Why Ataturk’s Image Is Everywhere In Turkey

“There are two Mustafa Kemals. One the flesh-and-blood Mustafa Kemal who now stands before you and who will pass away. The other is you, all of you here who will go to the far corners of our land to spread the ideals which must be defended with your lives if necessary. I stand for the nation’s dreams, and my life’s work is to make them come true.”

-Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

When traveling in Turkey, you may be wondering who that man is, his image dotting the landscape in statues, whose picture is in almost every hotel, museum, and bank; prominent as the sun throughout the country. One cannot begin to understand Turkish culture without learning about Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose ideas flow through the veins of Turkey’s past, present, and future.

Who Is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk?

Simply put, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the founder of modern Turkey. Given the name “father of the Turks” (Ataturk) he led Turkey to victory in its War of Independence at the end of World War I against multiple armies. Outside of this impressive military feat however, he also made rapid and radical reforms to Turkish law and society. Among other changes, Ataturk created a strict secular republic, giving women equal rights, and going so far as to change the Turkish alphabet into Latin-script to increase the dismal literary rate at the time. Scientific advancement, religion, and education were all transformed in a matter of a few years.

Ataturk’s Status In Turkey

Both the man Mustafa Kemal and his ideas are widely revered in Turkey as well as protected by law, and travelers should not insult his name or image, even in passing conversation. The Turks feel indebted to Ataturk, who gave them a Turkey well on its way toward economic, social, and political importance on the world stage. Ataturk is as much a part of the Turkish people as he is of the landscape and his images are only a visible representation of that fact.

Where To Learn More About Ataturk

While traveling in Turkey there are several places where you can learn more about Ataturk’s life and legacy.

• Anitkabir (Ankara) – Ataturk’s Mausoleum, Anitkabir is is a giant complex where his tomb is located. Admission is free and in addition to monumental hall, there is a museum with several of his belongings as well as much of his personal library.
• Ataturk Museum (Thessaloniki, Greece) – Born here in 1881 when Greece was a part of the Ottoman Empire, this house was given to the Turkish state by the Greeks in 1935 and converted into a museum. Admission here is also free.
• ANZAC Day Ceremonies and Battlefield – Tens of thousands of Turks, New Zealanders, and Australians visit these battlefields in Gelibolu each year to remember those who died in this important campaign during World War I, particularly on April 24th and 25th. There are several ANZAC memorials around the world, including Canberra, Australia.
• Dolmabahce Palace (Istanbul) – Ataturk’s residence when in Istanbul, he passed away here at 9:05am on November 10, 1938 and this room has been made a memorial. If you’re in Turkey on this day, at exactly that minute, all traffic will stop and people will get out of their cars to observe a moment of silence along with the rest of the nation.
• Ataturk Congress And Ethnographic Museum (Sivas) – The headquarters of the Sivas Congress, called for by Mustafa Kemal, during the Turkish war of independence.

You can also find many other residences of Ataturk preserved in many Turkish cities including his home in Izmir. Whether or not you go looking for him though, you’ll find it impossible to miss Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in Turkey. Smiling on the banknotes, looking down from the walls of every public building, and in the hearts of it’s citizens, Ataturk is more a part of Turkey than his image can ever portray.

How To Become A Traveling Chameleon And See The Sights Without Being One

Blending in when traveling, that is, being less noticeable as an outside or tourist, lies in the subtleties of patient observation. It’s the grandiose gestures which give you away and the inconspicuous ones that keep your cover. There is no single one way to blend in and soon after arrival you’ll need to discover the native mix first to become a traveling chameleon.

Leave The Extra Gear Behind

Locals walking on the streets typically don’t carry large specialized bags with them everywhere. Pockets might not be bulging with wallets; light jackets may be worn in what you consider warm weather. Whatever it may be, you likely have packed it or can leave it locked in your hotel. The items that can help you blend aren’t those found in specialty shops, unless of course you’re going to hang out with a bunch of hikers.

• When you do whip out your camera for a few photos, put it away when not in use.

Changing your focus can not only help you take better travel photos but make your camera less obvious as well.

