Clearday-TRForce
12-07-2006, 06:15 AM
The Pope has wrapped up his trip to Turkey by saying Mass in a Catholic cathedral in Istanbul, and issuing a plea for freedom of religion in Turkey.
The four-day visit was seen as an attempt to repair the damage his comments on Islam in September caused across the Muslim world.
Many Turkish papers said he succeeded, with his moment of prayer in Istanbul's Blue Mosque hailed a "great gesture".
Was the Pope's visit a success? Has the visit helped to foster better relations between the Catholic Church and Muslim community? Do you live in Turkey? If so, how important was the visit?
BBC
Some answers;
1. The visit is positive it tells that broadminded religious leaders have got a role to play all over the world.
2. Communicative approach is the best way to understand the demand of communities worldwide, then to act accordingly to help them live in peace in a productive contributively way of living that results clean economics, industry relations based on fruitful behaviour. This is the crucial meaning of religions & its impact on human life.
3. It is this which makes life easier for the young generations cognitively avoid gloomy picture of events.
Abdulaziz Malik, Khartoum, Sudan
The Pope's trip was a major success. The world got a closeup of this gentle, kind and gracious man. However it never ceases to amaze me how much rubbish spews from the mainstream media. They enjoy so much to fan the flames of controversy and in particular the media driven "offense" the Pope was supposed to have made against Muslims.
The fact is that the entire Muslim world is an allay of the Pope since they, like him, stand firm against the brutal killing of unborn children through abortion and the nonsense of same *** marriage.Both religions have the same family values.
Joe Giardina, United States
This was an ideal example of how mis-information, mis-communications and mis-trusts are resolved. The Pope's visit was a significant and a very bold step in the right direction. The Pope knows that 'although his may be the true religion' others are but the 'creation of the same God'. The same goes for the Muslims. This however, was the best move the Pope could have made...I foresee a very good understanding between all the religions of the world...only if if we can have face to face dialogues rather than send press releases which can be mis-interpreted (unintionally or otherwise).
shariati, vancouver
"Stalin asked: How many divisions does the Pope have? Moral authority alone cannot overcome bitterly held views"
Well, Stalin was obviously wrong as a huge role of John Paul II in toppling communism in Eastern Europe, and eventually in USSR itself -
has amply demonstrated.
And that's why Stalin's successor, Yuri Aandropov ordered an assassination of JPII, asking Bulgarian Sigurnost to hire a Turk to throw investigators off the trail.
Mirek Kondracki
Let me get this straight. This is a man in a frock representing an organisation that only recently (historically) brutally enforced a program of executions against 'unbelievers', forcing people to adopt their structure in the name of a 'oracle'. And this man has visited a country in which 90 odd percent of the citizens are followers of a rival organization that actively suppresses women, with a just as inventive collection of methods of execution applied with the same enthusiasm on the orders of another collection of men in frocks.
Does this collective blind allegiance to questionably dressed, self appointed maniacs, and the brutal systems they administer, seem strange to anyone else?
Alex Stone, Studying in Moscow, Russia
After the Ottomans' collapse and the new Turkish Republic's foundation the Sultan could still carry the title of "halife" which means representative of Mohammed. But for the sake of a real secular country Turkish people gave the title up , though it brings an advantage upon controlling the other Muslim countries. For most of the Turks religion is an individual issue , it's a devotion between human and his god. So you don't need another human to contact with your god. We are not used to religious classes but we feel happy for our christian citizens. The problem is not the conflict between religions , but the people use religions. As Jesus said , if you look for me I am under a stone..
Funda TANJU, Istanbul-Turkey
Pope's successful visit is like a drop of reconcilliation in an ocean of clashing faiths and perceptions. The pope's negative comment on Islam he made before can never be forgotten, but at least he showed the willingness to try to understand Islam and being honest about his concerns. He wasn't patronizing but showed integrity. He needs to reach out & embrace people like John Paul II did because my friends still see Benedict XVI as still a bit rigid in his gestures. He needs to pray more oftenly to God & the Virgin Mary in his quest to rebuild moral esteem in The Church/Sanctuary after the scandals occured, before he can rebuild world peace with other faiths. He has some golden charm to use.
