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With Love, From Turkey
Published inHilal English
Written By: Zainab Javed
In a global discourse, Pak-Turk relations have become a popular narrative, especially across social media. As recognized years ago by our founders, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Turkey and Pakistan complement each other’s national policies and ideologies and in recent times they have shown great sympathy and support for one another. Both nations have been forthcoming despite the 3,238 kilometers that geographically separate them. This bond can be attributed to more than just religious and cultural similarities, some linguistic overlaps or the shared love for good desserts and stagy television. In fact, the two brother nations have proven to be of service to each other multiple times over the past decades. More than anything it is instinctive and instrinsic acceptance for one another that has aligned the people of Pakistan and Turkey for long. The regard these nations hold for one another can be genuinely felt, as in my own case; when you find yourself surrounded by people who do not speak your language, do not dress in your clothes or even dine the way you have known, but still you somehow find yourself instilled with a sense of belonging.
As Turkey gains popularity as a favourite tourist destination worldwide, to Pakistan it gains recognition as a brotherly state. With more students now choosing Turkey as an academic abode and more people finding it a suitable place to pursue careers; the number of Pakistanis living and visiting Turkey is now more than ever. While we are more than accustomed to the love we feel for our Turkish brothers and sisters and the fascination for their culture and values, here is a look at what people from different walks of life in Turkey have to say about Pakistan. As they share their encounters with Pakistanis and their opinions on Pak-Turk relations, ponder over the little details that pivot the current relationship between Pakistan and Turkey.
Sinan Mavi (Student)
Pakistani people are very kind, friendly, thoughtful and the ones to identify with us. I like the bond our nations have and the Pakistani lifestyle. I think that Pakistan and Turkey share similar social structures, traditions and a common belief in freedom and independence. The latter are very important to both nations and our histories hold proof of that. Owing to the similarities of traditions, thoughts and lifestyle, one can predict closer relations between Turkey and Pakistan in the future. In a global context, countries that complement each other’s political and economic interests are automatically aligned; which is what I see for our two nations. As the world polarizes, we can expect Pakistan and Turkey to end up in the same fold in the future.
Derya Dogur (Architect)
Pakistan is a country that has much in common with Turkey. Both nations have suffered common pains and so we understand each other better on those sorrowful days. We also have similarities in food, family relations and various traditions. Pakistan is home to very colorful and diverse traditions, cities, landscapes, people and even clothes. This complex culture is what makes Pakistan so appealing. As far as I can recall both countries have been friends and have always stood by each other in difficult times. They have stood side by side on both good and bad days. I hope and I know that the relations with a foundation so great will only grow and become more and more beneficial for both parties. With the world globalizing, it is easier to maintain relations over distances and so it has become more common to establish friendships, communicate with and meet Pakistani people while being in Turkey. Pakistani people that I have got a chance to know have all been kind, helpful and intellectual.
Zeynep Elif Yelken (Student)
I used to live in a small town in Turkey where I did not get the chance to meet many Pakistanis until I joined university. Since the freshman year I met a bunch of Pakistanis who all seemed to be active in academic courses as well as social activities. It seems as if they were exposed to opportunities to socially and intellectually develop themselves back in Pakistan and I am glad to have found such company here in Turkey. Personally, I do not know much about political and state relationships but as far as the people are concerned, there might be some cultural and social barriers and some aspects that both countries could work on but altogether Pakistan can be seen as a sincere friend of Turkey to walk down these paths with.
Özlem Yeter (Student)
I only got to personally know Pakistanis once I started studying at my current university and one thing I observed right away and grew to adore was the sense of togetherness that they have. They make it a point to know almost every other Pakistani on campus and they spend all their time together. They truly support each other and they know how to have fun together. Turkish and Pakistani people are very much alike in certain cultural values; we all like to share and offer one another the food we have, we like to spend time together, to invite each other to our places and so on. I cannot tell much of a difference, putting the language and culinary aspects aside. I have come to know many Pakistanis; some have shared their special cup of tea with me and some have made me their famous biryani. Some even brought me their traditional clothes, introduced me to their traditional henna designs, music, dances and the strong bonds they hold. I see now that different motherlands or languages are not barriers. I wish there were more opportunities for Turkish people to meet Pakistanis and see what a beautiful thing it is to form bonds with people from miles away. I hope the friendship between these two nations stays as strong as it is now. Turkey will always stand by Pakistan as a brotherly nation.