Observe Faces, Not Places

The majority of cultural clues in a given place are walking all around you, expressed and in plain sight on the faces of everyone you’re trying to mimic. How do people interact with each other – at the grocery store checkout, how much eye contact takes place, for how long? You need to observe faces for how fundamental signals are conveyed like “yes”, “no”, and “friendly” versus “acknowledgment”.

• Notice The Little Things – Tiny differences in behavior that you exhibit are what make you stand out. Put your clothes on someone from the city you’re visiting, they probably wouldn’t be mistaken for a tourist.
• Watch The Pace – People all over the world walk at different paces; slow down or speed up to match the flow around you.
• Observe Conspicuously – Absorb all that’s going around you in snapshots, not trying to see everything at one. Getting caught wide-eyed disrupts your flow (see above) and makes you stick out.
• Learn A Few Words – Whether it’s the language, jargon, or native accent, even knowing just 4 words can go a very long way.
• Chat With Someone Living In The Area – There are 3 language social networks you can use to talk to locals and share a bit about yourself as well.
• Opps! – Don’t commit these international faux pas.

Remember, the people around you are live examples of numerous mannerisms, facial expressions, and sounds that all tell you what makes a local seem like a local.

The Benefits Of The Blend

Aside from the insights you gain through careful perception, the less outside attention you attract, the smoother your movement will be on sidewalks, markets, and popular tourist spots. Traveling chameleons are less attractive targets for pickpockets, overzealous shopkeepers who don’t know you can bargain your way to a good price.

One of the best reasons to blend in though is the confidence it gives you. Travelers who feel less out of place are more likely to go to lesser known restaurants, engage locals more frequently, and experiment with new experiences.

Added time is another bonus – or at least the perception of it. You can slow down and make the most out of your last impressions, using the process to look back on your entire trip, in between, and ahead for your next trip.

You’re Not A Local; Limits To The Disguise

There is no absolute, no complete blend possible. Locals can (eventually) always distinguish everyone else from themselves. It take a moment, perhaps until you utter your first few words of broken Spanish, but it’s not when you go unnoticed that’s important. It is what you notice to achieve that state that not only keeps you undercover, but lets you uncover the culture you’re visiting. You’re not completely changing who you are but rather making subtle adjustments to fit in just that much better.

[photos by: ifijay (chameleon), sculpture grrrl (faces), glsims99 (confidence bench)]

9 Unorthodox Travel Heroes

Inspiration to travel can come from anywhere and just about anyone. While you can’t discount the powerful influence of family and friends, many of us have been eager to explore the world, encouraged indirectly by these unintended travel icons. These figures are famous for a number of accomplishments in various fields and have fed our collective consciousness to see the world around us.

1. Gene Roddenberry

The father or Star Trek taught us to go boldly where no one had gone before. More so than the technology or the exploration of the universe, Star Trek is about examining cultures, and learning ultimately about ourselves as a species. Star Trek has taught millions that you don’t need to travel light years to intergalactic destinations to do that, while at the same time has us yearning to see the final frontier.

2. Mahatma Ghandi

Read Ghandi: An Autobiography and you’ll discover on his first trips to South Africa Ghandi brought almost nothing with him. A minimalist, he spent a great deal of thought and time trying to reduce his worldly possessions. It was a process well illustrated during his preparation for his first international trip and one many travelers can relate to.

3. Dian Fossey

Zoologist Fossey spent close to 20 years studying gorillas in the mountain forests of Rwanda and was staunchly against many aspects of tourism (because of the ill effects for gorillas) – making her an unlikely travel hero. While gorilla tours remain controversial, her life, work, conservation efforts, and to some extent Gorillas In The Mist has encouraged many travelers to realize their impact on the world.

4. Margaret Mead

This anthropologist’s famous book, Coming Of Age In Samoa, challenged what universal human practices were and showed what we consider as “normal” varies from culture to culture. Many travelers have also come to see that there isn’t one “right” or “standard” culture or belief system, but rather, that humanity is defined by the varieties in all of them.

5. Uncle Traveling Matt

Little did this Fraggle know that he would be the first trailblazer many children would meet during the 80s. He is even the famous face of Nomadic Matt on Twitter. While he eventually did return home for good, the ever clumsy, not-so-perceptive Uncle Traveling Matt’s long-term jaunt into “outer space” left many kids dreaming about exploring the world one day.

