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Scenarios unclear on future picture of Turkey and European countries

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Pelopas Kiatou Korinthias

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Nov 12, 1997, 3:00:00 AM11/12/97

12 November,1997, Copyright =A9 Turkish Daily News
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Features Page contents
Scenarios unclear on future picture of Turkey and European Mediterranean
countries
One view is that Turkey will remain in "institutional limbo" on Europe's
periphery
Turks are not alone in confronting issues of ethnicity, nationalism,
religious revival, and identity
Analyst sees tendency toward greater independence and assertiveness in
Turkish foreign policy, with an emphasis on "regionally-based foreign
policy"
The Most Beautiful Stories In History
Finally, the book we've all been waiting for...Turkey's Religious Sites b=
y
Anna G. Edmonds
Yemenicioglu's new three-dimensional theme
Symphony commemorates Ataturk
The Izmir State Symphony Orchestra dedicated last week's performance to
Ataturk
Again, 'Viva La Mamma'
Yelda Kodalli recital in Izmir
Hot Stuff! Flamenco dancing lessons!
The TRNC moves to Istanbul -- culturally speaking
The medium is the message
Internationally renowned artist Burhan Dogancay is exhibiting his paintin=
gs
until December 6 at the Artium Gallery, Ankara
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Scenarios unclear on future picture of Turkey and European Mediterranean
countries
One view is that Turkey will remain in "institutional limbo" on Europe's
periphery
Turks are not alone in confronting issues of ethnicity, nationalism,
religious revival, and identity
Analyst sees tendency toward greater independence and assertiveness in
Turkish foreign policy, with an emphasis on "regionally-based foreign
policy"
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----
By Yasemin Dobra-Manco / Turkish Daily News
Istanbul- In today's post-Cold War world, numerous countries are undergoi=
ng
a crisis of identity. The EU itself is in the process of defining itself.
Friction between secularists, religious zealots, conservatives and libera=
ls
is becoming increasingly apparent between Jews and Muslims. Ethnic demand=
s
in multi-ethnic countries such as Macedonia are demonstrating how too muc=
h
diversity can lead to divisiveness. The dynamics behind the push for an
ethnically and religiously homogeneous nation has been witnessed by Serbi=
an
ultra-nationalist aspirations. These examples raise the question: How can
countries maintain allegiance to common principles and values and promote
coexistence amidst diverse groups without jeopardizing the interests of t=
he
state?
As developments unfold in Europe and the Mediterranean region, analysts a=
re
trying to envision how the regional picture will take shape within severa=
l
decades. As discussions and debates focus on Turkey's credentials for EU
membership, it is important to keep in mind that Europe itself is trouble=
d,
not that prosperous, or confident. Not only does Turkey's acceptance of E=
U
membership depend on the resolution of economic, political and social
problems in Turkey, but it depends on how Europe deals with its own
problems.
Two papers written by Ian O. Lesser look at Turkey and Europe's possible
future orientation and evolution, Turkey's regional role, and internal
issues of religion, ethnicity, and nationalism. Both papers present the
opinions expressed by the analyst and were published in 1997 by the
California-based RAND Institution which conducts research and analysis to
help improve public policy.
A MORE ACTIVE SOUTHERN EUROPE
In the first paper by the RAND Senior Analyst, "Future Vision 2010:
Mediterranean Europe and Turkey," the author looks at both Europe and
Turkey's uncertain future and areas of new stresses and instability.
Attention is drawn to the view that "there can be little doubt that the
areas on Europe's southern periphery, from the Maghreb to Turkey's Middle
Eastern borders, will be the scene of crisis and change over the next
decades. The demographic, economic and political pressures across this ar=
c
of crisis," or arc of change, will directly expose Europe's borderlands t=
o
the potential spillovers from developments across the Mediterranean. This
will lead to a more active and important southern European involvement in
European and international affairs.
Turkey's "identity crisis" will also play a role in the affairs of
Mediterranean Europe. The rise of Islamic politics and nationalism will
reinforce the existing identity crisis, as well as ambivalent European
attitudes toward Turkey, according to Lesser.
The paper offers three scenarios which sketch different paths Europe may
follow, along with implications for the US and transatlantic relations.
EUROPE FINDING ITS WAY
In Lesser's most likely scenario there will be a prolonged period of
unimpressive economic growth and relatively high unemployment in the EU
which could make European monetary union a protracted or inconclusive
process. Mediterranean countries will be faced with new challenges, such =
as
new NATO and EU members.
