Female: As a literal bridge between east and west, a country of Turkey celebrates a trans-continental heritage that spans southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. Turkey is bordered by 8 countries including Bulgaria and Greece to the West, and Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria to the East. In its unique position between east and west, and coastlines bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and the Bosporus Straits, Turkey is truly one of the world’s crossroads.
These vibrant lands gave birth to major civilizations including the Byzantine Empire which reign for over a thousand years and the Odoman Empire which conquered and ruled from the 15th through the early 20th centuries. Following the fall of the Odoman Empire and the aftermath of World War I, Mustafa Keamal known to the world as Ataturk established the democratic constitutional republic of modern Turkey.
Turkey has continued to nurture relations with both the western and eastern worlds. And this philosophy is reflected within its culture. The country’s art, literature, and architecture mixed cultural influences from the many societies that have touched theirs. And Turkey’s cuisine considered one of the world’s best melts flavors from Asia, the Balkans, and the Middle East in a glorious cacophony of flavor. Food is integrally connected to another deep tradition. Building relationships with family, friends, and neighbors.
The Turks love opening their homes to others. And lavish warm hospitality on every guest. Because social interaction is valued so highly, it’s no surprise that the Turks find every reason to celebrate with others. On Muslim holidays such as Kurban Bairam, people feast with their families. But also shared generous portions of food with the poor.
Although Turkey considers itself a secular state, welcoming people of all religions, its faith tradition is nonetheless run deep. The population is predominantly Muslim with the minority of Christian and Jewish practitioners. Trades of tolerance, generosity, and intellect, characterized the Turkish people and a deep respect for relationships permeates all facets of this rich multi-cultural society.
When we return, we’ll hear first hand stories from Turkish-Americans who’ve navigated the sometimes tricky waters of a new world from car registrations to pressure cookers. There are just some things one can't prepare for. This and more coming up in World In America.
Welcome back to World In America.
Male: The biggest word to describe Turkish American are new.
Male2: Turkish people are very challengers. And they are very serious, they are hard working and they really like the attention.
Mukaddes: Turkish Americans are generally practically smart and they are easy going people. They're good problem solvers.
Male3: We generally serve our neighbors and we invite them to our houses here in the United States.
Male: This is almost the first generation still experiencing the difficulties and opportunities of living in the United States.
Female2: Well, as an American, I guess Turkish people tend to be more relax than Americans. Maybe more like friendly and have more close relation, and I appreciate that well.