Huseyin Abi (Taxi Driver)
I personally enjoy Pakistani weddings very much. The colorful clothes, especially those of the bride and groom, and the extensive use of gold has always been a fascination to me. Their food is always the most wonderful part of the weddings though. With the songs and preparations, the entire saga of Pakistani weddings is something that I have come to love. I used to have a Pakistani friend who was a surgeon. I had met him at a hospital and we became friends and since then I grew to love Pakistani people. They are truly hospitable, warm hearted and sincere people who take care of each other.
Elçin Kutluca (Student)
As a Turkish citizen, I can easily say that Pakistan is our brotherly nation in every meaning of the word and sentiment. Since the establishment of Pakistan, both countries have extended support to each other during the most difficult of times. A story I recall is that of when Turkey was fighting the ‘War of Independence’; the Turkish army was in a critical situation and it struggled with finances as expenses peaked, given the circumstances. In that time of need, our brother Pakistan started sending us help and there are incidents narrated of Pakistani women having sold their jewelry to raise money for our support. I cannot put my feelings into words when I hear of these acts of love and compassion. Likewise when a dreadful earthquake hit Pakistan, at the time I was in elementary school, I personally remember putting together monetary aid and food to send to them. I could not have known then that I was helping the country that would soon be that of my life partner. Yes, I am engaged to a loving Pakistani guy. This bond makes us two people and one soul just like Turkey and Pakistan; two nations never to be separated. To sum up; Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan, Jeevay Jeevay Turkey! Zindabad Pakistan, Zindabad Turkey!
Canol Teber (Student)
Being close friends with many Pakistanis in my university, I see how great of a people Pakistanis are with their rich culture and hospitality. We Turks in general see Pakistan and its people as our friends, and I see a bright future for the relations between Turkey and Pakistan. Love the biryaniby the way!
Yeşim Kümbet (PhD Student and Project Assistant)
As a child I would walk through Cinnah Caddesi while on my way to Kugulu Park and I was always curious about the name of the street. Although initially I supposed it was a Turkish word, I soon learnt that Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the founder of Pakistan, and it made me happy to know we had an avenue named after him. Being a student at the Middle East Technical University I was fortunate enough to meet and get to know several international students and I can truly say that among my foreign friends, the Pakistanis are the kindest and friendliest. The Pakistani nation is in the hearts and minds of Turkish people and I think that Turkish-Pakistani relations are deeply rooted in the history of these nations and how they have continually extended support to one another during difficult times. We hold respect for each other’s history and identity and I have come to realize that Pakistani people also love and support Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. I am not only surprised but also take great pride in the honour my Pakistani friends have shown for Ataturk. An opinion I hold of this nation based on my interactions with Pakistani people is that it has fostered brilliant, strong and successful women. Malala is one commonly known figure of bravery and perseverance but the ideology runs throughout I believe. The cultural, political and military relations between the two nations are very strong but perhaps the same cannot be said for our economic relations, which I hope can be strengthened in the near future. I hope these brother countries continue to show support for each other as they have done in the past.
Esra Darici (Language Instructor)
I have been teaching Turkish to foreign students for a while now and the Pakistani students are always a very special group among the entire class. Their smiling faces are forever a fond memory. All my Pakistani students have proven to be friendly and positive individuals and their presence in class is made noticeable by how much more enjoyable they make the lessons. I am greatly drawn to their adherence to their traditions and culture which they always carry with them; the lovely colorful clothes, traditional dances and also the difficult language, Urdu.