These challenges will be "especially acute for Turkey...Europe is likely =
to
hold Turkey at arms length through 2010 and beyond. Closer economic
relations, including the full implementation of the customs union, are
possible, but full membership in the EU and WEU will almost certainly be
unattainable. Europe will continue to view Turkey as a useful barrier to
instability in the south and east, rather than as a cultural, political a=
nd
economic bridge. Cultural unease, economic and migration concerns, human
rights complaints, and worries about the security 'baggage' Turkish EU
membership would imply, all suggest that Turkey will remain in institutio=
nal
limbo on Europe's periphery."
The author also comments on possible evolutionary, rather than
revolutionary, developments in non-EU Mediterranean countries, as well as
the possibilities of the collapse of a North African state, and creation =
of
Islamic or nationalist regimes and the effects these developments would h=
ave
on the security of Mediterranean Europe.
As southern European states emerge as important interlocutors, the Europe=
an
consensus will be the dominant factor in Mediterranean Europe's foreign a=
nd
security policy behavior. Although the author does not go into depth, he
notes that if security risks were to increase in the region, closer
cooperation with Washington -- as the leading security guarantor -- would=
be
relied on.
CONTINENT IN DISTRESS
In the second scenario, a fractured, troubled, inward looking Europe, is
linked to a troubled Mediterranean. It is faced with a series of potentia=
l
scenarios involving intra-European and extra-European problems. The probl=
ems
arising from an European economic crisis, slow economic growth, social
problems in urban settings, rapid urbanization and environmental problems=
,
growing migration and anti-immigrant sentiments, are likely to combine in
this troubled Europe.
Lesser adds that the "spillover of risks from across the Mediterranean wo=
uld
be especially troubling if accompanied by a general deterioration of
relations along north-south or Muslim-Western 'civilizational' lines. Thi=
s
would also increase the risk of conflict at key flashpoints such as the
Spanish enclaves, Cyprus, and the Aegean.
"Rising nationalism in Athens and/or Ankara could lead to a clash in the
Aegean, on Cyprus, or in Thrace. War, or even protracted brinkmanship
between Greece and Turkey could fuel instability from the Balkans to the
Caucasus. It would also seriously complicate, if not derail NATO
enlargement, and might provoke a definitive split between Turkey and
Europe," he states.
In both the first and second scenario, a new and perhaps wider Balkan war
could draw in Turkey or Greece, and a resurgent Russia, which might seek
alignments along religious lines, could complicate the environment. A sec=
ond
era of containment might increase Turkey's value to the West.
TURKEY EXPOSED TO RISKS
In the second scenario, not only would Turkey be exposed to some of the
above threats, but it could be challenged by longstanding domestic
discontent and cultural unease. The analyst believes that Refah (or some
type of equivalent) is likely to be a durable force on the Turkish politi=
cal
scene, and is linked to nationalism, as much as it is to Islam. In the
second scenario Turkey may adopt a more assertive and difficult stance in
relations with NATO and the EU. The author speculates that Turkey may see=
k
closer ties with countries at odds with the West, but the paper does not
specify which countries they are. No reference is made to Turkey's growin=
g
military ties and cooperation with Israel.
Furthermore "a lot can go wrong in and around Turkey." In the author's mo=
st
pessimistic scenario, the Kurdish insurgency spreads and polarizes Turkis=
h
society. Deepening violence could frighten investors and severely damage
Turkey's relations with the West, while other enemies of the Turkish stat=
e
exploit the situation. A clash with Syria over water or Kurdish terrorism
can not be ruled out.
"A troubled Europe in disarray would be unlikely to support Turkey strong=
ly
if at all. This, in turn, could provoke a crisis within NATO," writes
Lesser.
Although there might be US disengagement from an active role in Europe
(while southern Europe increasingly looks to Brussels) the author believe=
s
that even if the US had little or no military presence on the European
continent in 2010, the Sixth Fleet will probably be in the Mediterranean.
However, Lesser explains that in the absence of a solid transatlantic
relationship, and an obvious US commitment to European security, the US
presence could become more of a liability for Mediterranean Europe, rathe=
r
than a useful deterrent or instrument of crisis management.
A ROSY SCENARIO
The analyst's least likely scenario is a more united Europe with a more
stable periphery. This would include high growth, reduced unemployment,
stable political evolution, investment in southern Europe, an advancement
toward a comprehensive Middle East peace, and a stable situation in the
Balkans perhaps accompanied with reduced confrontation between Turkey and
Greece.
However, a variant of this scenario includes uncontrolled economic and
social problems in non-EU Mediterranean countries. Mediterranean Europe
would then "emerge as an even more dramatic borderland or 'front line,'" =
the
author maintains, adding that Mediterranean Europe "would feel increasing=
ly
exposed to 'non-shared' risks emanating from the south. Northern and Cent=
ral
European states may not share the southern members' perception of this
threat, which could produce a political cleavage within the EU and NATO, =
and
reinforce the value of southern Europe's security ties with the US."