6. Charles Darwin

He’s the reason the Galapagos Islands are so incredibly popular with tourists – Darwin visited the islands on his 5 year voyage around the world by boat on the HMS Beagle. During that time (1831-1836), Darwin charted lands, explored cultures, and documented many plants and animals on one of the most famous round-the-world trips ever.

7. Christiane Amanpour

Although she’s often seen reporting from war zones and many of the most dangerous places in the world, Amanpour’s nearly 30 years as a foreign correspondent has shown many travelers to look beyond the headlines.

8. Ewan McGregor And Charlie Boorman

Yes, they have motorcycled around the world, then from London to Cape Town, and the entire Americas as well and wrote one of the great motorcycle travel books. That still, it’s not the kind of adventure you would expect from two actors, who took off on a career break to follow their dreams.

9. RTWers and You

Most people think that traveling around the world is insane, impossible, or inconceivable – yet there are RTWers and many world travelers on all kinds of budgets, with and without kids, and those who travel with their pets. Every trip you take, even if you’re the first person in your family to travel abroad, inspires and shows those around you how to overcome the obstacles and travel the world.

You are the biggest influence and whether you’ve got support or not can show those closest to you that travel isn’t inconsequential. The names on this list didn’t set out to be trailblazers but ending up doing just that. You may not realize it but you can or might already be someone else’s unorthodox travel hero.

[photos by: sketchy record (Ghandi statue), Lukas Vermeer (Rwanda forest), celerrimus (Charles Darwin statue), WITNESS.org (Christiane Amanpour), Mandy Seyfang (Long Way Down), Fighting Tiger (pointing at self)]

Making The Most Out Of Your Last Impressions

Travelers tend to make quick judgments about the places they visit as soon as they arrive. It’s a practice that allows one to quickly adapt to different environments and puts a focus on first impressions. The first differences you see, hear, and experience as you leave the airport or drive across a border. We’re told that first impressions are the most important but much of what we learn about a place occurs when we’re getting ready to leave.

Suddenly the destination behind us becomes familiar while the road ahead is the unknown. Don’t neglect the final moments and make the most out of your last impressions by slowing down to notice them.

Focus On The Process

Reflecting on the changes of your perceptions about a given place from the first moment to the last, lets you to appreciate the familiar before you leave. You can experience sites, restaurants, and towns more like a local by revisiting places you’ve been and not cramming your final moments trying to see everything you haven’t. It’s tougher to do on shorter trips but spending some time to reflect before you jet off will extend and enrich your experience.

Reconnect Before You Disconnect

Explore the things you haven’t tried, foods and places for example, in those final days. Those are the things you’re most likely to remember. Don’t be satisfied with first impressions or base you conclusions on them alone. If you happen to be staying in a resort get out of it to see the area just outside or visit a local market and chat with people. How many times have you been somewhere and not spoken in depth with someone who lived there?

• Frequent travelers strive to absorb all they can in constant motion but can neglect to see the things only visible when you slow down or simply stop.

The process and change that occurs between your first and last impressions – and observing that process – will give you more insight into the local culture and yourself as well. Your final moments in a place are the best ones to look back right before you have to look forward, don’t disregard them.

[photos by: Peter Kaminski (goodbye stop), [Magec] (man with SLR)]

A Swedish Dala Horse: Scandinavian Heritage Museum Minot, North Dakota

This is a large Dala horse, or Dalecarlian horse, outside the Scandinavian Heritage Museum in Minot, North Dakota. While I’m not in Minot at the moment (I’m headed to Quito, Ecuador later this week), I happened upon this statue two years ago during the month of December. I had read about the small museum here which has several monuments to its Scandinavian ancestors including a Norwegian stabbur, statue of Hans Christensen Anderson, and this approximately 10 meter (30 foot) Dala horse. Most Dala horses are tiny wood carvings given to children as toys and have become symbolic of Sweden in general.