Thank you for your love and kind words that the bond will never be broken In'Sha'ALLAH.
Pakistan-Turkey Zindabad.
(Due to limitation, the pictures of quoted persons are not uploaded).
Published inHilal English
Written By: Zainab Javed
In a global discourse, Pak-Turk relations have become a popular narrative, especially across social media. As recognized years ago by our founders, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Turkey and Pakistan complement each other’s national policies and ideologies and in recent times they have shown great sympathy and support for one another. Both nations have been forthcoming despite the 3,238 kilometers that geographically separate them. This bond can be attributed to more than just religious and cultural similarities, some linguistic overlaps or the shared love for good desserts and stagy television. In fact, the two brother nations have proven to be of service to each other multiple times over the past decades. More than anything it is instinctive and instrinsic acceptance for one another that has aligned the people of Pakistan and Turkey for long. The regard these nations hold for one another can be genuinely felt, as in my own case; when you find yourself surrounded by people who do not speak your language, do not dress in your clothes or even dine the way you have known, but still you somehow find yourself instilled with a sense of belonging.
As Turkey gains popularity as a favourite tourist destination worldwide, to Pakistan it gains recognition as a brotherly state. With more students now choosing Turkey as an academic abode and more people finding it a suitable place to pursue careers; the number of Pakistanis living and visiting Turkey is now more than ever. While we are more than accustomed to the love we feel for our Turkish brothers and sisters and the fascination for their culture and values, here is a look at what people from different walks of life in Turkey have to say about Pakistan. As they share their encounters with Pakistanis and their opinions on Pak-Turk relations, ponder over the little details that pivot the current relationship between Pakistan and Turkey.
Sinan Mavi (Student)
Pakistani people are very kind, friendly, thoughtful and the ones to identify with us. I like the bond our nations have and the Pakistani lifestyle. I think that Pakistan and Turkey share similar social structures, traditions and a common belief in freedom and independence. The latter are very important to both nations and our histories hold proof of that. Owing to the similarities of traditions, thoughts and lifestyle, one can predict closer relations between Turkey and Pakistan in the future. In a global context, countries that complement each other’s political and economic interests are automatically aligned; which is what I see for our two nations. As the world polarizes, we can expect Pakistan and Turkey to end up in the same fold in the future.
Derya Dogur (Architect)
Pakistan is a country that has much in common with Turkey. Both nations have suffered common pains and so we understand each other better on those sorrowful days. We also have similarities in food, family relations and various traditions. Pakistan is home to very colorful and diverse traditions, cities, landscapes, people and even clothes. This complex culture is what makes Pakistan so appealing. As far as I can recall both countries have been friends and have always stood by each other in difficult times. They have stood side by side on both good and bad days. I hope and I know that the relations with a foundation so great will only grow and become more and more beneficial for both parties. With the world globalizing, it is easier to maintain relations over distances and so it has become more common to establish friendships, communicate with and meet Pakistani people while being in Turkey. Pakistani people that I have got a chance to know have all been kind, helpful and intellectual.
Zeynep Elif Yelken (Student)
I used to live in a small town in Turkey where I did not get the chance to meet many Pakistanis until I joined university. Since the freshman year I met a bunch of Pakistanis who all seemed to be active in academic courses as well as social activities. It seems as if they were exposed to opportunities to socially and intellectually develop themselves back in Pakistan and I am glad to have found such company here in Turkey. Personally, I do not know much about political and state relationships but as far as the people are concerned, there might be some cultural and social barriers and some aspects that both countries could work on but altogether Pakistan can be seen as a sincere friend of Turkey to walk down these paths with.
