Why Turkey?

With over 190 countries to learn about, why did I select Turkey?
In December 2006 I was looking for a vacation spot to escape from Christmas. Down here in the south, stores are decorated BEFORE COLUMBUS DAY and all entertainment is XMAS related as of November. Separation of church and state has a long way to go in the USA.

I figured my options were KlezKamp, Israel, Morocco, Tunesia or Turkey. (I didn't want to visit a country that wouldn't let me in with my Israeli entry stamp in my passport.) I'd just been to Israel in 2005 and thought I should get to Turkey before prices rise with their EU admission. (little did I know then that they are not on the EU fast track.)

I went to Turkey for 2 weeks and had a fabulous time visiting Istanbul, Edirne and Bursa. The people were very friendly and I loved visiting the beautiful tiled mosques. I only saw a small part of this large country. The political debate on many issues such as head scarves, AKP party, EU process, etc. is lively and fascinating. I thought I saw parallels to some of the issues on the Israeli political scene, so I knew Turkey would provide a fertile ground for learning and exploration.

I figured a Fulbright application requesting Turkey had a better chance of acceptance than one requesting Paris. More to the point, I am hoping that my engagement with the Koc Graduate School of Business will initiate an ongoing relationship between Goizueta and Koc. Students and faculty have much to learn from a country that bridges Asia and Europe. I feel strongly that Americans must learn more about Muslim countries as we work, travel and participate in a global world.