Gerardus Pedrico, Jakarta - Indonesia
As for the comment saying how successful the Pope's trip to Turkey since "...he displayed the core teaching of Christianity - Love your neighbor - which includes tolerating and respecting differences and seeking to understand others." -
Do you think Islam favours something else other than peace, respect and mutual understanding? How fair would it be to label all Muslims being "destroyers"? If those small group of extremist Islamists that act their sick actions under the name of Islam religion,this shouldn't be referred to all Muslims. We,as Turkish people,are also sick of them and sadly enough no teachings of any religion can help them.
Alev GUL
As an atheist, I would like to focus on one of motives of this trip beside the main one on the agenda that is Catholic-Orthodox relationships. It was a gesture to whole religious communities or national/regional identities, be it whatever, that the religious hatred or any identity shaped hatred or prejudices should leave its place to tolerance and understanding towards the other. Especially in our current era... Why we the people are so insistant to read this massage in a way to reproduce more hatred against particular religions and nations out of this massage. I think the massage should be read as it is... no need to be manupilative, no need to reproduce more hostility...
Isik Unan, Ankara-Turkey
pope instead of visting Turkey shud have visited bush and blair to teach them Bible. he shud teach these leaders that stealing others oil and natural resoucres and occupying others land,telling white lies and misleading people of their nation which are the causes of so many deaths and destruction worldwide is not sanctioned in Bible.so pope if he is serious abt world peace and interfaith dialogue is better advised to use his energy and resources to give correct teaching of Bible to bush/blair and neo-cons.
decent engineer, Delhi, India
I hope the Pope's gestures for dialoque does not translate into people's minds as welcoming Turkey in the EU as a full member.I hope people can realise that full membership means Turkey becoming the biggest country in the EU with toooo many MPS,meaning giving huge political and other power in EU's decisions and policies. Do we really want to surrender that much power to Turkey considering their 'norms' towards freedom of speech, women's rights, militaristic "pride" and lack of understandiing that a small country is considered as an equal as a huge one, in the EU..etc etc..? The Pope did not say that he wishes to see Turkey as a full member. Misinterpretated by Erdogan!
claudio, Italy
Stalin asked: How many divisions does the Pope have? Moral authority alone cannot overcome bitterly held views based on centuries of distrust. When Pope John visitd Greece he was attacked by fanatical Orthodox priests who saw his threading Greek soil as an abomination and insult to them. Attempts at reconciliation are just that attempts that engender their own misunderstandings necessitating more attempts with similar results. It's a useless cycle caused by the nature of all religions, unreasonble beliefs held blindly without question for centuries beyond their relevance. In that we are as wise as the Neandertals were or the ancient Egyptians in their day meaning we know nothing absolutely.
Yuri Olmchek, Chicago, Illinois
The Pope has made a mistake by praying in a mosque. To moderate Muslims the goodwill gesture was unnecessary but to the radicals it will be seen as a sign of weakness and proof that their view of religion is correct and Islam is destined to triumph over Christianity. His Holiness has only added fuel to the fire.
Scott W, Port Orchard, USA
Natalie's question: "I think it's now fair to say Christianity is violent. Isn't it?" is a valid one; indeed ALL religions, in their appeal to the young, gullible and generally less intelligent, are inherently divisive, seditious and encourage fervour. For us to have any hope mankind must evolve further, to the point where any and all ideas of an omnipotent being become as ridiculous as a flat earth.
Read, think and travel; but not in the wake of a silly man with no more wisdom than you or I and who, for no good reason, calls himself Pope; whatever that means.
Pige, Jersey, UK
Potentially this visit may be a good opportunity to curb tensions between so called "west" and "east". However, when biased "Western media" focuses on a bunch of lunatic Turkish enemylike protestors, and deliberatelly use this image in order to manipulate - this potentially promising event -into the direction of "look how intolerant the Turkish people are against Christianity" then the impact of this Pope visit might be slightly different. Nevertheless, I think it was a succes, and the bad intentions of the media cannot succeed in totally undermining it, although there are always a bunch of hate-loving ignorants who like to embrace this suspicious message of the media all too much.
Thomas, Dusseldorf
For man man reputed to be intelligent, The Pope's comments on Islam can only have been mischievous. A visit to a Muslim country and a few Mosques cannot and will not repair hundreds of years of distrust, heal the cultural rift nor build the bridges necessary for future peace. He has blotted his copy book right at the start and heightened tensions which are already killing scores of people daily. A Pope's role is to engender peace and understanding through faith, not state a political position which can destabilise nations and cultures and literally put them at each other's throats. I thought it was a woeful act and his visit to Istanbul is nothing more than a sop.
blogstar, Sydney Australia
It was a nice gesture from the Pope, but has it solved the problem that has been going on for the last couple thousands of years, no. This will not be a lasting effect. This is analogous when 9/11 happened, the city was united and nationalism was strong, but it didn't last long.
