Posted on 08/31/2014 10:05:48 AM PDT by re_tail20
“Its basic history.”
In that case, are there genetics or anthropological studies that you can point me towards?
Thanks re_tail20.
When Xenophon and the Ten Thousand Greeks (originally hired as mercenaries by Cyrus the Younger, who had been killed in an attempt to overthrow his brother and become king) traveled through that area (400 B.C.) the people living there were called Kardouchoi—thought to be the ancestors of the present-day Kurds.
How does one get around in the countryside without speaking Turkish? (No guides either, lets say you’re a hippie backpacking throughout the country)
Saladin was a Muslim, yes. But he wasn’t radical. He’ll probably execute ISIS elements in his army. Remember 1,000 years ago, the Muslims were quite enlightened.
Hippies wouldn't be let off the plane. If they "became" hippies while they were there, they would NOT be allowed to backpack.
One DOESN'T "get around" the countryside. It's Turkey; it's a rigid, Muslim country.
From the Internet:
Human rights in Turkey have been the subject of some controversy and international condemnation. Between 1998 and 2008 the European Court of Human Rights made more than 1,600 judgements against Turkey for human rights violations, particularly regarding the right to life and freedom from torture.
[THAT should tell you ALL you want to know about the place.]
Other issues, such as Kurdish rights, women's rights, and press freedom, have also attracted controversy. Turkey's human rights record continues to be a significant obstacle to future membership of the EU.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the AKP government has waged one of the world's biggest crackdowns on press freedoms. A large number of journalists have been arrested using charges of "terrorism" and "anti-state activities" such as the Ergenekon and Balyoz cases, while thousands have been investigated on charges such as "denigrating Turkishness" or "insulting Islam" in an effort to sow self-censorship.
In 2012, the CPJ identified 76 jailed journalists in Turkey, including 61 directly held for their published work, more than in Iran, Eritrea or China.
Still, Turkey is probably the best possible scenario for a Muslim nation.
2. Still, Turkey is probably the best possible scenario for a Muslim nation.
I wouldn't be too sure about that. You saw their U.N. record for torture.
I think that EGYPT is the BEST possible scenario for a Muslim nation. I loved Egypt. We visited it TWICE when my husband and I were with ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptians love their country, their culture and themselves. It showed TO ME in their generous treatment of tourists.
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I'm no expert, M.R., these are just my opinions.
What I find fascinating is that the areas in the map (where Kurds are in the majority?) constitute both oil-rich regions in Iraq AND the headwaters of both the Tigris and Euphrates.
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