Turkiye-A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth
Up until 5 years ago, Turkey, for me, was just another country in our world; however, through my personal life and my profession, it had become a large part of who I am now. Although during that time I was unable to actually visit the country, the Turkish community here in New Jersey adopted me as one of their own. I became a part of their culture, community and family. However, the pictures, books and personal stories from them were not enough; I constantly craved the need to experience Turkey and see it with my own eyes.
It was fate that I was asked to participate in the Philadelphia Dialog's Forum "Trip to Turkey: The Cradle of Civilizations". Through this group I was able to experience the beauty of the true Turkish life: the people, the culture, and the history. That is how my journey began:
Walking off a plane into unknown territory is usually an uneasy feeling, however, at that time, the only emotion that I felt was pure happiness. Stepping on the soil of Turkey was the most spiritual and liberating experience that I have ever felt. All I had learned and experienced about the country thus far was nothing in comparison to the real Turkish air I breathed. Seeing the red and white flag waving in the wind on a scorching hot day was a powerful sign that I really arrived in the place that was originally just another country on our world map. However, this was just the beginning of the most personally and spiritually fulfilling time in my life, which began with three poignant moments that have touched my heart and soul forever.
Everything seen and heard after the fresh air, the flag and the initial sights was even more beautiful. However, the most powerful moment came when I heard, for the first time, the Muezzin's call to prayer. I may have heard the call to prayer before but this was the first time that it touched my soul. I was walking in the Pazar in Antalya and as I got closer to the beautiful sound, tears began to fall upon my face. I was unsure what exactly made me cry, but I felt such peace and I knew from that moment on that Turkey is where I wanted to be. One day I recall waking to that beautiful sound at 4:30am. I remembered that I listened to the entire call and smiled and then peacefully went back to sleep. After that the call to prayer became a regular part of my day. At times I would hear it more distinctly and would stop what I was doing and listen, and other times I would just smile to myself and go on about my day. No matter where I was or what I was doing during prayer times, I was well aware that the Turkish people are very connected to Allah and have a sense of peace through their religion.
Although, this call to prayer was powerful, it was a wonderful predecessor for my next spiritually and personally fulfilling moment. That was the time that I went to Morning Prayer at the Eyup Camii in Istanbul. First, I donned a beautiful basortusu and entered the camii. Even though it was only approximately 4:45am, the camii was already full. I found my way to the women's section and sat amongst the praying women as I reflected on my own religious beliefs. At one point I can remember wanting to hold my hands to pray the way they did and every once in awhile I would glance at the massive crowd of men that filled the entire courtyard below. The women's section was also very crowded and women were praying on the steps, where I was sitting. Not one time did I feel out of place, but I was very aware that no one else in the crowd was of my faith. Interestingly enough, I do not believe anyone at the camii knew that I was not Muslim. However, faith on this morning was only to believe God. As prayer ended and I began to walk down the steps toward the courtyard, I felt a little tug on my headscarf and behind me was a beautiful elderly woman speaking to me in Turkish saying "Ne de guzel yakismis. Keske bir hediye basortum olsaydi da sana verseydim ama bugun getirmeyi unutmusum." I fought back my tears of appreciation as I gave her the appropriate kisses and hugs. A feeling of acceptance into the culture came from that small encounter. After locating my guide, from the Philadelphia forum, we toured the camii, and he explained its remarkable history. Afterwards we went out to the courtyard and sat amongst the locals and ate simit and drank çay. I was taken aback by all the people awake at what was now approximately 5:30am. I couldn't help myself but watch people and be elated that life here begins this early. One by one the stores would open. A bread shop here, a stand selling basortusu there, simits and çay all around; this is the life. After an early morning of prayer, a history lesson, relaxation, and peace, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do much else that day. My day was already fulfilled, and it was only the second day of the tour. At that point a thought went through my mind that I could actually live here in Turkey.
Through the muezzin and the camii I began to reflect a great deal on my life and the importance of faith and family. By family I mean a community of people who have truly accepted you as one of their own. This was evident in the third most memorable part of the tour. This memory is of Izmir and a dinner that our group was invited to by a group of men belonging to a business association. This night was special because we ate at the Mevlana Cafe. Walking into the restaurant you were surrounded by statues of the Whirling Dervishes with sayings from Rumi engraved on them. This was special for me because one highlight of my trip was to visit Konya and see the Whirling Dervishes. Little did I know that there was a surprise in store. First, as we sat at the table waiting to eat, we introduced ourselves one by one. Our Izmir tour guide told the group that I was married to a Turk. Although my Turkish is far from even comprehendible, I understood that they were talking about me. At one point during our dinner the president of the business association stood up and made a small speech to me to the affect that America gave Turkey a bride, and when someone meets the bride for the first time, she is to presented with a gold coin. It was at that point that I was stunned when he presented me with the traditional gold coin. I could feel all the emotions inside me and was trying to hold them back. At that moment I felt proud to be considered a "Turkish bride" and I knew I was part of this community. If that wasn't enough, our group was surprised with a private showing of the Whirling Dervishes, which for me was amazing as I tried to understand their mysterious dance. Afterwards each one of us was asked to say something. When it was my turn, it was difficult to hold back my tears of happiness, but in general I stated how proud I was to be part of this community and that now I know I have a family in Turkey as I do in the USA. What more could I ask for from this country? This was the perfect way to end the perfect night.
The muezzin, the Eyup Camii and the dinner in Izmir were surrounded by many more fascinating sights and amazing historical facts. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention the most decadent food and warm hospitality, which go hand in hand. The food; where do I even begin? The fresh bread every day, simit, handmade manti, çorba, kebab, and so many more dishes that kept appearing. There was never a time I was hungry because the food kept coming all day long. I give every bit of thanks to the women who cooked these dishes non-stop, and I will definitely return to Turkey if not for anything but cooking lessons. However, one dish I can not forget is the dessert. Oh gosh, the dessert-baklava, and every other dessert I tried. Words can never describe how heavenly the food tastes. I must admit, you have not lived until you have eaten in a Turkish home.
Along with the food came the warmest hospitality. Every place entered, I was greeted with "hoşgeldiniz" which means welcome. Immediately the hosts of the home, the restaurant or the store made you feel special. In the home I was treated as a royal guest and my wish to help cleaning up after the meal and assisting in serving çay was absolutely not going to happen there. At the stores I patroned, beverages were always offered and I willingly and politely accepted them. What better way to get to know the people but to sip çay in a local store?
As I tried to get to know the people, I always felt as though they wanted to know me. Often times when I would be in someone's home, restaurant, or store I was mistaken for being Turkish. I was always very excited and proud when this occurred because it was then that I realized that I have acculturated into the Turkish community so well. It also made me realize that I needed to get serious and learn Turkish-fast! However, I learned so much more from the beautiful people of Turkey. I learned to live each day to the fullest. I learned not to worry about small things and when things go wrong, not to be stressed, but move on and continue my day. I learned to trust in God and in myself. But most of all I learned that if heaven is anything like being in Turkiye, then I shall never fear that final day. Now Turkey is no longer just a country on the world map; Turkey is in my heart and soul.
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