Samantha Souvatzis, Bronx, New York, USA
Difference between Religion and Spirituality. Religion is like high school. It has boundaries where you make mistakes and learn. Spirituality is like college where you apply what you learnt and make a better peaceful living without any boundaries. Figure out for yourself where you stand.
Anand, New York
"Bali bombings, Madrid bombings, Indionesia bombings, London bombings, murder of a dutch film maker, murder of a nun, the threat of violence to stop free speech in Denmark & Europe." Gareth Evans, UK
Well Gareth, give this a try...
World War I, World War II, Hitler/Nazis, Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Oklahoma Bombing, the KKK, Abortion Doctor Murders, Kosovo/Bosnia, the IRA bombings, Spanish ETA bombings, and of course - Iraq.
I think it's now fair to say Christianity is violent. Isn't it?
I hope the Pope's visit encourages some in the West to read a little more about a religion to which one quarter of the world's population adheres to.
Natalie Belle, Cairo, Egypt
NOTHING! Who really listens to this kind of non sense. IF you are a strong will/confident person in life you don't need a figure to tell you whats right and wrong. A confident person should have the ability to act in good manners and make good judgements in life. GOD IS LOVE GOD IS WAR, make no mistake! GOD divides people and instill hatred in people with diffrent views on life styles. Personally, I believe it's all about giving $$$$$$ to help them live a lavish life style behind the Vatican walls. If there is really GOD than the world would be ride of all the things happening now, rather than inflaming it! Live your life without restrictions, you make the decisions not GOD!
Roger T, Toronto
I take exception when you say Orthodox Christianity 'broke away from the Vatican'. If you would review Christian history you would see that all Christians were Orthodox, all bishops, including the Bishop of Rome(and he was called Pope even then) shared in power equally and the schism that occurred had one powerful see breaking ranks with the other four. Do you ever wonder why Roman Catholics seem to venerate saints that are, in relative terms, new? Because if they went back to there true roots it is there you would find Orthodoxy.
William, Lowellville, Ohio U.S.A.
I would like to first correct all reports indicating that the Pope said ANYTHING negative about any other religion. THE POPE WAS QUOTING SOMEONE ELSE. Many reports make it read as if the Pope in fact uttered these words as his opinion.
With that said, I believe the Pope's trip was successful because he demonstrated through actions how the three faiths who believe in GOD can coexist.
God Bless the people of all three faiths.
I. Tej, Chicago, IL
The Pope's visit to Turkey will certainly help to bridge the growing rift between Islam and the Western world. The scepticism and the disdain that were the receptors at his visit has largely subsided and this ought to be seen as a sign of a long process of the mendment of the relations that have been so severely didtorted between the two faiths.
Subhankar Mondal, Bangalore, India
It was appropriate that on St Andrews Day the pope joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to mark the feast day of St. Andrew, who preached across Asia Minor and who, tradition says, ordained the first bishop of Constantinople, now Istanbul.
The symbolism of the ceremony was highly significant to Roman Catholics. Andrew was the brother of St. Peter, who was martyred in Rome and is considered the first pope.
We can hope that Scotland national saint can be a unifying force for good accross the churches
Edward, Hungerford
It says alot about the Turkish people that they can host a hostile Pope and treat him like royalty. I'm sure that if he visited anywhere else in the Islamic world he would not enjoy the hospitality
Olaf Kolzig, USA
Christianity and Islam have still so much to learn from each other, so any chance to bring them closer is most welcome.
homeralp, London
Pope has now arrived in Istanbul,so far the only impact has been to the TRAFFIC !,normally takes me 45 mins to get home,last night 3 hours !,i've seen & heard many commnents which seem to me to be coming from people who really dont understand the Turks at all, yes they have a minority group who hold protests etc which can portray the country at its worst, but most other countries also have such cases time to time, for those making comments regarding Turk's not accepting other religions let me tell you about a place here in Istanbul called Ortakoy, you can find a Church,Synagogue & Mosque within 100 yards of each other,everyone accepted & live happily in the area, Great City , Great People !
