Our June Trip to Turkey
Derya Gurbuz, Los Angeles, California, Special for The Turkish Times - [Personal reflections of a young Turkish-American from California about the visit that 38 young Turkish-Americans have paid to Turkey this past June.] The trip to Turkey organized by the Turkish Military Consulate has been a great experience for me. Even though the trip lasted only for two weeks, 16-29 June 2002, I have established close ties with 37 other Turkish students in America, met prominent people working for the Turkish government, toured some of Turkey's greatest fascinations, and most importantly found true meaning in being Turkish. After the trip was over, I could feel pride and honor - I am proud to be Turkish.

I remember our first day at Anitkabir in Ankara. I have to admit that I had very little knowledge of our Turkish founder Atatürk. However, Anitkabir gave me a more insightful look into Atatürk's ambitions and dreams for Turkey and its future. He was a very smart individual who emphasized our strength and capacity. I could feel his sensation whenever I read his quotes or observed his possessions. As I signed Atatürk's guestbook, I realized how much honor and respect I have for my country. I will never forget that day. Personally, I think the choice of having Anitkabir as our first program was a great idea. It made me and others understand who we really are - we are Turkish and always will be.

Our visit to Bilkent University was also an excellent choice. Now I am considering spending at least half a year studying in Turkey, whether it would be an exchange program, study abroad program, or simply summer school. That way, I will be able to improve my Turkish and finally have the chance to live among my people. The program had many other events organized for us, such as a visit to the American Embassy and lunch with the General Secretary of the National Security (MGK). I am thinking of applying for an internship position either at the American consulate in Turkey or in one of the industrial companies such as TAI. I would like to progress my experience and, at the same time, work for my country.

One evening, we went to see a cultural performance. I really enjoyed the evening as some of us started to sing together with the performers. At one point, we all danced the "Halay" around the audience and filled the room with laughter. Everyone joined in, even Mr. Nurdogan, his wife, and the performers. We were no longer a shy group of Turkish American students; we let our true Turkish identity appear and appreciated our own Turkish culture.

We also went to see the Turkish President at his home. Although it was a short visit, I was honored to shake his hand and listen to his speech about our Turkish nationality. So many of us had questions for him and he politely answered them. I admired his knowledge of Turkey and his big goals for a better future. He will do great things for our mother country Turkey.

To be honest, I think the National Security has chosen the best 38 Turkish Americans for the trip. We connected well and became good friends in a very short time. We regarded each other like brothers and sisters because we are Turkish. In the evenings, we would play soccer in a nearby field, have a water-gun fight, or go dancing. We also celebrated the birthdays of two Turkish American students in our group. The World Cup soccer matches, for example, have clearly brought us closer together. They also brought out our Turkish love and patriotism. Some of us even slept with a Turkish flag wrapped around our shoulders. Never before have I experienced so much love for my country as well as my people.

I was very impressed with some of the Turkish tourist sites, such as Kapadokya [Cappadocia] and Harran. I knew that Turkey had a vast history, but I did not know how much of our history was still preserved. The open museum in Kapadokya displayed how diverse our culture is and how old our history dates back. Turkey is truly a beautiful country, more beautiful than I had imagined. I am glad that I was chosen to go on this trip or else I would have never had the opportunity to see some of Turkey's most fascinating sites.

When we arrived in Istanbul, we explored more of Turkey's vast history by visiting several mosques, such as Ayasofya and the Blue Mosque. We also went to see some of the palaces in which the sultans' used to live in. I really enjoyed our last program which was the boat tour in Bosphorus.

When the trip came to a final end, it was very difficult for us to say goodbye. We had become such good friends in only two weeks. We hugged each other really tight and some of us let tears run down our cheeks. I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay and spend another 2 weeks with them. About a month has passed since the trip ended and we are still in touch with each other via e-mail. We have created our own website and are thinking of establishing an association in America called the Turkish American Association of Students (TAAS). We want to help Turkey. We are giving each other enough support and motivation, and I am confident that someday we will make a difference. We are proud to be Turkish and we want to show our pride to the world.

I might be living in America, but my heart belongs to Turkey.