Culture and Turkey: Post #7

Culture and Turkey: Post #7

Culture is defined by our textbook as, “learned and shared behavior by a group of people that gives them a distinct ‘way of life.’ ”[1] It consists of a shared history of knowledge and traditions that gives a group of people a sense of unity and identity, and as such its importance to a nation’s coherence can not be stressed enough.

Turkey has a unique cultural landscape, due to its intensely varied physical terrain, which ranges from mountains and steppes to lush coastlines and inhospitable desserts. Due to its geographical terrain, Turkey has had a long history of farming and pastoralism, but due to increasing globalization it has become an increasingly modern nation, with now nearly 70% of its population living in urban areas. [2]

 

Figure 1. A map showing Turkey when a part of the Ottoman Empire.

Cultural imperialism, or “the active promotion of one cultural system at the expense of another”,[3]  is most certainly not an unknown concept to the country of Turkey. The most famous example of cultural imperialism would be Turkey being a part of the Ottoman Empire from 1299 to 1923. After the more than 600 years of cultural indoctrination that entailed, Turkey would become an independent state, but still heavily influenced by Ottoman rule, most visibly in their adherence to the Islamic religion.

 Figure 2. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of of the Republic of Turkey.

            Concerning the oppositional force against cultural imperialism, known as cultural nationalism, Turkey had an especially potent form of it following its national independence. Kemalism was created by the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It was intended to give the people a voice through a parliament, and stressed liberalism and democracy, but eventually this potentially promising creed was defeated by the rise of fascism, as well as adherence to Ottomanism.[4]

            With cultural syncretism or hybridization being a amalgamation of two cultures to create a new one, the most obvious example of such in Turkey would be their many customs and traditions they have taken from Ottoman rule. Not the least of which most definitive imports being the adoption of the Islamic faith, which can touch every part of day to day life in Turkey.

Works Cited

Ahmad, Feroz. The Making of Modern Turkey. London: Routledge, 1993. 61. Print.

Rowntree, Lester. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. 4th ed.   Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2014. G-3. Print.

"Turkey: People and Society." Encyclopedia of Earth. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/172904/>.

Figure 1.  Turkey Map. Digital image. Allaboutturkey.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.allaboutturkey.com/img/ottoman-empire-1580.gif>.

Figure 2.  Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Digital image. Turkeytourkey.com. N.p., 2012. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.turkeytourkey.com/upload/inquiry/blog/Mustafa_Kemal_Ataturk_.jpg>.

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[1] Rowntree, Lester. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2014. G-3.

[2] "Turkey: People and Society." Encyclopedia of Earth. Web.

[3] Rowntree, 27.

[4] Ahmad, Feroz. The Making of Modern Turkey. London: Routledge, 1993. 61.

Globalization's Impact on Turkey's Environment: Post #9

Globalization’s Impact on Turkey’s Environment Post #9

As globalization increases, humans are not the only things living on the earth’s surface that are affected by globalization. The earth itself is affected as well as populations expand and land is cleared to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers and needs of man. The vast jungles of the Amazon are often what first come to mind, as the forests are burned and cleared in the process of grassification in order to give the inhabitants of South America and other surrounding countries more room for farming and growth. Of course practices such as these can be viewed as immediately positive for mankind, but in the long run can be detrimental for the environment.

Trade agreements also impact on the earth’s environment due to the increased level of economic development and construction which lead to increased urbanization, often at a brisk pace that can also be damaging to the surrounding environment. When major companies, especially large and foreign companies, make a successful trade agreement with a less-developed nation, any potential damage to the latter’s natural surroundings or ecosystem due to pollution is not among their first concerns.

Figure 1. An oil tanker off the shores of Turkey.

After World War II, Turkey wished to become more modern, and it saw capitalism and free trade with the western world, (particularly Europe and America) as the way to prosperity. They endeavored to cultivate European interest in their natural resources, and were prepared to pay any price for Western investment, even if it meant alienating their political allies, or damaging their own country. [1] Compared to its immediate neighbors, Turkey has had a somewhat less tumultuous history of trade relations, but as it is a considerably developed and economically functional country, it is not without its problems. The natural resource that Turkey’s foreign investors are the most interested in is oil, and this is what has proven to be the most harmful to Turkey’s environment. Among many of the risks that are associated with oil production are oil spills from oil tanker accidents, and Turkey received international attention with the infamous Nassia catastrophe in 1993, which caused considerable marine pollution.[2]  It must be hoped that in future Turkey will use more green energy and take more precautions with its oil industry.

Figure 2. A map showing Turkey's rich natural resources, including oil.

Figure 3. A graph showing Turkey's oil production.

Works Cited

Ahmad, Feroz. The Making of Modern Turkey. London: Routledge, 1993. 119. Print.

"U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis." Turkey: Environmental Issues. 1 Mar. 2000. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.nuce.boun.edu.tr/turkey.html>.

Figure 1.  Turkish Oil Tanker. Digital image. Seanews.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.

Figure 2.  Turkey's Natural Resources. Digital image. Www.lib.texas.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.

Figure 3.  Turkey's Oil Production. Digital image. Eia.gov. N.p., 2012. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.

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[1] Ahmad, Feroz. The Making of Modern Turkey. London: Routledge, 1993. 119

[2] U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis." Turkey: Environmental Issues. 1 Mar. 2000. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.nuce.boun.edu.tr/turkey.html>.

