I received a job offer to be a governess in Turkey. Part of me is intrigued and definitely wants to go. Another part of me is a little hesitant due to the current political climate.
My questions are: Has anyone else on this board ever been to Turkey? What is it like? Also, I’m curious as to whether anyone else would even consider going there at this point. Am I totally crazy? Also, I’m a light skinned Black woman and I’ve emailed my photo to the family I would be living with. They don’t have a problem with my race. I’m just wondering if it could be an issue in Turkey.
No it is not, at least not in the sense of countries like Iran and (formerly) Afghanistan . The government is strongly secular, although the majority of the population happens to be Muslim.
You are tarring a very large number of countries with a very broad brush.
Do you actually know anything about Turkey, specifically?
Bosda, please stop talking out of your ass. Have you ever been to Turkey? My guess is no.
Maryangel, Turkey is a fantastic country with a fascinating culture and history. Its people is one of the most hospitable ones in the world! You’ll feel right at home. Depending on where you would live, English is spoken quite well (major cities, tourist areas), and as long as you’re not stationed in some podunk town in the East, you’ll find the country quite secular and welcoming to non-Muslims. It may have an Islamic government right now, but those come and go as elections pass. For the past 20 odd years, the government was secular. Turkey is aiming for an EU-entry, and while that’s a long shot at this stage, it means policy and law aren’t comparable to radically Muslim nations like Saudi Arabia at all. The country does have its fair share of human rights violations, though: mostly in the penal system. Stay out of jail. Rent “Midnight Express” first, if you don’t find my words convincing.
As for you being black, I can’t really say I would know if that would cause racial problems. There are few immigrants that live in Turkey, and those who are are typically white Europeans. Still, I can’t say that the Turks are known for their racist attitudes. You WILL have to occasionally swallow a lot of anti-Greek crap, though. Not to mention anti-Kurd crap. Part of the experience, I guess.
While the Islamic Party may have won the last elections, the government is still constitutionally secular. They’re not about to establish shariah law or anything like that.
I lived in Ankara for one summer while my dad was stationed there with the Air Force. Unfortunately, that was over 35 years ago, so I don’t know how much it’s changed since then. When I was there the people were extremely friendly and very hospitable. However, once you get behind the wheel of a car (or try to cross a street) you’re taking your life in your hands.
Oh, yeah! Traffic is an absolute killer over there. When approaching an intersection, drivers tend to play a game of chicken with each other. The one that brakes first, is a pussy.
I second Coldfire on this one. I spent 2 months in Turkey starting September 18, 2001. I found the people to be amongst the most welcoming that I have ever met. Furthermore, the countryside is so diverse and so accessible (thanks to a bus system that puts Greyhound or National Express to shame) that you’ll feel like you are in a number of countries, rather than just one. Just make sure you see the entire country. Istabul and Ankara are amazing, but so much different than the rest of the country. And it is unbelievably affordable (one of those rare countries where you can live on very little and not feel that it is at the expense of the locals).
As for the country being Islamic, you are right. The main religion of the people is Islam. The first time you hear the call to prayer over the loudspeakers of the Blue Mosque, you will be captivated. Suffice it to say that I can’t say enough about the country, other than go!
Are you serious??? And would you paint all Americans with that brush based on our history with Native Americans? All Germans based on the actions of Hitler? (Godwin be damned, we’re talkin’ genocide here) Face it Bosda, you were caught talking out of your backside; please allow those who actually know something about the country to answer the OP.
Maryangel, what part of the country would you be living in? Istanbul is a sprawling metropolis. That’s the only part I’ve visited, but my best drinking mate in Germany was a Turkish expatriate and he went on about the nice places to visit in the countryside. Another British friend told me it’s his favorite vacation spot. Turks are generally renowned for their hospitality, International matches against the English notwithstanding. And all of the Turks that I’ve personally met have reinforced the extra-friendly stereotype.
The driving in Istanbul is a bit crazy though, and I could never penetrate their sense of humor (in cartoons and such). I’d recommend you try to learn some of the language. In most countries if you make an effort then many people will try and help you out in any situation.
Maryangel, you may have already looked at this but here’s a link to the US State Department’s Consular Information Sheet for Turkey. It describes the political situation, crime rates (low rates of street crime, but women are at higher risk), and other information about safety/security, etc, etc. A close family friend (my au pair from long ago, actually) has lived in Turkey – Antalya for many years, but now in Istanbul – for nearly 20 years now and assures me it is lovely and pretty safe. It’s at the top of my list of countries to visit in the next year or two.
Thanks for all of the replies! I have to say that I’ve been pleasantly surprised! I thought that most of the posts would be like Bosda’s or Pharmboy’s! While I do appreciate their opinions, it’s great to hear positive things about the country.
In answer to your question, ShibbOleth, I would be staying in Istanbul. I would be living with a family and tutoring their children in English.
Bosda, please stop it. Someone’s asking about living in Turkey for a while. People are responding. You went WAY over the top, and obviously know nothing about the country. Like I said, I’m pretty sure you’ve never been there. Am I right?
Then kindly butt out of it, and let those in the know answer the questions. You know where to go if you need to “debate” this further, right?