Jackie Nixon, Istanbul / Turkey
The four-day visit was seen as an attempt to repair the damage his comments on Islam in September caused across the Muslim world.
Many Turkish papers said he succeeded, with his moment of prayer in Istanbul's Blue Mosque hailed a "great gesture".
Was the Pope's visit a success? Has the visit helped to foster better relations between the Catholic Church and Muslim community? Do you live in Turkey? If so, how important was the visit?
BBC
Some answers;
1. The visit is positive it tells that broadminded religious leaders have got a role to play all over the world.
2. Communicative approach is the best way to understand the demand of communities worldwide, then to act accordingly to help them live in peace in a productive contributively way of living that results clean economics, industry relations based on fruitful behaviour. This is the crucial meaning of religions & its impact on human life.
3. It is this which makes life easier for the young generations cognitively avoid gloomy picture of events.
Abdulaziz Malik, Khartoum, Sudan
The Pope's trip was a major success. The world got a closeup of this gentle, kind and gracious man. However it never ceases to amaze me how much rubbish spews from the mainstream media. They enjoy so much to fan the flames of controversy and in particular the media driven "offense" the Pope was supposed to have made against Muslims.
The fact is that the entire Muslim world is an allay of the Pope since they, like him, stand firm against the brutal killing of unborn children through abortion and the nonsense of same *** marriage.Both religions have the same family values.
Joe Giardina, United States
This was an ideal example of how mis-information, mis-communications and mis-trusts are resolved. The Pope's visit was a significant and a very bold step in the right direction. The Pope knows that 'although his may be the true religion' others are but the 'creation of the same God'. The same goes for the Muslims. This however, was the best move the Pope could have made...I foresee a very good understanding between all the religions of the world...only if if we can have face to face dialogues rather than send press releases which can be mis-interpreted (unintionally or otherwise).
shariati, vancouver
"Stalin asked: How many divisions does the Pope have? Moral authority alone cannot overcome bitterly held views"
Well, Stalin was obviously wrong as a huge role of John Paul II in toppling communism in Eastern Europe, and eventually in USSR itself -
has amply demonstrated.
And that's why Stalin's successor, Yuri Aandropov ordered an assassination of JPII, asking Bulgarian Sigurnost to hire a Turk to throw investigators off the trail.
Mirek Kondracki
Let me get this straight. This is a man in a frock representing an organisation that only recently (historically) brutally enforced a program of executions against 'unbelievers', forcing people to adopt their structure in the name of a 'oracle'. And this man has visited a country in which 90 odd percent of the citizens are followers of a rival organization that actively suppresses women, with a just as inventive collection of methods of execution applied with the same enthusiasm on the orders of another collection of men in frocks.
Does this collective blind allegiance to questionably dressed, self appointed maniacs, and the brutal systems they administer, seem strange to anyone else?
Alex Stone, Studying in Moscow, Russia
After the Ottomans' collapse and the new Turkish Republic's foundation the Sultan could still carry the title of "halife" which means representative of Mohammed. But for the sake of a real secular country Turkish people gave the title up , though it brings an advantage upon controlling the other Muslim countries. For most of the Turks religion is an individual issue , it's a devotion between human and his god. So you don't need another human to contact with your god. We are not used to religious classes but we feel happy for our christian citizens. The problem is not the conflict between religions , but the people use religions. As Jesus said , if you look for me I am under a stone..
Funda TANJU, Istanbul-Turkey
Pope's successful visit is like a drop of reconcilliation in an ocean of clashing faiths and perceptions. The pope's negative comment on Islam he made before can never be forgotten, but at least he showed the willingness to try to understand Islam and being honest about his concerns. He wasn't patronizing but showed integrity. He needs to reach out & embrace people like John Paul II did because my friends still see Benedict XVI as still a bit rigid in his gestures. He needs to pray more oftenly to God & the Virgin Mary in his quest to rebuild moral esteem in The Church/Sanctuary after the scandals occured, before he can rebuild world peace with other faiths. He has some golden charm to use.
Gerardus Pedrico, Jakarta - Indonesia
As for the comment saying how successful the Pope's trip to Turkey since "...he displayed the core teaching of Christianity - Love your neighbor - which includes tolerating and respecting differences and seeking to understand others." -
Do you think Islam favours something else other than peace, respect and mutual understanding? How fair would it be to label all Muslims being "destroyers"? If those small group of extremist Islamists that act their sick actions under the name of Islam religion,this shouldn't be referred to all Muslims. We,as Turkish people,are also sick of them and sadly enough no teachings of any religion can help them.
