Also concerned

Submitted by Ann (United States), Jun 13, 2011 at 08:59

I lived in Turkey 45 years ago and visited very year for the last 12 years. I have seen the changes coming to Turkey, especially among the younger generation. It is obvious in the way the young women dress. Today you will see ankle length attire and headscarves, no facial covering, that was outlawed by Ataturk, however, at the same time see young women in tight fitting jeans, tank tops, etc

. Izmir and Istanbul along with most of the western section is still very cosmopolitan but as you travel east you see changes. I never experienced any overt hostility toward me as an American; however, I did sense it while visiting Urfa, and the surrounding area, not in anything overt but in the cool indifference shown. The Turks are, in my opinion and experiences, very open, friendly and polite people. I enjoy visiting there and relish my 2.5 years living in Bayrakli, Izmir.

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