Visiting Turkey for Fun and Adventure, Oasis or Chaos
Jun 17th, 2016, 12:11 PM
#341
willit,
I had the same perspective when we considered visiting Myanmar in 1998, especially because a political web site appealed to the potential tourist not to visit because it would mean an endorsement.
They were possibly correct because all tourists had to xchange a certain amount of hard currency per day at exorbitant rates at government stations and the government would benefit greatly from tourists.
However, in Turkey, tourists would benefit the people when they purchase goods and services. In fact, if they pay in cash the government will probably even lose tax revenue.
The figures for unemployed tourism sector employees reach six figures, and Turkey does not provide unemployment payments.
So, visiting Turkey will not be seen as supporting the dictatorial government unless you visit their Islamist supporter hotels and resorts.
I had the same perspective when we considered visiting Myanmar in 1998, especially because a political web site appealed to the potential tourist not to visit because it would mean an endorsement.
They were possibly correct because all tourists had to xchange a certain amount of hard currency per day at exorbitant rates at government stations and the government would benefit greatly from tourists.
However, in Turkey, tourists would benefit the people when they purchase goods and services. In fact, if they pay in cash the government will probably even lose tax revenue.
The figures for unemployed tourism sector employees reach six figures, and Turkey does not provide unemployment payments.
So, visiting Turkey will not be seen as supporting the dictatorial government unless you visit their Islamist supporter hotels and resorts.
Jul 15th, 2016, 01:27 PM
#346
Jul 15th, 2016, 06:13 PM
#353
Thanks everyone.
Eser and I appreciate your concern and friendliness.
I have been glued to twitter and some Turkis friends on whatsUp.
Wrote a short summary and some of my tweets at the thread on the coup.
I wonder if we can or should fly back next week.
daughter, sister eser's father and families safe.
No word from our maid or cats at our home near taksim square where we hear of news of explosions, gun fights and "Allah Akbar" chanting fanatics.
Eser and I appreciate your concern and friendliness.
I have been glued to twitter and some Turkis friends on whatsUp.
Wrote a short summary and some of my tweets at the thread on the coup.
I wonder if we can or should fly back next week.
daughter, sister eser's father and families safe.
No word from our maid or cats at our home near taksim square where we hear of news of explosions, gun fights and "Allah Akbar" chanting fanatics.
Jul 15th, 2016, 06:20 PM
#355
OC, first of all, I am glad to read that you and your family are all safe. And I am dreadfully sorry for all Turkish people that their suffering has increased so much recently.
A question: I am really curious. How widespread do you think Islamicism has grown across "regular" Turkey? Is it a loud (and powerful/forceful) minority? Or do you think efforts to convince moderates have been somewhat successful over the years? I have a few free-wheeling Turkish friends, very secular, and I worry about them and their families.
A question: I am really curious. How widespread do you think Islamicism has grown across "regular" Turkey? Is it a loud (and powerful/forceful) minority? Or do you think efforts to convince moderates have been somewhat successful over the years? I have a few free-wheeling Turkish friends, very secular, and I worry about them and their families.
Jul 15th, 2016, 06:37 PM
#357
Leely2 and all, thanks
Unfortunately a local kind of Islamism has been raised from the dead.
My idea has always been that you can never have "Moderate Islam", an issue I have frequently debated with a former professor and a chapter president of the Foreign Policy Council.
There are two groups hitting the streets. One is the Arabic type throwbacks to the Ottoman Empire with word, thought and appearance. There are not too many of these, at most 1-2%. Then there is the majority who are going to mosque on Fridays and when they feel they should for political or social reasons. Their livelihood and potential of wealth seems to depend on their seeming religious views and their obeisance. This group is anywhere from 40 to 55%.
I am afraid, the true secularist will suffer emotionally if not in terms of curtailed liberties in the coming years.
Unfortunately a local kind of Islamism has been raised from the dead.
My idea has always been that you can never have "Moderate Islam", an issue I have frequently debated with a former professor and a chapter president of the Foreign Policy Council.
There are two groups hitting the streets. One is the Arabic type throwbacks to the Ottoman Empire with word, thought and appearance. There are not too many of these, at most 1-2%. Then there is the majority who are going to mosque on Fridays and when they feel they should for political or social reasons. Their livelihood and potential of wealth seems to depend on their seeming religious views and their obeisance. This group is anywhere from 40 to 55%.
I am afraid, the true secularist will suffer emotionally if not in terms of curtailed liberties in the coming years.
Jul 16th, 2016, 05:44 PM
#360
Here's a good article with photos and all:
Was the Turkish Coup an Erdogan Hoax?
Andrew Anglin
Daily Stormer
July 16, 2016
Now, one of the questions is, will United States lift ban on flying between America and Turkey by this Wednesday, so we can get home.
Second question is, do we really wish to go home.
Third question is, can we handle everything from Chicago without going home within the next fortnight.
Tough times; but every now and then I see from our 50th floor window, a train passing in the distance which has just one or two bright coloured wagons in between the drab depressing dark brown/grey ones
Was the Turkish Coup an Erdogan Hoax?
Andrew Anglin
Daily Stormer
July 16, 2016
Now, one of the questions is, will United States lift ban on flying between America and Turkey by this Wednesday, so we can get home.
Second question is, do we really wish to go home.
Third question is, can we handle everything from Chicago without going home within the next fortnight.
Tough times; but every now and then I see from our 50th floor window, a train passing in the distance which has just one or two bright coloured wagons in between the drab depressing dark brown/grey ones
