Turkey, The Bridge Which Is Not Too Far
An embattled legacy which has been the most fought over land in the world is what Turkey is known for in the books of history. At least once during their reigns the most powerful empires would have sought to leave their footprints in this vast land which straddles both Europe and Asia. With the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the future of Turkey was shaped forever. Regaled as a true example of secularism, the country regales in the tag of having a mixed culture where everyone is free to follow their own religious beliefs without persecution. Being “Turkish” is the rule of the game rather than just being a Muslim, Jew or Christian.
The eclectic balance between the old and the new is what gives Turkey the flavour of a country rich in culture yet progressive in nature. Islamic Womens clothing consists of wearing hijabs that cover the majority of their body. But they have embraced that visitors to their wonderful country are willing to bear more and they rub shoulders with women in spaghetti straps and jeans. 99% of the population is registered as Muslim with Christianity and Judaism being the other major faiths. Most of the population follows the Sunni Sect of Islam with 20% being part of the Shia sect. A novel movement with its origins in Turkey called Sufism is also prevalent in the culture of the populous.
The surprise of it all is that there is no official religion as defined by the state. No faith based groups are involved in the political process as religion is termed as an individual’s prerogative rather than enforced through public means. The head scarf is officially not legal to be worn in Turkey although it is a predominately Muslim country. The reality is something different with groups getting divided on religious lines since a shift in mindset which has been sweeping the people of this nation since 2000.
Turkey with its official stand on secularism as the mainstream thought process has shown its support to a balance of Western ideologies as well as understanding of the Eastern sentiments.
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