The author points out that positive trends in Europe "will encourage -- b=
ut
can not assure -- a 'positive' (secular, Western- oriented, reformist)
evolution within Turkey." An unstable, xenophobic Europe will clearly hav=
e
negative implications for Turkey and its relationship with the West, he
says.
The author explains that an optimistic scenario for Turkey features the
"progressive moderation of Islamist and nationalist trends within Turkish
society and politics." A positive scenario would also require some or all=
of
the following: Islamists will not press for constitutional changes, and t=
he
military will not feel compelled to intervene directly into politics; a
viable non-violent Kurdish movement will emerge and develop a legitimate
role in Turkish politics, providing a political route out of the current
impasse; Ankara will undertake substantial economic reforms, with the res=
ult
that Turkey's potential as a dynamic economy and "big emerging market" wi=
ll
be realized; institutional ties to the West deepen, with Ankara fully
engaged in NATO and NATO providing adequate reassurance against new risks
emanating from Turkey's Middle Eastern neighbors; and although the EU may
not admit Turkey, the relationship will politically and economically
flourish. Lesser states that many of the above are attainable, but the
potential for instability and crisis remains.
The analyst concludes that "Turkey is not an independent variable. Its
evolution will clearly be influenced by patterns of prosperity, stability
and cultural tolerance across Europe. But the potential exists for Turkey=
to
evolve along rather different lines, perhaps at variance with trends
elsewhere. Indeed, it is arguable that Europe toward 2010 will be in the
process of defining itself, culturally and geographically, in ways that w=
ill
emphasize Turkey's 'otherness.'"
OVERCOMING CLEAVAGES
In another paper "Ethnic and religious strains in Turkey: Internal and
external implications" Ian Lesser explains that since the formation of th=
e
Republic very little attention was paid to ethnic or regional identity,
although cleavages existed. However, with the end of the Cold War, and wi=
th
growing intensity over the past few years, "Longstanding assumptions abou=
t
the nature of Turkish state and society are being challenged" along with =
the
Ataturkist tradition. Lesser says the leading forces for change are Islam
and nationalism and concludes that Turkey is experiencing a growing tende=
ncy
toward ethnic and religious identification within society and on the
political scene.
He mentions that there has been a type of revival of Islam as a cultural
support, an expression of economic and class frustration, and as a politi=
cal
outlet. Lesser believes that even if the Islamist Refah Party remains
outside government, or is banned, the sentiments which brought Refah to
power will be a force to be reckoned with by the military, secularists, a=
nd
Turkey as a whole.
At the same time, explains Lesser, another potentially important force fo=
r
change exists in the form of growing ethnic awareness, most dramatically =
in
the case of the Kurds, accompanied by the rise of ethnic and
geographically-based lobbies (i.e. Bosnian or Caucasian). It has become
acceptable in Turkey to discuss ethnic, sectarian and geographic origins
such as Laz, Avar, Alevi, or Caucasian, he points out.
"Until recently, the issue of Kurdishness was a non-issue for most Kurds =
and
almost all Turks," says the author. However, the forces of ethnic awarene=
ss
are felt in both foreign and domestic policy settings and the result is a
"deepening identity crisis." The author does not give reasons for the gro=
wth
of Kurdish awareness, although he offers reasons for the rise of Refah. O=
n
the subject of the fight against the violent separatist activities of the
PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), he mentions that for the moment Turkish
security forces have gained an upper hand. Lesser also notes that Kurdish
separatism (active and potential) is a factor in the stability of Syria,
Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.
As stated by the military, the analyst explains that Islamism has replace=
d
Kurdish separatism as the leading threat to Turkish national security.
On the subject of the rise of Refah, Lesser asks why the party has been s=
o
successful and offers some answers throughout his paper, such as: popular
attractiveness of Refah assisted by the crisis of legitimacy among the
traditional centrist parties; perceptions of widespread corruption;
dissatisfaction with the state's ability to manage economic problems and
provide adequate social services; demand for greater transparency; growin=
g
inequality in the distribution of income and opportunity (a by-product of
Turkey's high rates of growth which was for many years the highest in the
OECD); and because Refah was in many ways the most modern and best organi=
zed
political party in Turkey.
Refah popularity was also given a boost he says by conflicts in Bosnia an=
d
Chechnya, as well as the EU's distancing itself from Turkey. Furthermore,
the expansion of religious schools since the 1980's, (allegedly with Saud=
i
support) produced a cadre of graduates, some of whom are finding places i=
n
Ankara's bureaucracy and particularly in the interior ministry.
On the subject of nationalism, Lesser states that much of Refah rhetoric =
is
highly nationalistic, but the growth of nationalism has also been shared =
by
secularists and is on the rise within mainstream parties as well as on th=
e
extreme right. The expanding role of public opinion in policymaking, fuel=
ed
by a very active print and television media, has also had an effect on th=
e
rising tide of nationalism.
