Turkey is often misrepresented in western media and I want to share with you my experience of how this country really shocked me and changed how I travel and see the whole world.
HELLO THERE: I’m Joe, relatively new to YouTube but really excited to be a part of this community. I live small and sustainably in my home on wheels (a lovely van called Freyja) and from time to time out of my backpack (I have not named the backpack yet). On this channel, I bring you along on my travel journeys off the beaten track where I try to show you the beauty of untouched nature and wander into places where most tourists don’t dare to go.
We condemn the Producers of the movie Smyrna and their supporters and organizations
“War is murder unless unless it is based on legitimate grounds.” M. Kemal Ataturk
There is a part of the sentence that describes the movie SMYRNA, which will be in theaters nationwide in the UK on December 4th, and in the US on December 8th, for one day only. That part of the sentence reads: “moving drama about an elderly Greek American woman whose family diary recounts the Turkish occupation of the cosmopolitan city of Smyrna in 1922; where Greeks, Turks, Jews, Armenians, and Levantines once lived together harmoniously.” That should actually read like this: “ “moving drama about an elderly Turkish woman whose family diary recounts the 1919 invasion of the cosmopolitan city of Smyrna by the Greek Army, who committed atrocities against the civilian Turkish population in the villages and towns, where Greeks, Turks, Jews, Armenians, and Levantines once lived together harmoniously.”
The advertisement for the film is historically incorrect, describing a “historic film about the Turkish occupation in 1922”… “The historical events and facts” clearly show that the occupying side was the Greeks, not the Turks. The Ottoman Empire was occupied and partitioned by the Allied Forces following its defeat in World War I….IZMIR (Smryna), which has been under Turkish rule beginning in 1081, and part of the Ottoman Empire since 1426, was invaded by the Greek Forces on May 15, 1919. The idea to occupy İzmir came from then British Prime Minister of the time, Lloyd George, with the suggestion of Greek Prime Minister Elefterios Venizelos; after The Ottoman Empire, suffering defeat, signed the Mudros Armistice Agreement at the end of World War I. Article 7 of the Mudros Armistice Agreement specified that the allied forces had a right to occupy any strategic location in the event of a threat to the security of the allies. Using Article 7 as an excuse, Great Britain, France and USA came to an agreement and decided for the occupation of Izmir by Greece, on behalf of the Allied Powers; even though they did not have the right to do so! There was no event that would endanger the security of the Allied Forces in İzmir… Despite this, the occupation of Izmir by the Greek Army happened on May 15, 1919; violence and massacres took place with the cooperation of local Greeks, in and around Izmir. The Armistice of Mudros was abolished with the signing of Treaty of Lausanne on July 24, 1923; following the Turkish victory in the War of Independence. Even though the Greek occupiers tried to conceal massacres on local Muslim populations; testimonials of British, American, Swedish and Canadian officials in the British archive documents clearly reveal the facts. And there are books written about the historical facts by unbiased Greek historians.
But the most powerful confirmation of these facts came from a very unexpected source; the person who came up with the suggestion to invade Izmir; The Greek Prime Minister Elefterios Venizelos himself! In 1928, Venizelos changed his attitude and made attempts to start a friendship with Turkey and the founder of the newly established Turkish Republic, Atatürk. As a matter of fact, he nominated his old enemy Atatürk for the Nobel Peace Prize on 12 January 1934. And, In 1981, the centennial of Atatürk’s birth, the memory of Atatürk was honored by the United Nations and UNESCO by declaring it that year “The Atatürk Year” in the World. These two extraordinary facts are clearly enough to show the worldwide acceptance of the great Turkish military leader and peace-loving statesman Atatürk, and the injustice and oppression that was once committed against the Turks. His old enemy, Venizelos, admitted Greece’s past mistakes against the Turks; The United Nations, on the other hand, told the world that there is no other peace-loving leader like Atatürk. He is the only person worthy of such recognition by UNESCO
How could this be possible if he was the commander of a cruel and murderous army as described in the movie SMYRNA?
