!!!
The more Erdogan rambles publicly, the more material he gives to Ince to attack him and to use irony, sarcasm and ridicule. The public seem to love this and they attend his two or three rallies a day in very large numbers.
However, organized physical attacks by Ak party youth against other party members posting bills and flags are increasing. Of'course the police are either not present or act slow and/or turn a blind eye.
More high school and college students are being detained for illegally gathering or blocking traffic or going against regulations.
Currently, there are seventhy thousand detained and/or arrested students in gaols.
A second ballot is for the President. This time the sheet contains list of all presidential candidates. You again have to stamp your choice.
Apparently, in the consulate in Paris one person was given a ballot with Erdogan's name already stamped with "YES"
This happened at a location where all party representatives were present. Later the main opposition party representative vehemently denied that this was common, saying it was a single occasion and an accident. (!) Strange denial and defense!!!!!
The more Erdogan rambles publicly, the more material he gives to Ince to attack him and to use irony, sarcasm and ridicule. The public seem to love this and they attend his two or three rallies a day in very large numbers.
However, organized physical attacks by Ak party youth against other party members posting bills and flags are increasing. Of'course the police are either not present or act slow and/or turn a blind eye.
More high school and college students are being detained for illegally gathering or blocking traffic or going against regulations.
Currently, there are seventhy thousand detained and/or arrested students in gaols.
Jun 13th, 2018, 09:45 AM
#108
OC - thank you for explaining about the ballot procedure. Yes it is strange that the opposition would be providing this excuse explanation.
Of course all those detained people have relatives who can vote.
Of course all those detained people have relatives who can vote.
Jun 13th, 2018, 11:05 AM
#110
The Turkish stock market is down almost twenty percent from three weeks ago. TL has devalued about ten percent and the interest rate went up twenty five percent to 17.5
the president is bragging that the economy grew by 7.4 percent in the first quarter.
I heard of a fight breaking out between AK Party supporters and the local Romans last night, when I visited my friendly newspaper dealer in Iznik.
Otherwise, life is very peaceful here.
Except, i fell softly from my bike, running into a hedge as I was checking a noise coming from the rear wheel. Eser, who was just a few feet behind, panicked and could not stop. So she ran into my supine body. I hardly felt it because of the protective fat I have wisely wrapped around myself and the pain from my scratched knee and leg.
the president is bragging that the economy grew by 7.4 percent in the first quarter.
I heard of a fight breaking out between AK Party supporters and the local Romans last night, when I visited my friendly newspaper dealer in Iznik.
Otherwise, life is very peaceful here.
Except, i fell softly from my bike, running into a hedge as I was checking a noise coming from the rear wheel. Eser, who was just a few feet behind, panicked and could not stop. So she ran into my supine body. I hardly felt it because of the protective fat I have wisely wrapped around myself and the pain from my scratched knee and leg.
Jun 15th, 2018, 09:36 AM
#111
oh dear, it's not just the economy that is wobbly then!
I hope that you have not suffered any permanent damage. Bilbo is our resident cycling expert so perhaps he can give you and Eser a few tips!
I hope that you have not suffered any permanent damage. Bilbo is our resident cycling expert so perhaps he can give you and Eser a few tips!
Jun 15th, 2018, 10:18 AM
#112
The knee scrape looked bad but the stuff I used helped as well as the ointment our two door neigbour who is a pharmacist dug out, although hurt like hell when I first applied it, later took the sudden periodic zings.
Now only the sore thumb and the definitely sore rib or two disappointed with my clumsiness keep me company.
The mayors of the resort towns Bodrum and Marmaris asked all local tourists to go back to their homes for casting their votes. The mayor opf Datca announced that all their beaches will be under maintenance and cleaning on the day pf the elections.
Now only the sore thumb and the definitely sore rib or two disappointed with my clumsiness keep me company.
The mayors of the resort towns Bodrum and Marmaris asked all local tourists to go back to their homes for casting their votes. The mayor opf Datca announced that all their beaches will be under maintenance and cleaning on the day pf the elections.
Jun 21st, 2018, 11:20 PM
#113
current situation given as a tweet :
We have laid down the corpse in#Turkey. Now waiting for the bell on Sunday, 24 June. Family will be getting together for a full wake that evening. Those who are making funeral arrangements & lighting the cremation ovens or tuning fiddles for the big fire are not invited.
We have laid down the corpse in
Jun 22nd, 2018, 12:09 AM
#114
Except, i fell softly from my bike, running into a hedge as I was checking a noise coming from the rear wheel. Eser, who was just a few feet behind, panicked and could not stop. So she ran into my supine body. I hardly felt it because of the protective fat I have wisely wrapped around myself and the pain from my scratched knee and leg.
a few tips
1) don't fall off
2) do use hedges as landing mats (best to check hedge lacks thorns)
3) that's it
Last edited by bilboburgler; Jun 22nd, 2018 at 12:12 AM.
Jun 24th, 2018, 05:31 PM
#116
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Such distressing news, otherchelebi. 
I recently had the opportunity to chat briefly with a couple from Istanbul. They noted that at least in the U.S., there are still at least traces of a balance of power, with the courts opposing some executive actions. It was one of those hit-me-in-the-face moments when I realized how completely the reforms instituted by Ataturk have been revoked. And then today....
My heart goes out to all of you, otherchelebi. I sincerely hope that you and others find a way to keep those sparks of the once and future Turkey alive. I'm joining (crashing?) your wake in spirit....
I recently had the opportunity to chat briefly with a couple from Istanbul. They noted that at least in the U.S., there are still at least traces of a balance of power, with the courts opposing some executive actions. It was one of those hit-me-in-the-face moments when I realized how completely the reforms instituted by Ataturk have been revoked. And then today....
My heart goes out to all of you, otherchelebi. I sincerely hope that you and others find a way to keep those sparks of the once and future Turkey alive. I'm joining (crashing?) your wake in spirit....
Jun 25th, 2018, 02:19 AM
#118
This time around, the opposition was better organized to spot and collect evidence of the multitude of tricks used to alter, lose. change, or eradicate ballots.
The counters repeated the false counts as they did in last five elections.
However, threats of high levels of violence against opposition supporters and their ilk apparently caused the main opposition candidate to accept defeat peacefully.
The counters were minions. The win was actually due to Erdogan's not so very secret militia who not only controled the ballot boxes but also acted as the guy standing with a knife at the back of the good poker player, telling him to pass everytime he had a good hand.
Here are my last tweets:
The counters repeated the false counts as they did in last five elections.
However, threats of high levels of violence against opposition supporters and their ilk apparently caused the main opposition candidate to accept defeat peacefully.
The counters were minions. The win was actually due to Erdogan's not so very secret militia who not only controled the ballot boxes but also acted as the guy standing with a knife at the back of the good poker player, telling him to pass everytime he had a good hand.
Here are my last tweets:
- Must hit rock bottom before you can renew yourself just as the Phoenix needs to be consumed by fire if it is to be reborn from its own ashes. So for
#Turkey, it must not be the end since it will be fine in the end, as a not so wise Indian once said in#TheBestExoticMarigoldHotel.
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Almost 10PM, June 24. Attending doctor has announced total loss of life. Some family members trying for second opinion, others are writing obituaries. Was that twitch of the little finger of right hand a sign of rejuvenation or rigor mortis? Many are still hoping for the bell.
Jun 30th, 2018, 06:50 AM
#120
It seems that several "western" countries are going through difficult times one way or another. Let us all hope that the end of this period will resolve itself rather more favourably than presently appears to be the case.
