Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Turkey still is a secular nation. But in recent years, with each election, the line
between mosque and state gets a little more blurred. Turkey, like so much of today's
world, is in a tug-of-war between secular forces and right-wing fundamentalism. And, just
as in other Islamic lands, Turkish fundamentalist groups use fear of perceived American
meddling to win public support. With the ramped-up economic metabolism that comes
with globalization—all those modern changes I found so striking—people whose time-
honored ways are threatened cling to what makes their cultures and societies unique. They
seek solace in their rituals, religion, and traditions.
People around the world are passionate about their struggles.
During the holy month of Ramadan, practicing Muslims refrain from eating, drinking,
or even smoking during daylight hours. As a visitor, I find the Muslim faith all the more
vivid and engaging during Ramadan. As an oblivious tourist, I kept stumbling into the
subtle ways Ramadan affects everyday life. Sucking sweet apple tobacco from a water
pipe, I offered my waiter a puff of my hookah. He put his hand over his heart and ex-
plained he'd love to, but he couldn't until the sun went down. During Ramadan, if you
sleep lightly, you'll wake to the call to prayer and the sounds of a convivial meal just be-
fore dawn. As the sun rises, the fast begins. Later, as the sun sets, the food comes out, and
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