The Scandinavian Heritage Museum is an interesting place to visit in a small town where there isn’t much else. Aside from the museum, Minot has the distinction of being (by far) the coldest place I’ve ever been. Here are a few more pictures from Minot and the museum that have been up for a while but I’ve never posted.

How To Bargain Like A Ferengi And Get A Good Deal Anywhere On Earth

The Ferengi are the Star Trek universe’s greedy, mischievous, and crafty aliens whose entire culture is based on accumulating wealth. They are so dedicated to money that their holy book, “The Rules Of Acquisition” are a set of guidelines by which to conduct business. While the Ferengi world may be fictional, their rules can help you bargain your way in and out of most markets anywhere on Earth.

Rule # 214 – “Never Begin A Negotiation On An Empty Stomach”

Bargaining takes time and if you’re in a rush you won’t get the price you want and likely get frustrated in the process. Don’t start bargaining when you’re hungry, hurrying to make that tour bus, or when you’re bladder is telling you otherwise. Limited time means you’ve got less wiggle room to get that price down to what’s fair.

Rule # 7 – “Keep Your Ears Open”

You’ll stand a better chance of bargaining your way to a good price if you listen carefully to the person you’re negotiating with. You’ll notice when bargaining for anything, the seller is usually adept at picking up clues about their potential customers (Rule # 194 by the way – it’s always good to know about new customers before they walk in the door). Do the same, ask questions and have a conversation – and make sure to keep in mind all of the prices you’re quoted too.

Rule #3 – Never Spend More On An Acquisition That You Have To

People who aren’t comfortable bargaining often feel “bad” about asking for a lower price. During any negotiation in a shop, the prices are already inflated and the shopkeeper has a number in mind (Rule # 98 – “every man has his price”); a hard and soft point. The soft point is where you’ll get with a bit of negotiating, often the big initial drop in price. The hard point takes longer (recall Rule # 214 above) and is the lowest price the owner is really willing to accept.

Rule #74 – Knowledge Equals Profit

In addition to keeping your ears open (Rule # 7) you should keep your eyes open too. Shop around to get a feel for the local prices of an item or similar things you may want to buy (like shoes for example). Get a good number in your head and research how bargaining works in a particular area so you know both how to negotiate on local terms and what prices to begin with. For example, in Morocco your initial price should generally start with 1/4 of the quoted price.

Rule #16 – A Deal Is A Deal

An unofficial Ferengi rule is to “always inspect the merchandise before making a deal.” Then, once you agree to a price, that’s the end of negotiations, a rule that hopefully the person you’re dealing with will follow as well. After both sides agree (and don’t agree if you feel ripped off!) and are happy with the final price, relax. Assuming nothing extremely out of the ordinary happens, a deal is a deal. Bargaining isn’t a competition and more important than the best price is that you leave feeling good about the transaction.

Be Savvy And Enjoy The Process

Negotiating is a process you can learn to love. Bargaining is like a game and an integral part of many cultures here on Earth. The process is about forging relationships – locally it’s how shopkeepers can earn repeat business – and for you it can be a good way to learn about an individual in the society you’re visiting. You’ll most always be asked an initial price or what you think is fair for something, so have a number in mind. The lower the better (it can’t hurt if in doubt) and be sure to engage the person.

It’s what the Ferengi would do – well, they’d also do a lot of unethical and illegal things – but if you stick to these select Rules Or Acquisition you should be able to bargain like an intergalactic pro even if you don’t know the local language.

[photos by: karenchu121 (drinks with Ferengi), Socwind (empty table), dotbenjamin (string telephone), benjuni (bargaining), Gerwin Filius (dollar bill), Litandmore (handshake)]

Playing With The Language Exchange Network LingoMatch

You can connect with others in your local area to exchange language skills, have conversations, and practice that next language you’re learning using LingoMatch. The free social network lets you create and search through ads for local meet-ups with native speakers. In exchange that person can practice with you adding another dimension to the process of learning a new language. It’s another free online tool to learn new languages and I recently gave it a test spin.

How It Works

Signing up for LingoMatch only requires an email address and password – it’s your fairly standard double-opt in that doesn’t require a lot of information.

• If you don’t want any marketing emails make sure to un-check the box during sign-up or send them an email through their contact form.