The author suggests that before and during the post-Erbakan coalition led=
by
Mesut Yilmaz, there appears to be a tendency toward greater independence =
and
assertiveness in Turkish foreign policy, with an emphasis on
"regionally-based foreign policy." Due to greater potential for Turkish
involvement in regions where its interests and public opinion are engaged=
,
post-Cold War Turkey is emerging as a more unpredictable, but potentially
more important actor, in regional affairs, he says.
Despite Turkey's fears associated with longer-term western aims vis-a-vis
the Kurds (such as the creation of an independent Kurdistan), the writer
states that progress on democratization and human rights is inextricably
linked to the Kurdish situation within Turkey, as well as in northern Ira=
q.
He asserts that failure to meet Kurdish cultural and political aspiration=
s
within Turkey will continue to severely complicate Ankara's relationships=
in
the West.
Because "international opinion and policymakers" are interested in the Ku=
rds
and associated human rights issues, as well as the future of secularism i=
n
Turkey, Lesser asks: to what extent can outside powers or international
society as a whole affect the evolution of ethnic and religious politics
within Turkey? Obviously there are no clear answers, and the writer state=
s
that Turks are not alone in confronting issues of ethnicity, nationalism,
religious revival, and identity. Lesser believes that the way these issue=
s
are handled elsewhere, such as in the Middle East, Europe, and Russia, wi=
ll
be an important contributing factor in Turkey's own evolution.

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The Most Beautiful Stories In History
Finally, the book we've all been waiting for...Turkey's Religious Sites b=
y
Anna G. Edmonds
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By Molly McAnailly Burke / Turkish Daily News
Istanbul - There are certain reference books I always take on holiday in
Turkey, especially if it's coming up to Christmas and I'm lucky enough to
get some "emotional quality time" in the South. By that I mean time to be
alone in the forests near Demre or the desert around Harran, no tourists
around, letting religious history wash over me in waves, soaking up from =
the
soles of my hiking boots and starting a glow in my soul like the Sacred
Heart of Jesus in Roman Catholic kitsch. I have always believed religion =
to
be an art form, but even a gallery needs a guide book, and Anna Edmonds'
"Biblical Sites of Turkey", co-authored with Edmond C. Blake, has been fo=
r
years stuffed into my rucksack as I hastily head for that midnight bus.
If you are sniffing around for spurious Christian fundamentalism you won'=
t
find it here -- this little book, with its beautifully selected quotes fr=
om
the Bible, was inspired through the commitment of Anna and her husband Bi=
ll
who worked for many years at Redhouse Press, an extremely good Christian
publishing house which has been doing its duty in dictionaries, cookbooks
and English language guide books for many, many years in a solid and
understated way, devoid of any "missionary position" or preachiness.
Spare, accurate and humble, this little gem was first published in 1977
through the commitment of a husband and wife team who are both scholars,
Turkey-lovers and ecumenicists. "Biblical Sites" is now in its 7th editio=
n,
has sold around 60,000 copies and will probably remain a reference book w=
ell
into the next millenium.
A Labour of love
Now, finally, through the good will and inspiration of Hilton Turkey
Magazine's editor Gulseren Ramazanoglu and her husband Ahmet, head of DAM=
KO
publishing, a full colour and thoroughly researched book on the religious
sites of Turkey has been released, as glowing, gentle and welcomed as a
lotus in the snow. Also written by Anna G. Edmonds, the book comes at a v=
ery
good time as the Ministry of Tourism gears up for the "2000 Years of Jesu=
s
Christ" celebrations and more walls dividing minority communities of all
religious faiths and cultures are broken down. It is a "must have" for ev=
ery
English speaker who loves Turkey and wants to know it better.
In the publisher's letter at the beginning of the book Gulseren Hanim
explains how the idea for "Turkey's Religious Sites" came up -- one of he=
r
Hilton Turkey magazines took up the topic of Christian, Jewish and Islami=
c
historical sites and the issues disappeared out of the bedrooms almost
overnight because all the guests found the subject so interesting. Anna G.
Edmonds, a woman who had been in Turkey 40 years and who had regularly
contributed to the Hilton magazine was chosen as a writer "worthy of its
concept, knowlegeable on the subject, unprejudiced, cooperative, and
pleasant to work with."
It was also Gulseren Hanim's idea -- and quite a good one it was -- to
include messages of peace and cooperation from Turkey's main religious
leaders in the opening pages. All were shown the text of the book before
giving their endorsement.