Problems Associated with Food Production and Turkey's Agricultural Impact. Post: #11

Food is vital to survival, yet for many people it is a struggle to simple produce it. A rising population demands more food, but it also needs more housing. Urbanization has caused many fertile lots of land to become shopping malls and apartment complexes. More and more crops are being used, not as food, but as fuels like ethanol. More and more people are adopting a Western diet, which focuses on meat as the main portion of a meal. This is an issue because raising cattle requires a massive amount of resources. The BBC reports that it takes up to twenty-five times as much land to produce the same amount of beef as wheat. That does not include the water used to keep the animals hydrated, or the moral issues with factory farms. Food scarcity is a major concern for many countries, but others have an overabundance of food.

Figure 1: A Turkish farmer in the fields.

Turkey has a wonderful climate that allows for a wide variety of plants to thrive. According to invest.gov.tr, Turkey is able to support 95% of plant species in Europe. Many locals take advantage of this and about a quarter of the population work in agriculture.[1] Turkey is bursting at the seams with food. Not only is it one of the most agriculturally self-sufficient countries in the region, it is also one of the largest exports food in Europe.

Figure 2:Turkish farmers selling their bountiful harvest.

Turkey dominates the export of figs, hazelnuts, and apricots. Turkey also exports many traditional dished and items. Turkish artisan cheese is renowned in the area. Kefir (a cultured dairy product similar to yogurt) is so loved that its name derives from the Turkish word for "feeling good". [1] Turkey produces many grains and has become a leader in baked good with traditional beads. This nation is a major player in agriculture, and all predictions expect its food production and exports to increase.



Works Cited

"Agriculture and Food" Agriculture and Food - Invest in Turkey. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/sectors/Pages/Agriculture.aspx>.

"Global Food Supply Is a Growing Problem." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 8 June 2008. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/2791256/Global-food-supply-is-a-growing-problem.html>Rowntree, Lester. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.

Figures

Figure 1: A Turkish Farmer in the Fields. Photograph. http://www.businessturkeytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/TURKISH_FARMER.jpg. 2014.

Figure 2: Turkish Farmers Selling Their Bountiful Harvest. Photograph. Http://www.bodrumpeninsulatravelguide.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Yalikavak-Farmers-Market.jpg. 2012.

[1] Howard, Douglas A. The History of Turkey. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 2001. Print. 

Terrorism in Turkey: Post #3

Terrorism in Turkey

The country of Turkey is not only situated in the ancient domain of the Fertile Crescent, but it is also located in the center of modern terrorism. Neighbored by Syria, Iraq, and Iran, Turkey’s proximity to these hotbeds of terrorist activity and international conflict make it unavoidable to discuss both terrorism and the country of Turkey together.

Though it has not been involved in as many wars in recent years as its neighbors or other nearby nations in the Middle East, it still has dealt with the consequences of terrorism within their nation as well as having to deal with the fallout from its neighbors, particularly in recent years in receiving refugees from the ongoing civil war in Syria.

                         

     

Figure 1. Map displaying dangerous areas in Turkey.

Within Turkey’s own borders, the primary cause of geopolitical tension and violence has been conflict with the Kurds, an ethnic group without a country, and a considerable percentage of Turkey’s population who are united by the Kurdish language and the Islamic religion. Unfortunately, in their shared hope to establish a nation of their own, their efforts at unity have in the past thirty years increasingly ended in violence due to Kurdish militants and extremists.[1] The most controversial of these groups is the Worker’s Party of Kurdistan or the PKK, which was launched in 1984.[2] Regarded as rebels by their more peaceful Kurdish counterparts, they are mainly found along the Turkey-Iraq border, and their number consists of more than 10,000 guerrillas, supplied with arms and weapons left over from the Gulf War.[3]

Figure 2. Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) Soldiers in Turkey

One of the greatest threats to Turkey’s hope for democracy doesn’t come from within its own borders, but from outside of them. Since Syria erupted into civil war in 2011, more than two million Syrians have subsequently fled their homeland. Turkey has been a popular choice for the refugees, due to their proximity and relatively stable environment. Unfortunately, the displaced refugees have increasingly drained Turkey’s economy, as well as the patience of smaller Turkish political groups, particularly the PKK, which has subsequently erupted into violence along the Turkey-Syria border. Despite support from the majority of the Kurdish population within Turkey and the Islamic state, [4] as long as refugees pour into Turkey, there will continue to be dramatic protests and riots against their entering the country.

Works Cited

Ahmad, Feroz. The Making of Modern Turkey. London: Routledge, 1993. 200. Print.

Pope, Nicole, and Hugh Pope. Turkey Unveiled: A History of Modern Turkey. Woodstock, N.Y.: Overlook, 1998. 238. Print.

Starr, Stephen. "The Renewed Threat of Terrorism to Turkey | Combating Terrorism Center at West Point." Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. 25 June 2013. Web. 23 Sept. 2014. <https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-renewed-threat-of-terrorism-to-turkey>.

Tharoor, Ishaan. "The Worst Refugee Exodus of the Syrian War Is Happening Right Now." Washington Post. 22 Sept. 2014. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.

Figures

Figure 1. Map of Turkey. Illustration. www.gov.uk. Web. 18 September 2014.

Figure 2. Image of PKK soldiers. Photograph. Krmagazine.com. Web. 16 July 2014.

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[1] Starr, Stephen. "The Renewed Threat of Terrorism to Turkey | Combating Terrorism Center at West Point." Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. 25 June 2013.

[2] Ahmad, Feroz. The Making of Modern Turkey. London: Routledge, 1993. 200.

[3] Pope, Nicole, and Hugh Pope. Turkey Unveiled: A History of Modern Turkey. Woodstock, N.Y.: Overlook, 1998. 238.

[4] Tharoor, Ishaan. "The Worst Refugee Exodus of the Syrian War Is Happening Right Now." Washington Post. 22 Sept. 2014. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.