Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
The city of Ankara has a population of at least 4.5 million. The number has doubtless grown since the 2008 census. It is about three times more populated than Philadelphia, whose 2010 count was over 1.5 million. And it's way bigger than my hometown of West Chester, PA, whose 2000 census counted less than 18,000... Continue Reading →
Below are some of my observations and impressions on Turkish healthcare as compared to the American system. Some good, some bad, some indifferent. In Turkey, one can get almost any prescription drug they want without a prescription. The pharmacists need the prescription for insurance purposes. But a person can get what they need if they have... Continue Reading →
Last week, a group of friends fell into a conversation about death, the afterlife, and reincarnation. One of the older women expressed her fear of dying. She said it was not so much because of her age, but rather, because she enjoys life so much! She is very active politically, socially, and so forth. She... Continue Reading →
"Fear of the Law" has prevented me from writing freely this past year. Since I wasn't raised here, I don't fully understand how things work. But I do know that many people have been prosecuted for "insulting Turkishness" under the Turkish criminal code. I'm not afraid to say that I am afraid of that. I... Continue Reading →
Wishing all of my Jewish friends a very Happy Hanukkah!! May you enjoy this holiday season! I also want to take a moment to recognize all of my friends who are suffering from AIDS or HIV. Todays is World's AIDS Day. A day to remember those we have lost and to turn our thoughts towards... Continue Reading →
This morning I expereinced something miraculous, wonderous, beautiful, strange, and different. Today is the 72nd anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death. He was the founding father of modern Turkey. At exactly 9:05 this morning, the precise time that he passed, all of Turkey came to a standstill for 2 minutes of silence. I was driving... Continue Reading →
I never really understood why Americans get their shorts all in a bunch when others speak Spanish in the country. Perhaps it's just arrogance. Or maybe it's fear. The United States is one of the "newer" countries in the large scheme of things. It was built (after a bit of theft) by a multitude of nationalities, races,... Continue Reading →
We are all fans of McDonald’s. Sure, go ahead, claim that you are not. You can argue that it’s not a real burger. But we don’t go to McDonald’s for real burgers. We make those at home on the grill. We go for the two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce cheese, pickles, onions, on... Continue Reading →
I have received messages from many of my friends regarding the recent attack by Israelis on a Turkish ship, a freedom flotilla, that was carrying activists and aid to blockaded Gaza. Reports in news articles varied on many issues including the number of activists killed. The final count was nine Turks, one of whom was born... Continue Reading →
Musings of a Philadelphia lawyer - who married a Turk, quit her day job, and set out for adventure!
-by Terry Henson Kaymak
Adventures in Ankara 