Top 10 Turkish Observations

I have only been in Turkey three days, but here are 10 observations regarding the life/culture. Perhaps as the semester progresses, these observations will either change or progress.

1) The Turkish are a gentle people- nearly every person carries him/herself in a considerate yet confident manner

2) The Turkish workforce is predominately young- nearly every Turk I have encountered in a blue collar job (ie. airport staff, university janitorial staff, bartenders) are in their early 20's. 

3) People are valued over business- This is perhaps the most important observation. No matter what, the Turkish refuse to place their personal financial interests above others. Because of this, the Turkey will never be a narcissistic, production-focused society like America.

4) The Turkish women are positively striking- I have never seen women so beautiful. And they wear little to no makeup.

5) The society, although largely secular, has not forgotten their faith- 99% of the population in Turkey identifies as Muslim, but only 52% observe their religious duties. Many women do not wear headscarves in public and few observe the daily call to prayer. Yet the overwhelming majority of the population is selfless and communally driven-evidence that Islam still influences their daily life.

6) There are many couples in Turkey- Relationships are taken very seriously and carry weight. There is an obvious commitment and a contentment in relationships that I rarely observe in America.

7) Turks appreciate effort- Although my current Turkish is lacking, the Turks appreciate my attempts to communicate to them in their native tongue. Because of this, they are warm and receptive, which encourages me to continue learning and applying the language.

8) Turks do away with ego- To think of oneself as above others in Turkey is distasteful and largely disrespected. Only in coming here have I realized the legitimate problem America has with ego and pride. This has already been a tremendously humbling experience in that regard, and a trait that I hope to bring back to America.

9) Nobody tips in Turkey- I haven't quite figured out why but it makes many transactions much easier.

10) The Turks stare at me like they have never beheld a creature of my stature- Okay, I am tall. This is apparent. But when they see the combination of my height, my long hair and my comparatively white skin, they gawk in an unprecedented manner.

My beautiful campus:

My humble abode (without my soon to arrive Turkish roommate)

One of three restaurants (yes RESTAURANTS) on campus. There are also several cafes, a supermarket and a cafeteria on campus as well.