Where East meets West

Of all the countries aspiring to become full members of the European Union, Turkey stands out as being the most politically important. With a proud history in the ancient world, Turkey links mainland Europe with the troubled Middle East countries of Iraq and Syria. Because of it not being in the Eurozone, it has become ever more popular as a holiday destination for many Europeans.

Since its modern history began in 1923, it has remained a secular country in spite of the fact that 99% of the population remain muslim. Although not unique, this secular aspiration sets Turkey apart from many of its immediate neighbours. It perhaps explains why the country has remained such a popular holiday destination for Europeans of a more atheist leaning. It has grown to become a symbol of where the East meets the West and so occupies a pivotal position in the modern world.


It is widely reported today that what began as a peaceful demonstration has now escalated in to riots in both Istanbul and Ankara. The cause? Protestors are unhappy with government plans to redevelop Guzi Park in Istanbul. In itself, this is not unusual but this park represents one of the few green areas left in the city. Arguably, this clash represents the wider battle being fought throughout Europe and beyond. At what point will governments begin to realise that new retail developments do not address the fundamental problems with which we are currently faced? 

I wrote recently about the plight of Enid Jones in Mid Wales as she struggles to resist local plans for a retail development which will result in her having to vacate her own home. In Turkey, it seems, they are somewhat more passionate about the things which really matter to them. It would be difficult to imagine people in this country being sufficiently bothered to do anything about it. As Islam seeks to spread westward, it seems Western culture seeks to spread Eastwards.

The recent tornadoes in the American mid-west are due to warm, wet air from the Gulf of Mexico meeting the cold, dry air moving down from the Rocky mountains. As we have seen, the results are catastrophic. It seems as though a similar phenomenon is taking place in Turkey judging by the government decision to employ water cannons against its own people. History would suggest that it is normally wise to pay heed to the people. I hope the Turkish government can draw on the lessons of their more illustrious predecessors and do likewise. I hope for their sakes they manage to hold on to the values to which we seem ambivalent.