Turkey Briefing as a Traditional Turkish Element - Essay Example

Turkey briefing Traditional Turkish element that can be seen in Turkey Turkish culture composed of a combination of vastly diverse and multi-sectional set of elements collected from the European, ottoman, central Asians and Middle Eastern traditions (Aslanapa, 1). Nowruz which refers to a new day in the Iranian calendar which is the Iranian new year which refers to the Persian new year. It is celebrated by all the people since historical times and spread to many other parts of the neighboring regions such as central Asia. This is celebrated as a spring festival within the region also linked to the Jewish festival of Purim. Extent of cultural influence of westernization and modernization Through development and urbanization, a lot of interactions among different state societies occur bringing about cultural intrusions, collisions and influences among themselves (David, 12). Turkey in the search for development and stability welcomed a lot of intrusions by other cultures through various activities. Such activities are such as engagement in cross cultural trading and social relations that cause interchange and adoptions of various cultural aspects such as religion. During the 1920s periods turkey underwent a system modernization program referred to as the “Kemalism” and through vital European tactics together with Turkish technocrats’ developed a successful development model (Belbor, 8). Various aspects of Turkish culture such as religion, language and other practices significantly influenced through this westernization process and development. Cultural sensitivities visitors to Turkey should be aware of Visitors to any new region need to be sensitive to the norms of the region so as not to spur any conflicts of interests among them. These norms are inclusive of political governance, laws and cultural practices and observations. Taking of photographs of places considered as of cultural sensitivity such as of religious sites and temples should be seriously considered. Approximately ninety eight of the population is Muslim and religious aspects are considered to be a personal matters (Cloe, 5). As such visitors should adhere to respect of the local customs, traditional laws and religions of the region in all their actions to ensure they do not offend the natives. This should be particularly crucial during sensitive periods and in sensitive places such as during the holly month period of ramadhan or when visiting sacred, religious sites. Role of religion in Turkish society In likeness to other societies religion plays a highly diversified role in the community. Most of the norms and regulatory guidelines within the society are depicted by religion (Howel, 21). The majority of the Turkish populations are Muslim, and they rely on this religion in their social organization. The importance and roles within the institute of the family outlined in the religion with the roles of men and women dictated together with rules to be followed. It is also through this same religious belief that some rules and regulations of peace and stability followed within the nation. Islamic religion also holds a position for the passing of judgment and punishment of law offenders thus further strengthening the rule of law and functioning of the judicial system. How valuable is Islam to lives of the Turkish people Islam is the principal religion within the region, and it holds as the corner stone of society. Islam is the glue that holds and binds the people and other aspects of the people’s lives. Almost every aspect of the Turks lives revolves around the Muslim religion (John, 13). Through Islam, the structure and roles of the family established, and the expected norms of conduct outlined. Through this belief, people are able to interrelate well with each other also to respect the importance for the rule of law. Peace developed throughout the region through respect for life and for the structure of governance through belief in the teachings of the religion. Impacts of religion Religion is a vital component of the livelihoods and component aspects of the society. As a result, of this massive role that it plays it impacts both positively and negatively to the socioeconomic and political aspects of the state. On the negative side, religion divides people into two different groups of “us” and “them”. This arises conflicts and disagreements between people which are detrimental to partnerships. Such partnerships are what is necessary for economic development through fair, peaceful trade relations, political stability through agreements on the rule of law and governing strategies, and social relations among the communities in their daily life activities (Shankland, 23). Even so the positive impacts that religion has had on these various sectors is far much greater. This is through the unity of the people through mutual belief and agreement to the societal norms and regulations. Religion has united relations of societies and made it possible to agree on governing laws and regulatory norms, coexistence in the social aspects of community life, and the ability to conduct fair trade enabling economic development. Turkey’s political systems and ruling party’s impacts on its social, religious and economic factors According to Alex 27 Turkey follows a democratic mode of ruling giving considerable consideration and power to the needs of the people. Because of this, it has passed various reforms both in the legal, social and economical aspect of the society. These reforms aimed at improving the conditions of these fields to maximize the benefits accrued from engagement into such activities. Social reforms brought change and development to the livelihoods of people such as improved educational and health system and services (Beryl, 6). Other reforms such as improved trading conditions and benefits such as low taxing also developed and this enhances the economic condition of the state leading to improved livelihoods of the people in the society (Alex, 9). Legally, reforms that support legal equity and political rights within the region established. Such just establishment by the governing political party and system ensured the development of the state to the current state. Key infrastructural investment made in turkey According to Bryan 10, in the year 1930, turkey introduced the start of the use of the five years plan project and through these various infrastructural developments made possible over time. This was as a result, to responses to the need for economic development in the region to match up to the increasing population’s demands and universal trends. As a result to this transport industry such as roads and railways’ got developed to improve economic relations and activities. Also as a result of the need to improve productivity and to maintain fair health standards, the health sector is among one of the sectors that got significant infrastructural improvements such that to ensure proper, healthy individuals to work and supply the economic sector to improve productivity and developmental progress. Works cited Alex, W. “Political systems and culture.” International Politics (1992): 13-30. Print. Aslanapa, O. Turkish art and architecture. London: Faber, 1971. Print. Beryl, D. Managing the political and social cultural effects. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2000. Print. Belbor, N. Management Teams: political, social and economical development. New York; Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann press, 2007. Print. Bryan, N. “Theorizing the Politics of Globalizations.” Transformationalism Journal of Economic and Social Research (1999): 10-33. Print. Cloe, A. Islamic religious effects. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print. David, S. Impacts of modernization and westernization. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell. Print. Howe, L. “Religion in society and socialism.” Social research journal (2001): 20-30. Print. John, D. Islamic architecture. London: Faber, 2004. Print. Shankland, D. The Alevis in Turkey: The Emergence of a Secular Islamic Tradition. London: Routledge Publishers, 2003. Print. Read More