Head of Religious Affairs Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz leads the way with a beautif=
ul
quote from the Koran which says, "The monasteries, churches, synagogues a=
nd
mosques where the name of God is often invoked and recited must be protec=
ted
and not destroyed." (Hac 22:40). "Therefore in observance of this," says
Yilmaz, "the places of worship for people of differing faiths in Anatolia
are open, often next to each other. Respect for human rights involves
respect for the faith, religious practises and the holy places of all
people."
This is backed up by a statement from the Greek Patriarchate by Filippos,
Metropolitan of Tyana, the acting Grand Chancellor, who praises "Religiou=
s
Sites" for promoting peace and tolerance at a difficult time, when
"prejudices originating from ignorance have impeded the rightful feelings=
of
pride in the rich history of Christianity in Anatolia for those living in
these lands."
Chief Rabbi of Turkey Rav David Asseo quotes Paul Dumond, a French
researcher who in 1893 reported this country to be "among the most civili=
zed
and enlightened" in the world, where Jews enjoyed more complete equality
than in many other places. "Throughout the years that I have served as Ch=
ief
Rabbi in the Turkish Republic," Asseo continues, "I can state without
hesitation that all religions have been practiced in our country freely a=
nd
unhindered."
Mesrob Mutafyan, Archbishop of the Prince's Islands and Head of the
Religious Council Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul also welcomes the boo=
k
for its mention of the Eastern and Southern Anatolian churches, whose
manuscripts have largely remained unpublished. "As the three major
monotheistic religions get ready to celebrate the traditional birth year =
of
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, in the year 2000," Mutafyan continues, "the
Armenian Church of Turkey prepares to mark in the year 2001 the 1700th
anniversary of the official acceptance of Apostolic Christianity by the
Armenians of Anatolia, as the consequence of the tireless efforts of St.
Gregory the Illuminator of Caesarea Cappadocia (301 AD). This publication=
is
an invaluable tool for all who prepare for those major festivities...We
count it our blessing and privilege to live in this beautiful land of
culture and religion, prayer and feasts, music and art..And it will be ou=
r
joy to share it with all visitors of good will."
Mothers of God
"Turkey's Religious Sites" begins with a time chart going back to the
"Mother Goddess" era of Catalhoyuk -- no early religions or minorities ar=
e
left out, from Phrygian and Hittite beliefs to Mithraism to the Moon
God-worshipping Sabians of the Harran area, the Jews of Sardis and
modern-day Muslim minorities such as Sufis and Alevis. The book is
organized, the author says, "first to introduce Turkey with an overview o=
f
the long and complicated history of Asia Minor and then of Turkey's curre=
nt
situation" and admits that even though her perspective on the religious
sites has remained that of a western Christian, she now feels she has mor=
e
questions about this country than she had answers fifty years ago. What s=
he
wanted to do, she explains, was to have another look at those places
discussed in "Biblical Sites" and others as well, "both with a sense of t=
he
unknowables and the absurdities of religion and with what she hopes is a
nonjudgmental respect for the beliefs of people of all religions."
Hiding our light under a bushel
Fundamentally "Turkey's Religious Sites" is a travel book, and organized
geographically rather than by topic for this reason. Edmonds' knowledge o=
f
the three primary religions Islam, Christianity and Judaism is clearly
greater than her knowledge of archeaology or pre-Hellenic beliefs and
weighted accordingly. What she does present is highly specialized knowled=
ge
geared to appeal to intelligent, progressive-minded people everywhere who
may not know much about Anatolia's 10,000 year old spiritual legacy but w=
ho
will certainly want to come here and see them when they do. It is widely
understood that Turkey has never done an adequate job of promoting its
cultural riches as well as they deserve to be, and this book should
definitely help.
The Edmonds' are warm, bright and likable people who have been living in
Turkey since 1949, before they were married. Both were teachers, Bill in
Kayseri and Anna at what was then the Uskudar Girls' Lycee in Uskudar. Th=
eir
being here, they explain, was a "mission" sponsored by the American Board
and what was then the Congregational Church, now the United Church of
Christ, a very liberal, social-humanitarian section of Christianity.
"Had the Peace Corps been operating in those days we probably would have
done that instead," explains Anna. "Our work is not proselytizing, it is
intentionally secular, and we had a commitment to operate within the laws=
of
this country. But the Church decided there was a necessity to keep a
presence for the Protestant Christian community, that's what the Near Eas=
t
Mission was about. We wanted to know about the relationship of Islam to t=
he
rest of the world as an aspect of ecumenicism, keeping the channels open,
not just politically but culturally and intellectually as well, in order =
not
to leave it only to the commercialism of the U.S. -- that's one of the
reasons the Near East Mission publishes dictionaries. We have to understa=
nd
each other if we are living in the same world, and broaden the base of
communication."