Although the Greek and Turkish peoples went to war due to political problems and went through very difficult times, their common cultural and artistic values have brought them closer together over the centuries. We, as the followers of the legendary world leader Ataturk around the world; with the awareness of the enlightenment that Atatürk brought to the Turkish people and the philosophy of peace he wished for all humanity; and with respect for Venizelos’ great step for friendship, condemn the producers of the film Smyrna and everyone and every organization who supports such productions by distorting historical facts for the sake of their political ambitions. We invite you to be PEACEFUL, not HATEFUL. Atatürk World Platform-AWP
Today Istanbul holds an unusually large population of stray cats. They are often well taken care of by the city’s population. How old is this tradition, is it due to Turkish or Islamic culture, or does it date back to Roman times?
Today Istanbul holds a usually high population of stray cats, and are often well taken care of by the cities population. How old is this tradition, is it due to Turkish or Islamic culture, or does it date back to Roman times?
Is looking after stray animals due to Turkish or Islamic culture, or does it date back to Roman times?
It is easy to check. There are a couple of countries who claim heritage of Turkish, Islamic or Roman culture. For example, how good the countries such as Italy, France, Germany or England who were heirs of Roman Empire, take care of stray cats? Or how good the countries such as Morocco or Iran which are prominently Muslim Majority countries treat the animals? Do they differ from other Turkic states such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan in regards of animal rights?
A quick research on internet tells it was not a Roman tradition. You may check following articles.
Ritualistic Cat Torture Was Once a Form of Town Fun
1677: Londoners burn live cats in wicker pope – Past Peculiar
The Golden Bough/The Fire-Festivals of Europe
But we have some well-documented information about animals of Turkish History. For example, there was an occupation in Ottoman for the people who fed stray animals which called “mancaci”. Manca means cat & dog food.
Mancaci would feed the stray animals with the donation money of animal-lovers.
Not just cats or dogs were fed, but wild animals such as wolves. In winter months, necessary meat had been left for them, so they would not attack people or wouldn’t come to settlements.
Not to forget feeding birds
Of course only feeding them is not enough. They also needed some institutions. A cat hospital in Uskudar, Istanbul, a bird hospital in Dolmabahce, Istanbul. And another one in Bursa, solely for the storks (Gurabahane-i Laklakan) since 16th century.
Animal-loving also shows itself in architecture as bird-palaces since 15th century.
They were even included in pious foundations and wills. For example Bayezid Foundation had spared annually 30 gold for feeding birds among other things. It was/is also common to put water cups for birds in graveyards.
The first official regulation in the world regarding animal rights?; The Imperial Degree of Ottoman Sultan Murat III, dated 19th March, 1587 stated that “It was forbidden to overload animals such as horse or mule more than their capacity. And necessary care should be given about feeding and caring animals. And those who do not comply with the provisions would be punished.”
Deserved a retirement: The Cattle, which pulling cannons during wars, were retiring with a salary, when they got old. Retired animals were living in a farm which specifically established for them since 1654.
Animal holiday: An imperial degree dated 2nd October 1856, reminded people that it was forbidden by law, on fridays, to use horses to carry goods as well as ride them. Fridays were holidays for the horses since they were working remaining six days of the week.
Asking permission to kill ants: It is well known story that Suleiman the Magnificent asked his Sheikh al-Islam, whether it was ok to kill ants, which searing fruit trees in palace gardens. (The answer was: No, it was not ok!)
Many foreign traveller such as German Hans Dernschwam (1542), French Jean Thevenot (1656), Lamartine, Guer and British Ambassador Paul Ricout mentions about animal hospitals and pious foundations for animals which they had witnessed in Istanbul.
In the 17th century, the traveller Jean du Mont wrote that “For Turks, it is a crime to kill animals such as cats, dogs or horses which were not fed for their meats.
Also Busbecq (1554) writes in his travelogue about a Venetian merchant who was taken to court by Turkish people because he had nailed a bird to his door while it was alive.
Dogs came to Istanbul with Turks and they were always part of street life. However not all stories are pleasant. In 1910, a French Company which used dogs for the perfume and chemical industry applied Coup D’etat Government (Comittee of Union & Progress) of Ottoman in order to buy these dogs. They signed a deal. However, when news heard there was an uproar. Using dogs in experiment was unthinkable for most Turks, that’s why they protested.
Yet, coup government did not care. When stray dogs had been gathered on a ship, animal lovers raided the ship and saved the dogs. However, poor creatures been forcefully re-gathered. And this time there were guards who were ensuring their captivity. Then, it was decided that dogs could wait in a deserted island instead of a ship.
While 80.000 dogs were staying in a deserted island, French company declared that they backed off from the deal. All dogs died from hunger and thirst.
