Monday, March 8, 2010

Turkey in Perspective - a panel discussion



One of the advantages of studying at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs is that one has the opportunity to attend several events on campus. These can range from events related to Africa, Europe, Middle East, South Asia over and above the theme based ones that are organised almost on a daily basis. The one that I attended today happened to be titled "Turkey in perspective".

This panel brought to fore several issues related to modern turkey as well as took a historic look at some issues that continue to impact the politics as well as demographics of this rich country. When one thinks of Turkey, and especially if one has travelled to Istanbul or the touristy southern part, one remembers the Turkish Baths, kebabs and the mosques and it is easy to forget that the country was home to one of the mighty Ottoman empire. The only empire to which the British crown has ever paid taxes. The proof of this is in the Topkapi palace Museum in all its glory.

The panel was organised by the Turkish Cultural center, Syracuse University in association with the Middle Eastern Studies Program, with Dr. James Bennett, from Syracuse University as the Moderator,Dr. Yildiray Yildirim, Maxwell School of Syracuse University who spoke about the Global Economic Crises and Turkish Financial System,Dr. Mustafa Gokcek, Niagara University,Islam and Modernity in Turkey and Dr. Norman York, from Buffalo State College, who spoke about the Balkan Immigrations, Ottoman Empire, and Modern Turkey.

The issues addressed ranged from the Balkan immigration to the Turkish territories in late 19th century which made them a politically significant group and also altered the geo-political landscape of the region forever. The results of this migration continue to have an impact on modern Turkey both in terms of the ethnic mix of people as well as the relations between the Balkans and Turkey, when seen from a historical context.

Dr Yildiray yildirim gave an insighful talk on the global financial crisis and how it has not had much impact on Turkey, since the country went through a market correction in the real estate prices in early 2003, spurred by the European Union regulations for greater transparency and financial openness. This the speaker stressed was a blessing in disguise and also saved the country from being in a precarious position today. To identify 'important but not urgent' issues in the financial world is a work of art and one which one must pay close attention to, he added.

The question of Turkish identity and its ambitions to join the EU were also analysed with the panel pointing out that this has been a subject of discussions since the early 60s', with slow reforms taking place across various sectors: Human rights, democratisation, and greater women's rights. The issue of Turkey being a Muslim country came up with one of the speakers addressing this issue head on and focusing on the fact that the country is coming to terms with integrating with the west while maintaining its proud Islamic identity. The fact that sufism, which is considered a very tolerant version of Islam dominates the discourse in Turkey helps to do this, he added.

The discussion wrapped up with a quick analysis of relations with Greece and Armenia over contentious issues, land and the Armenian genocide respectively. Overall, a very interesting panel considering there were many views represented. I also got a good perspective of Turkey from various angles : Social, Historical as well as Financial. It did challenge me to alter my mental image of Turkey a bit, from one of a country which seems to be focused on entering the EU to one in which there is a lot of dynamism and energy and definitely a will to contribute to the world in all spheres.