A Friendly and Polite Nation

I always thought that Turkey is similar to other Arab nations. Hard and aggressive people wearing Arabic dress were always on my mind until I went there 6 years ago, which made me completely reverse my view.

In 2002, I went to Turkey, my husband's country. When I arrived in Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, I saw modern developments and people dressed like people in other countries. I was welcomed with flowers and gifts from my mother in law and all of my husband friends. They always greeted me with a special Turkish word for welcome, "Oskaldin!"

I never felt hungry when I stayed in Turkey because everyone always offered lunch or dinner, which was very delicious indeed. It is really lucky that I have no objection to Turkish food. You cannot escape when someone offers food because it will be considered impolite. Furthermore, they will fill more food into your plate if you said "delicious." After eating we have to say thank you in Turkish word "Ellerine saglik." Then the host who prepares the meal will answer "Afiyet olsun" which means "I hope the food make you healthy." Turkish coffee or tea is always on the menu after meals. The aroma of coffee and tea is very special and always make me want to return to Istanbul again. The people are also friendly and in fact "Tesekuderem" or thank you is always a part in every conversation.

Remember how aunts meet each other? Turkish people always greet whenever they meet on the street. Sometimes this culture makes me tired because we need to stay longer in certain places when we meet neighbors or friends on the way. When people want to leave each other, they do not only say goodbye, but also say "Have a nice work" (Kolaygelsin) or "Have a nice day" (Iyi gunler or allaha ismarladýk ). Elderly people will say a little prayer whenever they meet each other. Moreover, it is impolite if young people do not kiss old people's palms and put her/his hand to their forehead after kissing. Another thing that I also notice from Turkish people is that they always support and share good spirit to others by saying good words like "Canim benim" (my sweet darling).

Comparing to my Indonesian culture, Turkish culture is very interesting for me. I learned to appreciate people by saying these good words. Perhaps you have an experience where people give you a stiff face when you say good morning to them. What a culture that we live in today. We should follow the example of Turkish people by spreading a good spirit to others by saying motivational words. I believe that this habit is essential, especially during this difficult time. Let's cheer up other people today and start this habit yourself.