Turkey, a nation straddling two continents, is a blend of East and West, where ancient traditions coexist with modern influences.
Kirkwood Community College conducted a global spotlight on Thursday, Oct. 12. Muhammed Emin, Agricultural Sciences, and Emir Kaya, Media and Digital Arts, are part of the Community College Initiative Program and gave a presentation on Turkey.
Kaya said, “I was excited to talk about my country to other students. It was a fun experience and I am very glad to be a part of it. I also liked how everyone was all ears to our presentation.”
The presentation included the language, religions, hospitality, food, festivals and celebrations, education pattern, art and music and the famous people from Turkey. The official language of Turkey is Turkish, and the predominant religion is Islam, as Muslims are 90 percent of the population.
Turkish people are renowned for their hospitality. Inviting strangers into their homes for a cup of tea or a meal is common, and it reflects the warmth and friendliness of the culture.
Some common Turkish cuisine includes kebabs, Turkish delight, Baklava and Turkish tea. Kaya said, “I saw many people enjoyed the food The Café served.”
Turkey celebrates numerous festivals and events, mainly National Sovereignty and Children’s Day including the Istanbul Film Festival, the Whirling Dervishes Festival, and the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
Turkey is the second country in the world in access to higher education with the highest schooling rate. Turkish art, from the intricate tiles adorning historic buildings to traditional music, is deeply rooted in the country’s history. A visit to Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace or a chance to witness a live Sufi music performance can provide a glimpse into the nation’s artistic soul.
Turkey’s geographical diversity offers a wide range of destinations to explore like Hagia Sophia, Pamukkale, Kiz kulesi, Gobekli Tepe, Kapali carsi.
Kaya added, “After our presentation I had a chance to talk with some attendees and got very positive feedbacks on both my country and our presentation, which made me very happy as well.”
Categories: Art & Life
