I never plan for it to happen. I just want to go on vacation, get away from my life for a little bit, and see a part of the world that I have never seen before. Every once in awhile though, I find myself in a part of the world during a time of great celebration. These have always been some of my favorite travel experiences, and my trip to Istanbul supplied me with another one of the these experiences.
Sunday marked the 100th anniversary of the modern republic of Turkey. It was on this date that Mustafa Ataturk raised the country up from the rubble of the Ottoman Empire and turned it into a secular republic. The busier parts of the city were draped in Turkey flags, and people came out to show their support for the momentous part of their history.
It was not the craziest of celebrations that I have found myself in. People were quietly enjoying the day off by wandering the streets of town and waving their flags. There were some fireworks at night, and a small display of the country’ navy, but beyond that, it was not the party that it cold have been. Still, the day was filled with joyous people, showing their appreciation for their country.
It reminded me a little bit of my youth when I celebrated the bi-centennial of the United States. There was a moment of nationalistic pride in being able to mark this occasion. Some of the celebrations seemed to be appropriate to what was happening; whereas, others used the moment to push their agenda with simple displays of propaganda. Every business went full out to show their support with even McDonald’s creating a special menu board for the day. It makes sense and will allow the moment to stick in the minds of the youth that witnessed it longer because they will remember how the whole country went overboard to celebrate.
As for me, there was only one thing that I could do, join in the celebration. Why would I do anything differently? I was already here, and a moment like this would not come again for another hundred years. You have to enjoy these moments when they come whether you planned to be a part of them or not.
Until next time, keep going out and finding those celebrations, and make sure you get the most out of them when you find them.
John Collings 