Culture Post 8: Reflections on my Cultural Project and Cultural Posts

[Samuel Benjamin Washburne]

I think from doing my cultural project the thing I learned the most was simply how much I missed Turkey.  It is a fascinating country with so much to offer.  It is the gateway to Europe and vice versa to the Middle East.  The Turkish culture is an old and rich one.  Learning about Turkey gives you a unique perspective of the Middle East.  Turkey is 99% Muslim but it is a secular country with a democratically elected parliament whereas most of the countries in the Middle East continue to be ruled by a King or a president with basically a fake parliament.  It is no wonder then why the United States considers Turkey to be one of its most important allies.  It is the shining beacon of Democracy in an area where there is little Democracy to be found.  This is not to say that Turkey's government is perfect. It has had its ups and downs and for a majority of the Republic of Turkey's existence, it was very much controlled by the military.  Turkey's role internationally continues to grow (as of now it also has the 2nd largest growing economy).  Turkey is beginning to realize that it can have an effect on the outcomes of situations that are not domestic.  It is truly and important and fascinating country and I would highly recommend visiting it to anyone I meet.