Of course Anna doesn't just mean Christians and other minorities being
better understood in Turkey, but that in a more global concept, "keeping =
the
channels open" is even more about Islam being suspect and misunderstood i=
n
the west. After the Oklahoma bombing, for instance, which was proven to b=
e
the work of right-wing American militants, Muslims in the U.S. -- and Mus=
lim
clerics in particular -- were instantly under suspicion and displayed gre=
at
patience in the process.
Also, as most readers will be aware, Turkey itself is changing and
developing so rapidly even the young and brilliant can hardly keep pace.
"While writing the book I went through a lot of old letters," says Anna,
"and I was astonished to remember what conditions were like in the 50's,
having to buy gas for the car in a cheese can and having to open the can
with a stone. When I was teaching at the Uskudar Kiz Lisesi only two of t=
he
girls went on to university, and now, of course, nearly all do. The level=
of
education in Turkey, especially for women, has changed remarkably. Turkey=
is
like a roller coaster, it goes up and down, but it always goes forward."
Christianity and capitalism
Some Christian scholars have posited that Protestant Reformism's balancin=
g
effect on the development of capitalism is part of what could be missing =
in
the contemporary Turkish business ethos -- in fact, the late historian an=
d
sociologist Niyazi Berkes was convinced of this and the matter is still
widely under debate, which is as it should be.
But for Anna, who had previously stated that she now has more questions t=
han
answers, finding "truths" about Turkey is basically impossible for
foreigners, and probably difficult enough for natives. "As a foreigner I
know that I cannot impose my own standards or morals on non-Christians, n=
or
will I ever completely understand the Turkish ethos. I remind myself of t=
his
every time I want to make a value judgement."
"Turkey's Religious Sites" should set the balance -- there are no limits =
to
understanding the beauty and complexity of this country as there are no
limits to God

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---
----
Yemenicioglu's new three-dimensional theme
-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
---
----
By Binnur Akhun / Turkish Daily News
Izmir - Several years ago my aunt developed a sudden passion for painting=
,
and through her enthusiasm I met her art teacher, Ozdemir Yemenicioglu, a
man I later came to associate with mother goddess. The source of this
unlikely comparison was his paintings, whose main theme was mother goddes=
s
wrapped in an ochre yellow colour -- reddish or brownish yellow --
representing soil and fertility.
Although the mother goddess and soil concepts appear different, in Anatol=
ia
they are blended together. Soil, the source of everything, is called Moth=
er
Soil, and for centuries goddess figurines with huge hips and heavy
milk-carrying breasts as a symbol of abundance and fertility were made fr=
om
earthenware. The prototypes of mother goddess which inspired Yemenicioglu
mesmerized many art lovers who are also interested in archaeology; and a
wide circle of fans rapidly formed around him.
It is often the case that artists don't insist that their way of expressi=
ng
themselves is approved by their onlookers, but if once you were appreciat=
ed
thanks to one subject it is often considerably hard to shift to another
subject or theme. Art is in a constant state of change and development.
Yemenicioglu, who I saw recently after seven years, didn't contradict thi=
s
view. In his paintings a vague silhouette of mother goddess is still
visible, however his developments on the theme now include a chrysalis,
cocoon and butterfly and this triangle is an extension or new form of mot=
her
goddess.
"The trilogy of mother goddess, who is at the same time a virgin, a woman=
,
and a mother, can be likened to the three stages of the chrysalis, cocoon
and butterfly, but with one difference: the butterfly is real rather than
imaginary," said Yemenicioglu last week during his exhibition's cocktail
reception at Basak Sigorta Art Gallery.
The "mysticism" of giving birth is another subject for him. However, apar=
t
from his new theme the use of acrylic paints seems to give Yemenicioglu t=
he
opportunity to have contrasting and "impudent" colours together. This ope=
ns
a new chapter in his art career.
Yemenicioglu who is the owner of a total of 11 painting competition award=
s,
is obviously one of those who knows how to grow up and reflect the maturi=
ty
that he acquires on his canvasses.

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Symphony commemorates Ataturk
The Izmir State Symphony Orchestra dedicated last week's performance to
Ataturk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
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----
Turkish Daily News
Izmir - Ludwig van Beethoven's "Emperor Concerto" and "Eroica" symphony w=
ere
chosen to commemorate the founder of the Turkish Republic on the 59th yea=
r
since his death. The orchestra was conducted by the famous Hikmet Simsek.
This week's soloist was the pianist Muhiddin Durruoglu-Demiriz, one of th=
e
nation's "talented children" to whom the state awards grants, is the hold=
er
of many international awards. Durruoglu-Demiriz is presently teaching at =
the
Brussels Royal Conservatory.

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Again, 'Viva La Mamma'
Turkish Daily News
Izmir - The Izmir State Opera and Ballet (IZDOB) opened its curtains agai=
n
for "Viva La Mamma" on Saturday, the first Turkish performance of which w=
as
in February.