Official name of the island was/is “sharp” (sivri). However from then on people started to call that island as “scapegrace” (hayırsız ada). People also believed that, the earthquake of 1912 and many other following misfortunes befell on them due to this unheard cruelty towards these voiceless, innocent creatures.
This heartbreaking and disgraceful event still vividly remembered by people.
Why does Turkey allow Australians to celebrate ANZAC day on its territory?
Here is what the commander of the Turkish forces at Galipoli had to say about the fallen ANZACS;
“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives … You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours … You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”
Pretty sure that answers your question.
Mark Peacock Studied at Murdoch University
Australians are being warned of the possibility of terror attacks in Turkey as Anzac Day approaches. File image. Source: AFP
Ray Nutt, CEO Fathom Events Rnutt@fathomevents.com
Dear Mr. Nutt,
We are writing to you in relation to the movie “Smyrna”, which we understand will be screened on December 8, 2022 at multiple theaters across the U.S. during an organization by Fathom Events. The Turkish-American community is deeply disturbed and offended by the fact that this production, which is portraying an unsubstantiated and erroneous account of historical events, is afforded such a vast platform by your company. We would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight concerning its subject matter.
We condemn the movie ‘’Smyrna’’ which is full of black propaganda. The Turkish War of Independence was conducted between 1919 and 1922, against those who coveted Anatolia, our homeland. Led by the Great Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it resulted in a rightful victory of independence and freedom as well as paved the way for the proclamation of the modern Turkish Republic.
It also challenged the imperialistic ambitions of the era, which envisioned Greece waging an invasion and occupation of the Turkish homeland, starting in İzmir, referred to as “Smyrna” by the said production. During this course of events, Greece committed most heinous atrocities against humanity in Turkish territories. The occupying Greek forces resorted to brutal and savage methods in Anatolia, including but not limited to perpetrating massacres of the Turks.
We do not intend to open up a debate on history. However, if there needs to be a quick reminder, in the face of the horrors caused by the Greek occupation in Anatolia, Greece’s war-time allies had to investigate its crimes against humanity by establishing an Investigation Commission. Furthermore, Greece’s vicious acts were registered as contrary to the law of war in the 59th Article of the Lausanne Peace Treaty of 1923. The liability of the tragic events of the time falls on the Greek side— not on the Turks, as attempted to be depicted in “Smyrna”. This production, as a whole, is devoid of any historical credibility. In the records and archives, there is no historical evidence that fire was caused due to the act of Turkish side. Also, as it can be seen from the works of Turkish history specialist, such as Bernard Lewis, Donald Webster and Lord Kinross, there was never an intention from Turkish authorities to commit such anBarbaric crime.
We are concerned by the negative implications of the continuation misleading, irresponsible black propaganda on peace and cooperation between communities. The influential medium of art has the sacrosanct responsibility to help lay the ground for cooperation and solidarity in our Nation, most especially between the communities forming it. Never should it incite hatred and animosity. Enabling those who wish to manipulate this medium to amplify their black propaganda through demagoguery cannot serve that end. We kindly call youfor common sense and ask you to refrain from contributing this black propaganda.
We earnestly hope that you will consider the dissemination of future projects with greater scrutiny and sensitivity.
Today: Celebrate Human Rights Day with Ms.Hawa Diallo, Chief, UNDGC_CSU & 30 Children December 10
Greetings to you ALL:
You are invited to celebrate the 74th anniversary of 30 (Thirty) Articles of the UNDH which will be presented by ETAC Children’s Club on the observance of the United Nations’ Human Rights Day, December 10.
The UDHR consists of a preamble and 30 articles that set out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all of us, everywhere around the world, are entitled. It guarantees our rights without distinction of nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status.
The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on 10 December 2023. Ahead of this milestone celebration, starting on this year’s Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-OHCHR) will launch a year-long campaign to showcase the UDHR by focusing on its legacy, relevance, and activism.
Please join us today to celebrate Human Rights Day with our keynote speaker Ms.HAWA TAYLOR-KAMALA DIALLO, Chief, UNDGC_CSU; and 30 Children at 10:00 a.m. PT; 1:00 p.m. ET; and 9:00 p.m. TR on Saturday, December 10th.
Key Details
Date: Saturday, December 10 @ 10 AM (PST)
Location: Online
REGISTER NOW Please send any questions and comments to: info@etacusa.org