Once you’re signed up you can browse through various ads to exchange language skills. LingoMatch seems to have most of its users in the UK, Europe, US and South Africa but you can search for others. I should clarify that although they’re called “ads” there isn’t any selling or buying going on. The exchanges are for the mutual benefit of both parties – sort of a CouchSurfing for languages.

Language Exchange Ads

The ads last 180 days and include profile pictures, but tend to be very short with just general location information along with what languages the person knows and what languages they want to learn. The ads don’t say much and it’s up to you to message the person and arrange the meeting. There also isn’t any standard for the meet up, it’s really designed as a way to set up conversations really. More detailed ads (or requiring users create them) would make the site easier to navigate and encourage more meetings I suspect.

Social Network For Language Learning

I didn’t actually meet up with anyone using LingoMatch but think it’s an interesting way of leveraging a social network for learning. It’s a good concept that needs some work with better ads and perhaps integration with existing networks like Facebook or Twitter to harness the power of tweetups. (I’d also prefer a more straightforward approach to opting out of marketing emails and a clearer privacy policy.)

Since most of you take the time to learn a few words of the local language before a trip LingoMatch could add a helpful hand before, during, or after. In a few days I’ll take a look at some other ways to get social while learning languages but if you’re on limited time, these are 4 word combinations you shouldn’t neglect to look up.

The Changing Face Of Berlin’s Immigrant District, Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg is a section of Berlin located in the center of the city and is well known for it’s large immigrant population. The German relationship with it’s immigrant populations – especially the large number of Turks in Germany – is a complex one to say the least. For years Kreuzberg has been the focus and reflection of how choppy the integration of these communities has been.

From One World To The Next

Hopping off the Kreuzberg metro station from any other part of Berlin you are thrust into a cosmopolitan world that instantly looks and feels different. There are international restaurants, cafes, and stands everywhere (the food is excellent by the way). Kreuzberg is a colorful place in a country where monotone shades seem to dominate the architecture. The harmony isn’t completely on-key but there are small signs all around that on some levels the cultures here are learning to share a part of themselves with each other.

Blends On A Small Scale

You’ll find Germans ordering doner kebabs in Turkish with local vendors, cafes creating unique tastes between Indian and German foods, along side Japanese markets. Where there are small signs of integration there are also stark differences that are make for an interesting look at the changing face of Kreuzberg. I recall seeing a young punk rocker girl of 15 or so, covered in tattoos and piercings drinking a beer; a moment later an elderly lady in a headscarf sits directly across from her. The looks the two exchanged was priceless – both in complete shock at the sight of one another – it’s a picture I really wish I could have caputred. On so many levels that is Kreuzberg.

Not Completely German, Berlin, But Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg has it’s fair share of problems, including having one of the highest rates of poverty in Germany. Despite the differences between its communities both past and ongoing, Kreuzberg has something I haven’t seen in any other part of Berlin or Germany. The communities here may fall into the categories of German, Turkish, Russian, or otherwise, but they’re all a part of Kreuzberg. That culture that transcends national titles, a unique mixture that defines its inhabitants, and may be slowly bringing them together.

[photo by: CDrewing (Kreuzberg sign)]

Following The Footsteps Of The Beatles On The Reeperbahn, Hamburg

“I might have been born in Liverpool – but I grew up in Hamburg.”

-John Lennon

The Reeperbahn in Hamburg, Germany is the bustling nightlife center of the city, home to one of Europe’s largest red light districts, and also where the Beatles began to make their mark on music during the early 1960s. The Beatles primarily played in 4 clubs at the Reeperbahn and you can retrace their footsteps at each one while capturing a feel for the “sinful mile”.

Indra Musikclub

It’s where the Beatles first played in Hamburg and by visiting you’ll get an idea of their humble beginnings. You’re better off showing up before 6pm or so, after which you’ll have to pay a cover to watch one of the bands that are booked for the evening. (The Beatles had to play hard, fast, and entertain the crowd anyway they could here which was difficult at times; fights breaking out during shows was common.) The drinks are cheap in the cramped and loud Indra Musikclub which is a great place to catch a show because even if you’re at the very back of the place, you’re not too far away from the stage (or bar).