Alev GUL
As an atheist, I would like to focus on one of motives of this trip beside the main one on the agenda that is Catholic-Orthodox relationships. It was a gesture to whole religious communities or national/regional identities, be it whatever, that the religious hatred or any identity shaped hatred or prejudices should leave its place to tolerance and understanding towards the other. Especially in our current era... Why we the people are so insistant to read this massage in a way to reproduce more hatred against particular religions and nations out of this massage. I think the massage should be read as it is... no need to be manupilative, no need to reproduce more hostility...
Isik Unan, Ankara-Turkey
pope instead of visting Turkey shud have visited bush and blair to teach them Bible. he shud teach these leaders that stealing others oil and natural resoucres and occupying others land,telling white lies and misleading people of their nation which are the causes of so many deaths and destruction worldwide is not sanctioned in Bible.so pope if he is serious abt world peace and interfaith dialogue is better advised to use his energy and resources to give correct teaching of Bible to bush/blair and neo-cons.
decent engineer, Delhi, India
I hope the Pope's gestures for dialoque does not translate into people's minds as welcoming Turkey in the EU as a full member.I hope people can realise that full membership means Turkey becoming the biggest country in the EU with toooo many MPS,meaning giving huge political and other power in EU's decisions and policies. Do we really want to surrender that much power to Turkey considering their 'norms' towards freedom of speech, women's rights, militaristic "pride" and lack of understandiing that a small country is considered as an equal as a huge one, in the EU..etc etc..? The Pope did not say that he wishes to see Turkey as a full member. Misinterpretated by Erdogan!
claudio, Italy
Stalin asked: How many divisions does the Pope have? Moral authority alone cannot overcome bitterly held views based on centuries of distrust. When Pope John visitd Greece he was attacked by fanatical Orthodox priests who saw his threading Greek soil as an abomination and insult to them. Attempts at reconciliation are just that attempts that engender their own misunderstandings necessitating more attempts with similar results. It's a useless cycle caused by the nature of all religions, unreasonble beliefs held blindly without question for centuries beyond their relevance. In that we are as wise as the Neandertals were or the ancient Egyptians in their day meaning we know nothing absolutely.
Yuri Olmchek, Chicago, Illinois
The Pope has made a mistake by praying in a mosque. To moderate Muslims the goodwill gesture was unnecessary but to the radicals it will be seen as a sign of weakness and proof that their view of religion is correct and Islam is destined to triumph over Christianity. His Holiness has only added fuel to the fire.
Scott W, Port Orchard, USA
Natalie's question: "I think it's now fair to say Christianity is violent. Isn't it?" is a valid one; indeed ALL religions, in their appeal to the young, gullible and generally less intelligent, are inherently divisive, seditious and encourage fervour. For us to have any hope mankind must evolve further, to the point where any and all ideas of an omnipotent being become as ridiculous as a flat earth.
Read, think and travel; but not in the wake of a silly man with no more wisdom than you or I and who, for no good reason, calls himself Pope; whatever that means.
Pige, Jersey, UK
Potentially this visit may be a good opportunity to curb tensions between so called "west" and "east". However, when biased "Western media" focuses on a bunch of lunatic Turkish enemylike protestors, and deliberatelly use this image in order to manipulate - this potentially promising event -into the direction of "look how intolerant the Turkish people are against Christianity" then the impact of this Pope visit might be slightly different. Nevertheless, I think it was a succes, and the bad intentions of the media cannot succeed in totally undermining it, although there are always a bunch of hate-loving ignorants who like to embrace this suspicious message of the media all too much.
Thomas, Dusseldorf
For man man reputed to be intelligent, The Pope's comments on Islam can only have been mischievous. A visit to a Muslim country and a few Mosques cannot and will not repair hundreds of years of distrust, heal the cultural rift nor build the bridges necessary for future peace. He has blotted his copy book right at the start and heightened tensions which are already killing scores of people daily. A Pope's role is to engender peace and understanding through faith, not state a political position which can destabilise nations and cultures and literally put them at each other's throats. I thought it was a woeful act and his visit to Istanbul is nothing more than a sop.
blogstar, Sydney Australia
It was a nice gesture from the Pope, but has it solved the problem that has been going on for the last couple thousands of years, no. This will not be a lasting effect. This is analogous when 9/11 happened, the city was united and nationalism was strong, but it didn't last long.
