Job Discussion Forums

yaramaz · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:12 pm Post subject:

Don't be an a.ss, rudeman. Nice to see you don't let yourself succumb to mindless, pointless belittling based on taking a quote out of context just for the sake of seeming clever (and no, you aren't).

We were talking about the election results and I was merely making a comparison between how the American and Turkish elections were received and perceived.

I'd still take the AK parti over the American republicans any day-- far less evil. And I think on many levels I'd prefer to live in a Turkey not ruled by isolationist nationalists, so if moderate Islamists turn up and run the show, let's give them the benefit of the doubt.

Vixter · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

And let's face it, there really weren't any viable alternatives. Time for Baykal to go.

I think at this time Turkey needs stability - a new governing party would have turned things on their head till they'd settled in. I hope AKP get rid of the religious cronies appointed on the reasoning that they are pious and loyal - how about who's best for the job.

Golightly · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:22 pm Post subject:

Golightly · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:28 pm Post subject:

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

yaramaz · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 3:52 am Post subject:

I think Abdullah Gul is well qualified, well educated, and has done an excellent job so far--- and I'm speaking as a long time atheist, secular lefty who really doesn't like or trust politics or politicians. Like Golightly, I just think it's about time Turkey had a bit of stability. The past five years have been quite stable and although I don't agree with the AK Parti on a lot of policies or perspectives, I still think they are more trust worthy and less evil than other options.

MEDRACER · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 57

I'm waiting to see who gets chosen for President, which is the issue that kick-started the whole election process anyway. In the meantime, does anyone have a list of ministerial positions, who gets what?

Golightly · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:07 am Post subject:

I'll vote Baba Alex for president. Howmucharefags can be minister in charge of booze, f4gs and morality.

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

comrade in arms · Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 61

Does the AKP have a hidden agenda?

Is the AKP scheming to overthrow the secular system of the Turkish Republic, founded in 1923 after the fall of the Ottoman Empire at the end of WW1?

Since the foundation of the Republic, there have always been incidents against the new political system in Turkey. Among the most known incidents, one was in 1930 in Menemen near Izmir where Kubilay, a young soldier was lynched by a group of Islamist fundamentalists which resulted to the swift trial and execution of maybe 12 people, most of whom were members of Naqshbandi sect which the AKP has a certain number among its ranks including some MPs. However, perhaps the most notorious incident took place during a cultural festival in 1993 in Sivas, a central Anatolian city. A mob organised by Radical Islamists calling for the Islamic Law and death to infidels attacked a hotel near where the festival was taking place and set it on fire. 37 people who were staying there, most of whom were writers, were killed. Aziz Nesin, a popular Turkish humourist, author of more than 100 books and a political activist who was by no means in good terms with the Army was also in the hotel, but managed to escape. The AKP is strongly supported by and partially represent these types.

Why is presidency so important for the AKP, if the president has only a symbolic role? The only power he has is to check if a new piece of legislation is constitutional and to veto if he deems necessary. Then the Constitutional Court makes the final decision. For example, if the AKP controlled parliament decides to make adultery a crime, or passes a law which makes a requirement for women to wear headscarves, or allow a man to marry four wives, then, of course, the president will veto these. Otherwise, he doesn't get involved with day to day legislation. This is a safeguard of the secular political system in Turkey.

Do you think that the AKP has a hidden agenda?

readdave · Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 8

My girlfriend and I are more than likely moving to Turkey in Septemeber. Is Turkey still going to be a safe place to be? How islamist is the AKP party hoping to make Turkey?

Is my girlfriend going to be safe?

I need honest answers despite how stupid these questions may sound.

Do you feel safe in Turkey (we will be in Istanbul) with these election results?

Golightly · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:58 am Post subject:

don't change your plans, Readdave: Turkey will still be a welcoming and relaxed, and safe place. You won't have to grow your beard and/or wear a burqa just yet. No political party is insane enough to implement laws that impinge on the muti-billion dollar tourist industry, i.e access to booze, f4gs and late-night kebabs, so life for the average TEFLer will also go on unchanged

tararu · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 494

I think that we will see a continued increase in the wealth and power of the religious conservative majority as it becomes more and more socially acceptable to be actively and openly Islamic. I think we will also see a continuing shift in the social status of middle class/rich religious conservatives.

I was reading an article in the Times about a Turkish lady who runs a company which organises seminars and conferences. She organised a conference for the female contingent of the AK party who refused to be served refreshments by women not wearing headscarves at the conference........mmmmmmm....perhaps we will see the rise of women not getting jobs because they aren't covered. That's a bit ironic!!

comrade in arms · Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 61

Shalana · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 150 Location: Istanbul

As a woman living in Istanbul alone, I feel safe at all times of the day or night in all places of the city.