Turkey rehabilitates poet Hikmet
Turkey is to restore the citizenship of one of its most illustrious writers, the late Nazim Hikmet.
Turkish Society
Turks at War (with themselves). Part IV.
Around 2,500 people were injured in Turkey as they were trying to slaughter sheep and cows in the Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, Dogan News Agency reported on Monday.
by the second day at 15:00,
1529 persons stabbed themselves or were attacked by the animals that were to be sacrificed. (Source here) Two died of heart attacks during the act of amateur butchery.
More news from Turkish society:
"Code of manners coming to Turkey
Code of manners coming to Turkey
ANKARA – Turkish buses will no longer stink of lahmucun and salesmen will no longer knock on doors at all hours if Parliament approves the new Turkish Trade Code. Not as glamorous as reforms on freedom of speech, human rights or democracy, but updates to the articles of law are just as fundamental to the country’s bid to eventually become an EU member"
A single case of social consensus:
People from all walks of life are disgusted with the child abuse suspect Hüseyin Üzmez case. Despite a rarely seen consensus, Mr. Üzmez is free due to a suspicious health report…
Lifting the veil on child abuse
State Minister Nimet Çubukçu should be commended for reacting quickly to the unexpected release, pending trial, of child abuse suspect Hüseyin Üzmez.
Üzmez went to trial and was found guilty
Mehmet Ali Birand
That in which Üzmez trusts
The face of the entire society is contorted in disgust. As one, we are all watching the "heroic rapist" performance by Vakit newspaper writer Hüseyin Üzmez.
Many older but notable features on Turkish society:
"The YÖK issue
John Singer Sargent (United States, 18561925), Dolce Far Niente, 1907 found here
The Turkish ’68 – The Lost Generation
The resurgence of Islam in Turkey began as a counter-reaction to the leftist student activism of 1968; one of the key activists among the right-wing students of the time is now the country’s president. Zafer Senocak takes a look back"
The YÖK issue
The Higher Education Board (YÖK) has been an interesting institution, as well as an interesting issue, since it was established. On YÖK’s anniversary, on Nov. 6, if I am not mistaken, this issue will be discussed once again.
A case to take a lesson from
Kudos to the students of Boğaziçi University! Congratulations to those who lend support to others’ fight for freedom! Please look once again at that beautiful photo that will leave its mark on the history of Boğaziçi University.
" Anti-Jew and anti-Muslim prejudice growing in EU
Survey: Anti-Jew and anti-Muslim prejudice growing in EU
A new poll conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that hostile views towards Jews and Muslims are on the rise in Europe, even while fundamentalism and support for terrorism appear to be dwindling in the Muslim world.
Poland and Italy most religious in Europe, study finds
EU Politics News – theParliament.com:
A major new study on religious belief has found that rates of religiousaffiliation are highest in Poland and Italy, while France has a highpercentage of non-religious individuals.
Turkey related foundings from the survey:
Ramadan, the second day.
The Ramadan started all over the world. A whole month of fasting. Now I have to get back to work/writing so i will read the Wikipedia entry for fasting later but it seems Islam’s is one of the most difficult fasting tasks. I wonder what kind of liars were those who said Islam is a religion of ease in my childhood. What kind of easiness involved in this ritual? 🙂 As part of my eccentric fragments of belief, I do fasting. And since I don’t feel attached to collective part of it, it doesn’t seem very sensical. However, it is yet another test of iron will I won’t quit. I think fasting is easier when practiced collectively and I sometimes feel jealosy for those living in a more collective mood. Yes, at least my family does fasting- mostly. But theirs is too routinized. I have to attend Iftar frequently because they are upset if i don’t. But the iftar is just another dinner in which I have to put with the then current family issues.