If you’ve been living all your life among Christians, then
you cannot know exactly what the Muslim lifestyle is until you see it with your
own eyes and live in their society. It’s different! It’s not worse or better,
but most of non-Muslim people will find it very different. And most of the time
we observe their customs and traditions and we act very surprised and sometimes
even bothered by their behavior towards us, without knowing and understanding
the essence of their beliefs. We judge without knowing the truth about Islam
and we assume we are better and we know better.
I am lucky to have this amazing opportunity to live this
special month (Ramadan month), right in the heart of Turkey, in one of the most
conservative city, that there is left. The shift of change is right on their
door too, but there will need to let the time pass, and for the generations to
change, before we can see any changes, or adapt their customs to the new age,
which is coming for the western countries from Europe. Although there are young
people that do not follow the tradition and religion, most of the times, they
are invisible to the simple eye of the tourist. But you might get lucky, if you
decide to visit the mall (Oh yes, there are 2 shopping malls).
I must draw attention to the fact that what may seem natural
or normal in your country or culture, may be seen here as taboo or forbidden.
Such topics can include relationships, love, or social behavior between lovers
which are not married, alcohol use or personal development plans that the
family doesn’t support. Saying “hello” should always be followed by a hand
shake, no matter your gender or relationship with that person. It’s forbidden
to take photos in the mosque of the people praying and all women should put a
scarf over their heads, when entering a sacred place. And don’t forget to leave
your shoes at the door, when you visit your Turkish friends.
And if you are a young woman (and unmarried) try not to
smile too much to Turkish men, and avoid being too friendly as you would be
with your friends from back home. Most of them can take it in the wrong way. So
don’t call them “dear” or text them “kisses”, because they will understand you
are interested in a romantic relationship.
Women in society
I’m sure when you think of Muslims, in your head immediately
pops the image of women wearing a scarf over her head, or even women wearing
the long black clothes, revealing nothing but the eyes.
Of course this preconception has its roots from the true
Muslim essence, but nowadays women have the option of choosing how they want to
demonstrate their religion and personal beliefs. On the streets are all kinds
of women: the more emancipated ones, the ones who have traveled and changed
their ways of demonstrating their beliefs, the traditional ones, which still
wear a scarf, and the most traditional ones, that cover themselves as if it was
winter time. Even the most modern ones avoid to uncover their legs, preferring
long pants or skirts, but do wear t-shirts or sleeveless blouses. Shoe ware is
not an issues, and there is a large diversity of choices, from what I’ve seen
on the streets.
Youth and religion
You all know how big Turkey is, there is also the one city in
the world that is spread over 2 continents ( Istanbul, “the door of Orient”, is
a city in Europe and Asia in the same time, with a population of over 14
million) and may have some questions about how religion and economic growth can
join each other. Well, on one hand there are the western cities and influences,
in cities such Istanbul, Izmir and the touristic ones, and then there are the
more conservative and traditional communities, in the center and east of
Turkey. Kayseri is such a city, where a huge percent of the population still
relies on the religion, and some of the elders watch with a critical eye the
youth and foreigners (like tourist or even us) not obeying traditions. Nevertheless the city is a wonderful mix of
traditions and customs, religious women not wearing a scarf, youth praying (or
not), and still believing in this divine force watching upon us all.
All in all, the experience is amazing, as long as you keep
in mind that different doesn’t necessarily mean bad. I am very thankful for
this amazing opportunity to experiment such a different culture and religion,
and I truly believe it will help me for my future development.
Thank you!
Iulia
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