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Intercultural conflict in Turkey. No, no...actually; Turkey in intercultural conflict Printable Version PRINTABLE VERSION
by TellUs, Jul 1, 2007
Culture   Short Stories

  

The word “conflict” leads us to refer to other words, namely; miscommunication, misunderstanding, misattributions, disagreement and so on... When we observe conflict issues in cultures, we get to know that there are other concepts in culture like ethnocentrism, prejudices -stereotypes- , values, norms, identity, beliefs and nationalism as well; especially while looking at polychronic cultures, these concepts’ - In fact, not only concepts but also cultures themselves- interaction, their understanding and value of interdependence and self-interest should be taken into consideration in details. Considering Turkish culture as polychronic, the topic “ Intercultural Conflict” should be studied under some basic titles like Ottomans( especially to emphasize historical background) minorities, islamic- secular traditions, and the contemporary situation ( including the effect of globalization and EU harmonization process)

Looking deeply the history of Republic of Turkey, It’s impossible and also wrong to ignore Ottoman Empire. Of course with the establisment of the Republic, lots of things had changed except that the people were still living in the same ground. So, considering huge borders of Ottoman Empire, It can be clearly seen that there were so many different cultures, ways of living, also different religions in one country. And after establishing Turkish Republic all these differences have been seen in the frame of minorities and also secular way of living, traditions in a way. As we all know Turkey is a secular country but considering the eastern part of Turkey and central Anatolia, in terms of way of living, Islamic tradition has crucial effect on people’s way of living. And also the existence of minorities ( such as Greeks, Armenians... ) gives another dimension to our Turkish culture... ( If we think that we all form Turkish culture together in Turkey) So as I mentioned in the beginning; misunderstanding, misattributions come with prejudices and especially lack of tolerence as well. And also having so narrow view of world, create ” others” from the view of “others” even in a unique country, sometimes even in same apartment.

Contemporary changes, which is briefly called the effect of globalization, is another significant fact on the creation of intercultural conflict.– whether this boosts up the conflict of cultures or frees from them... But It is evident that, as a result of globalization, people are gathered around and get the chance to know “others” ( in fact each other) Internet, television are really vital means of communication to build that interaction..Remembering terrorism issue in Turkey, 90s was really hot point and was like only Turkey’s exception. But now, seeing, being witness of other kind of terrorism, some of the attitudes are changing. It’s also valid for natural disasters too. It can be seen as a tragic example but people started to be sad for “others” too. These events lead people’s harsh prejudices to be melt, in a way. Moreoever to these general changes, As you all know, Turkey’s harmonization process to EU had changed so many things in Turkey. At least, some topics started to be discussed more freely to understand what is going on here before explaining that. This also effected people’s way of living and culture and conflicts in itself.

In short, These tittles can be disscussed and used as basic captions to try to find way to resolve these conflicts. But from now, It’s obvious that pople need to have some tolerance and have open –wide- view of world to understand, to see ... just like anywhere on the earth. They need to give themselves a chance to know “others” which is the word, they created! And considering basicly Turkey; reality that all cultures and also conflicts living together, although the reasons are different. But Turkey can be great subject to be studied under that discussion , including so many cultures in itself.

Ceren Gergeroglu
Ankara





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