Donizetti's opera tells the story about the origination of an opera showi=
ng
the caprices of the singers, the economic difficulties, the disputes and
other problems and situations that make up the daily life of such artists.
'Viva La Mamma' was directed by Yuri Alexandrov.

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Yelda Kodalli recital in Izmir
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Turkish Daily News
Izmir - The famous Turkish soprano Yelda Kodalli performed for the first
time in Izmir.
The recital, which was part of the First National Culture Congress, was
organized by the Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education. Yelda
Kodalli, who presented compositions by Hugo Wolf, Mozart, Verdi and Belli=
ni,
was accompanied by her husband Murat Kodalli on the piano.
Yelda Kodalli performing at the Ataturk Culture Center.

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Hot Stuff! Flamenco dancing lessons!
Turkish Daily News
Istanbul - The Pera Fine Arts School (Pera Guzel Sanatlar) in Istanbul is
offering courses in flamenco dancing for the second year in a row.
Students of all ages can participate in its evening courses, which includ=
e
ballet, painting, jazz music, theater, elocution, miniature arts, orchest=
ra
conducting and sound technology for the performing arts.
Many foreign students take courses at the school, whose teachers are
international performing artists and instructors.
Carlos Robles, a famed Spanish dancer, choreographer and instructor from
Seville, Spain, and flamenco guitarist Vicente Esquerdo are giving the
courses in flamenco dancing.
A professional for the past 16 years, Robles learned to dance a young boy.
He studied at Spain's Flamenco Academy with Jose Jurado, eventually becom=
ing
an instructor himself.
Robles also studied under Manolo Marin, a noted Flamenco artist, and
received critical acclaim putting on large scaleFlamenco dancing
performances in Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Canada, and training ma=
ny
of the world's leading Flamenco artists.
Esquerdo began playing the guitar as a young boy. He studied under Joaqui=
n
Albert and became a teacher. He has his own guitar school and students. H=
e
has also performed with prominent dancers such as Robles, Rafael Vargas J=
ose
Parondo and others.
Pera Guzel Sanatlar is located at Siraselviler Cad. Billurcu Sokak, Billu=
rcu
Cikmazi No. 14, Taksim, Istanbul. Tel: (90-212) 2454460 or 2445202.

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The TRNC moves to Istanbul -- culturally speaking
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Turkish Daily News
Istanbul - The Istanbul Greater Municipality has instituted a wide rangin=
g
program cultural events which include performances by artists from other
countries. This week, starting today, the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRHC) is being represented via a series of concerts, exhibitions =
and
discussions.
What few people know about is the wealth of young talent in Northern Cypr=
us,
the people who have not until recently had much recognition or even
technical backup to show off their skills in music, dance, photography an=
d
the other arts. Here is a chance for the people of Istanbul to see what r=
eal
talent is available.
The program is as follows:
11 November, Tuesday Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
19:00 TRNC Mixed Art and Photograph Exhibition Opening
19:30 Concert
Part I. TRNC State Polyphonic Choir under conductor Yilmaz Taney
Part II. TRNC State Turkish Folk Music Group and Folk Dance Group
12 November, Wednesday Tarik Zafer Tunaya Culture Center
17:00 "The Turkish Cypriot Struggle for Independence in Photographs"
Exhibition Opening
17:30 "Cyprus from History to Present"Open Discussion
Speakers:
Taner Etkin - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense, TRNC Prof. Faruk
Sonmezoglu Prof. Haluk Ulman Chairman, Assoc. Asst. Prof. Yavuz Gokalp
12 November, Wednesday Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
20:30"A Bunch of Cypriot Tunes"
TRNC State Turkish Folk Music and Folk Dances Group Cypriot Turkish Folk
Music Concert
13 November, Thursday Tarik Zafer Tunaya Culture Center
18:00"Cypriot Turkish Literature" Open Discussion
Speakers:
Harid Fedai, Ali Nesim, Gulgun Serdar, Chairman Irfan Ciftci
19:30 "The Price of Freedom"
Documentary Film Cinevision Show
13 November, Thursday Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
20:30 Chamber Music Concert
Pianists include Asli G. Raman, Suley Ozden Demet Alkan, Can Simer and Ru=
ya
Taner
14 November, Friday Tarik Zafer Tunaya Culture Center
18:00 "Turkish Foundations Civilization in Cyprus"
Documentary Film Cinevision Show
19:30 Cypriot Turkish Folk Music Concert
15 November, Saturday Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
19:30 Series of Conferences from East and West
"Cyprus Problem in the Light of Actuality"
Speaker:
Andrew Mango (England), Participants: Prof. Hasan Koni, Prof. Oya Akgonen=
c,
Dr. Huseyin Atesin, Chairman: Prof. Erol Manisali
15 November, Saturday Tarik Zafer Tunaya Culture Center
16:00 "Cyprus at present" Documentary Film Show

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The medium is the message
Internationally renowned artist Burhan Dogancay is exhibiting his paintin=
gs
until December 6 at the Artium Gallery, Ankara
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Leonardo da Vinci: Look at certain walls dirtied with various stains or w=
ith
a mixture of different kinds of stones/ If you have to invent some scene =
you
will be able to see in them a resemblance to various landscapes adorned w=
ith
mountains, rivers, rocks, trees, plains, wide valleys, and hills. You wil=
l
also be able to see various battles and figures in quick movements, and
strange expressions on faces and costumes and an infinite number of thing=
s
which you can then reduce into separate well-conceived forms. With such
walls and mixtures of different stones the same thing happens as it does
with the sound of bells, in whose pealing you may discover every name and
word you can imagine'
The need to preserve and record lifestyles has absorbed artists throughou=
t
history and Burhan Dogancay is such an artist.
