Protests on Taksim Square

Wednesday, June 2. Nearly midnight, looking out my fourth floor window on Taksim Square in Istanbul.
I can't understand what they are saying, but I'm certain this has to do with the Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound Turkish ship two days ago. I hesitated to post this video for fear that it may shed a negative light on these people whom I've found so dear--reinforce an already existing nervousness Americans feel about Turkey. A friend (a Turkish friend) and I were just chatting this evening about that habit all people have of pigeon-holing other peoples, especially those of whom we have little understanding. Imagine putting on a set of tinted eye glasses and seeing the world always through those lenses. As Westerners, don't we tend to see the Middle East (and people from the Middle East) as religiously repressive , unprogressive, politically hostile? I've witnessed none of these characteristics while visiting. Are there differences between the East and the West? ABSOLUTELY! (And I'll discuss these differences in an upcoming CIBERFocus.) But we must challenge our assumptions about people from Turkey. As my Turkish friend reminded me, Turkey, more than any other place, resists a simplified interpretation. I agree with my friend. Assuming an understanding of others based on a construct of our own design can be limiting, misleading, or worse yet, harmful. But I think the injustice perpetuated by many Americans (including myself) is the error of ignorance. We live an insulated life, a life centered around our own local and personal issues. The U.S. is huge—a super power. We've heard those very words said by politicians and busiess people alike in Turkey. The U.S. must be at the center of other national "minds" because we are a giant. If you were tiny, wouldn't you pay attention to what the giant is doing?

But have we allowed our giant size and might to make us cavalier about the affairs of others? How much did you know about Gaza prior to the invasion a few days ago? What is your opinion? Will your opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affect your voting decisions? Your activities? Your thoughtful consideration?

Granted, foreign political issues are complex and seem far removed. But as I sit here listening to these protesters chant, sing, and pray...the world seems to have shrunk.
Travel Tips of the Day:
1. Be aware that we have certain lenses we wear and those lenses color the way we see the world as surely as a pair of tinted sunglasses does.
2. Challenge your assumption that your way is the best way. Challenge your assumption that you know people because you've watched a little news.
3. TRAVEL! And whenver possible, meet real people--hang out in places NOT intended for tourists.

Istanbul: Where East Meets West

Istanbul! The only city in the world spanning two continents. We rode from the Asia side to the Europe side on one of two bridges crossing the Bosphorus, the waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. One begins to truly appreciate the critical role Turkey plays in the world economically and politically. This is a country that understands and can interact positively with both the Middle East and the Western world because it is both worlds.


The city is ancient and as we tour we see the layers and layers of civilizations. Istanbul is not only east meets west, but old meets new. Aya Sofya (or Hagia Sophia) is symbolic of this layering--the first Temple on the site was likely a temple to Athena. Then after destruction, a church was built (537)--the grandest church in the world for over a thousand years until the completion of St Peter's in Rome. The center dome is over 18 stories high and 100 feet across. (The word Sophia means wisdom in Christian tradition--Aya Sophia = Holy Wisdom because it seems only a miracle or Holy Wisdom could keep this dome suspended in the sky--indeed it is a mathematical feat!) Emperor Justinian commissioned the building in gratitude to God for being spared in a horrible fire in the city that killed thousands. (The fires were the result of riots that broke out in the Hippodrome--or chariot race parks). In 1453, Mehmet the Conqueror converted the church to a mosque. You can see traditional Christian angels and mosaics of Christ and the Virgin Mary alongside traditional mosque decorations, the names of Allah and Muhammad and descendents.


Legends abound about the marble column on the way out--wishes might be granted to those who place their thumb in the hole and move their hand 360 degrees. Given the recent events in Gaza and the resulting protests here in Turkey, I, of course, wish for peace. Cliche, perhaps, but nevertheless, a deeply rooted desire in everyone I've met on this journey.


What are the chances I will meet a group of Ball State University students (my alma mater!) while in Instabul?!



We toured the blue mosque today as well, called this only by tourists who stand in awe at the 20,000 blue Iznik tiles within and who perhaps have trouble remembering "Sultan Ahmet Camii," the name local worshippers would use to reference this famous landmark and operating mosque.


We ended our day with a stroll, seafood, and coffee along the Bosphorus.