Samantha Souvatzis, Bronx, New York, USA
Difference between Religion and Spirituality. Religion is like high school. It has boundaries where you make mistakes and learn. Spirituality is like college where you apply what you learnt and make a better peaceful living without any boundaries. Figure out for yourself where you stand.
Anand, New York
"Bali bombings, Madrid bombings, Indionesia bombings, London bombings, murder of a dutch film maker, murder of a nun, the threat of violence to stop free speech in Denmark & Europe." Gareth Evans, UK
Well Gareth, give this a try...
World War I, World War II, Hitler/Nazis, Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Oklahoma Bombing, the KKK, Abortion Doctor Murders, Kosovo/Bosnia, the IRA bombings, Spanish ETA bombings, and of course - Iraq.
I think it's now fair to say Christianity is violent. Isn't it?
I hope the Pope's visit encourages some in the West to read a little more about a religion to which one quarter of the world's population adheres to.
Natalie Belle, Cairo, Egypt
NOTHING! Who really listens to this kind of non sense. IF you are a strong will/confident person in life you don't need a figure to tell you whats right and wrong. A confident person should have the ability to act in good manners and make good judgements in life. GOD IS LOVE GOD IS WAR, make no mistake! GOD divides people and instill hatred in people with diffrent views on life styles. Personally, I believe it's all about giving $$$$$$ to help them live a lavish life style behind the Vatican walls. If there is really GOD than the world would be ride of all the things happening now, rather than inflaming it! Live your life without restrictions, you make the decisions not GOD!
Roger T, Toronto
I take exception when you say Orthodox Christianity 'broke away from the Vatican'. If you would review Christian history you would see that all Christians were Orthodox, all bishops, including the Bishop of Rome(and he was called Pope even then) shared in power equally and the schism that occurred had one powerful see breaking ranks with the other four. Do you ever wonder why Roman Catholics seem to venerate saints that are, in relative terms, new? Because if they went back to there true roots it is there you would find Orthodoxy.
William, Lowellville, Ohio U.S.A.
I would like to first correct all reports indicating that the Pope said ANYTHING negative about any other religion. THE POPE WAS QUOTING SOMEONE ELSE. Many reports make it read as if the Pope in fact uttered these words as his opinion.
With that said, I believe the Pope's trip was successful because he demonstrated through actions how the three faiths who believe in GOD can coexist.
God Bless the people of all three faiths.
I. Tej, Chicago, IL
The Pope's visit to Turkey will certainly help to bridge the growing rift between Islam and the Western world. The scepticism and the disdain that were the receptors at his visit has largely subsided and this ought to be seen as a sign of a long process of the mendment of the relations that have been so severely didtorted between the two faiths.
Subhankar Mondal, Bangalore, India
It was appropriate that on St Andrews Day the pope joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to mark the feast day of St. Andrew, who preached across Asia Minor and who, tradition says, ordained the first bishop of Constantinople, now Istanbul.
The symbolism of the ceremony was highly significant to Roman Catholics. Andrew was the brother of St. Peter, who was martyred in Rome and is considered the first pope.
We can hope that Scotland national saint can be a unifying force for good accross the churches
Edward, Hungerford
It says alot about the Turkish people that they can host a hostile Pope and treat him like royalty. I'm sure that if he visited anywhere else in the Islamic world he would not enjoy the hospitality
Olaf Kolzig, USA
Christianity and Islam have still so much to learn from each other, so any chance to bring them closer is most welcome.
homeralp, London
Pope has now arrived in Istanbul,so far the only impact has been to the TRAFFIC !,normally takes me 45 mins to get home,last night 3 hours !,i've seen & heard many commnents which seem to me to be coming from people who really dont understand the Turks at all, yes they have a minority group who hold protests etc which can portray the country at its worst, but most other countries also have such cases time to time, for those making comments regarding Turk's not accepting other religions let me tell you about a place here in Istanbul called Ortakoy, you can find a Church,Synagogue & Mosque within 100 yards of each other,everyone accepted & live happily in the area, Great City , Great People !
Jackie Nixon, Istanbul / Turkey