Burhan Dogancay is imbued with a spirit common to all those artists who h=
ave
bequeathed a sociohistorically based artistic legacy to future generation=
s,
enabling them to reanimate the past and understand the diversity of previ=
ous
lives. By traveling around the globe, casting about to find the raw mater=
ial
for his art, he has, like the Dutch Masters, filled his canvasses with
obsessive messages in our existence. He has collected clues to the desire=
s
of people in more countries than most of us can name, and his paintings b=
ear
the touch and feel of hands and hearts that he has never met.
Dogancay has held numerous solo, as well as participating in a large numb=
er
of major group, exhibitions throughout the world since the mid 1950s when=
he
graduated from university in Paris.
His depictions are owned and displayed by private and corporate collector=
s
and museums worldwide from Turkey, Japan, Canada, Europe and Russia as we=
ll
as throughout the United States.
He has also contributed photographs and designs for UNICEF cards and plac=
e
mats, and has the distinction of being the only artist to have ever been
awarded the National Medal of the Arts for Lifetime Achievement and Cultu=
ral
Contribution by the President of the Republic of Turkey.
Dogancay has traveled extensively and by 1995 when he went to,among other
countries, Vietnam, Burma, Sri Lanka and Syria, the total number of
countries visited was 101. His "Walls of the World" project consists of
photographs, paintings and collages inspired from images collected over t=
he
years in his travels. In 1992 a selection of his photographs was publishe=
d
with texts by Gilbert Lascault and Denys Riout.
He began to develop his unique artistic voice in the early 60s, prior to
which, he had painted in the figurative manner. He noted that most people=
in
developing countries maintain the bastions of conservativism, and
accordingly prefer recognizable objects in art. He was walking on 86th
street in Manhattan when he noticed a small section of wall, perhaps one =
or
two feet square. He had an incredible experience, one he could never forg=
et.
He says, "It was the most beautiful abstract painting I have ever seen.
There were the remains of a poster, and a texture to the wall with little
bits of shadows coming from within its surface. The color was mostly oran=
ge,
with a little blue and green and brown. Then there were the marks made by
the rain and mud." He recalls making a sketch, and running home to recrea=
te
on canvas what he had just seen.
And now it is walls, with their panoply of unruly elements that spurs
Dogancay's unique artistic identity. He finds on walls an ineffably
wonderful range of cultural consciousness that never ceases to enchant hi=
m.
For him walls provide a moral living space that hold beautiful and
complicated messages from the four corners of the world. Walls bear shard=
s
of history and mirror the fragmentation of every society including the ri=
ch
the poor and those who suffer a genuine cultural despair. Walls attest to
the elements: heat, rain, and winds. Walls provide often unnerving eviden=
ce
of passersby, doodles by children on the brink of adult life, tender
confessions of lovers and oddly intimate confessions of the homeless.
Dogancay's art draws directly from the visual world of walls, where he
discovers striking abstract linkages, the most intriguing collages, and
combinations of both in a wealth of contrasts, enhanced as only time can =
do.
Dogancay experiences only manifestations of chiaroscuro that bowl him ove=
r,
and with every wall that he encounters he confirms his purpose. He consid=
ers
himself a medium whose role it is to document our times to leave an artis=
tic
legacy that chronicles the disparate elements of society in its broad
spectrum of disguises. Totally engaged by life, he collects evidence of t=
he
mores of all people, capturing the messages, signs and secrets they leave=
on
walls wherever they feel compelled to write.
The internationally renowned American Turkish-born artist Burhan Dogancay
will be exhibiting paintings in oil, gouache, and prints at the Artium
Gallery, Willy Brandt Sok. 24/ 5 Cankya, Ankara, Nov. 6 - Dec. 6. Tel: 44=
0
3339

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