Kaiserkeller

This is large concert hall that’s hard to miss on the corner of 36 Große Freiheit; it alternates during the day between club, bar, and concert hall for rock, dance, salsa, and Kelly Clarkson. The interior of the Kaiserkeller is larger than the Indra, but still gives an intimate feel when there’s live music. The Beatles didn’t play very long here (only a few months during 1960) and it’s not a place you’ll hang out long unless you’re watching a concert.

The Star Club

Unfortunately there is nothing of the Star Club left but the plague below. It’s hidden on a side street off 39 Große Freiheit near a Thai dance club and strip bar standing on a wall by itself. The Beatles played at the Star Club for 7 weeks at the end of 1962 and it’s the only one of these Hamburg clubs where Ringo Starr played with the band (having replaced Pete Best). The original building burned down in 1987 but the plaque commemorates other later famous musicians who played there like Little Richard, Ray Charles, Cream, Jerry Lee Louis, and Black Sabbath to name a few.

Below is a live recording of the Beatles with some footage from the Star Club in 1962.

Lots Of New Beatles, Not As Much Old

Beatles fans will appreciate stopping by each of the bars that are still standing, if not only for a few moments to see the atmosphere of the clubs that strongly influenced the band. Some of the other clubs the Beatles played at like The Top Ten (136 Reeperbahn) are also not in existence anymore and there are still many more across the rest of Hamburg. Parts of the Reeperbahn have tried to make more of the Beatles than is actually there – a Beatlemania Museum for example, as well as Beatles hot dog stands and resturants. These places are “Beatles” only by name and you won’t see much outside of the museum on the Reeperbahn.

The real spectacle is the Reeperbahn itself, notorious for it’s wild nightlife, sex shops, and rowdy bars that imprinted themselves on the Fab Four long after they left Hamburg.

[photos by: vgm8383 (Indra Musikclub)]

What Is An RTW?

You may have come across the acronym “RTW” lately (especially if you’ve been reading travel blogs) and one of my predictions for 2010 was that you’d see many more airline RTW options and plans. For those of you who may not know exactly what an RTW is or the culture behind it I’d like to introduce you to the three letters RTW.

What Is An RTW?

Simply put, RTW stands for round-the-world and in the travel community it usually means a trip around the world. The length and route of these trips vary quite a bit, with the average being a year trip across destinations in 3-6 continents (sorry Antarctica).

RTWers

People who travel around the world for a year or so can be considered RTWers when there is a planned beginning and end to the trip. There are many others who travel indefinitely, but typically RTWers are those who’ve taken a career break, purchased a round-world-ticket (many airlines offer them), and set off using savings or working from the road to pay for the trip.

• RTW Tickets can range from $2,000-$5,000 dollars using an RTW trip planner.
• AirTreks has an excellent RTW trip planner.
• Many RTWers don’t permanently leave their jobs. Briefcase To Backpack is an excellent resource if you’re contemplating a career break.

Travelers Currently On RTW Trips

For those of you who are curious about RTWers you can catch some of them mid-trip by checking out the following blogs written by travelers on RTW trips.

• A Travel Around The World
• Dan’s Adventure
• Manali + Terry
• One Giant Step
• Saben and Lin
• Seat Of Our Pants
• Sending Postcards
• She’s In Love With The World
• The Road Forks

No Set Definition

RTW doesn’t really have a set meaning, although there is a general idea around it. I suspect the phrase will find itself in the broader lexicon eventually as more people take RTW trips in the coming years.

Some RTWers only travel for few months, focus on a particular part of the world, or break the trip up into segments. Others start off on a RTW and never make their way back and just keep traveling.

Are You A Past, Present, Or Future RTWer?

It would be great to hear from those of you who’ve had the RTW experience as it’s unique to everyone. Your comments would help explain the concept of “RTW” much better than I alone and perhaps be encouraging to those who didn’t know such things existed (or that so many people do travel around the world). If you still don’t think it’s possible or how to go about it, my eBook Overcoming the 7 Major Obstacles to Traveling The World can teach you how.

[photos by: Mike Mertz, Al_HikesAZ, Oldtasty]

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