Özlem Yeter (Student)
I only got to personally know Pakistanis once I started studying at my current university and one thing I observed right away and grew to adore was the sense of togetherness that they have. They make it a point to know almost every other Pakistani on campus and they spend all their time together. They truly support each other and they know how to have fun together. Turkish and Pakistani people are very much alike in certain cultural values; we all like to share and offer one another the food we have, we like to spend time together, to invite each other to our places and so on. I cannot tell much of a difference, putting the language and culinary aspects aside. I have come to know many Pakistanis; some have shared their special cup of tea with me and some have made me their famous biryani. Some even brought me their traditional clothes, introduced me to their traditional henna designs, music, dances and the strong bonds they hold. I see now that different motherlands or languages are not barriers. I wish there were more opportunities for Turkish people to meet Pakistanis and see what a beautiful thing it is to form bonds with people from miles away. I hope the friendship between these two nations stays as strong as it is now. Turkey will always stand by Pakistan as a brotherly nation.
Huseyin Abi (Taxi Driver)
I personally enjoy Pakistani weddings very much. The colorful clothes, especially those of the bride and groom, and the extensive use of gold has always been a fascination to me. Their food is always the most wonderful part of the weddings though. With the songs and preparations, the entire saga of Pakistani weddings is something that I have come to love. I used to have a Pakistani friend who was a surgeon. I had met him at a hospital and we became friends and since then I grew to love Pakistani people. They are truly hospitable, warm hearted and sincere people who take care of each other.
Elçin Kutluca (Student)
As a Turkish citizen, I can easily say that Pakistan is our brotherly nation in every meaning of the word and sentiment. Since the establishment of Pakistan, both countries have extended support to each other during the most difficult of times. A story I recall is that of when Turkey was fighting the ‘War of Independence’; the Turkish army was in a critical situation and it struggled with finances as expenses peaked, given the circumstances. In that time of need, our brother Pakistan started sending us help and there are incidents narrated of Pakistani women having sold their jewelry to raise money for our support. I cannot put my feelings into words when I hear of these acts of love and compassion. Likewise when a dreadful earthquake hit Pakistan, at the time I was in elementary school, I personally remember putting together monetary aid and food to send to them. I could not have known then that I was helping the country that would soon be that of my life partner. Yes, I am engaged to a loving Pakistani guy. This bond makes us two people and one soul just like Turkey and Pakistan; two nations never to be separated. To sum up; Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan, Jeevay Jeevay Turkey! Zindabad Pakistan, Zindabad Turkey!
Canol Teber (Student)
Being close friends with many Pakistanis in my university, I see how great of a people Pakistanis are with their rich culture and hospitality. We Turks in general see Pakistan and its people as our friends, and I see a bright future for the relations between Turkey and Pakistan. Love the biryaniby the way!
Yeşim Kümbet (PhD Student and Project Assistant)
As a child I would walk through Cinnah Caddesi while on my way to Kugulu Park and I was always curious about the name of the street. Although initially I supposed it was a Turkish word, I soon learnt that Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the founder of Pakistan, and it made me happy to know we had an avenue named after him. Being a student at the Middle East Technical University I was fortunate enough to meet and get to know several international students and I can truly say that among my foreign friends, the Pakistanis are the kindest and friendliest. The Pakistani nation is in the hearts and minds of Turkish people and I think that Turkish-Pakistani relations are deeply rooted in the history of these nations and how they have continually extended support to one another during difficult times. We hold respect for each other’s history and identity and I have come to realize that Pakistani people also love and support Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. I am not only surprised but also take great pride in the honour my Pakistani friends have shown for Ataturk. An opinion I hold of this nation based on my interactions with Pakistani people is that it has fostered brilliant, strong and successful women. Malala is one commonly known figure of bravery and perseverance but the ideology runs throughout I believe. The cultural, political and military relations between the two nations are very strong but perhaps the same cannot be said for our economic relations, which I hope can be strengthened in the near future. I hope these brother countries continue to show support for each other as they have done in the past.
Esra Darici (Language Instructor)
I have been teaching Turkish to foreign students for a while now and the Pakistani students are always a very special group among the entire class. Their smiling faces are forever a fond memory. All my Pakistani students have proven to be friendly and positive individuals and their presence in class is made noticeable by how much more enjoyable they make the lessons. I am greatly drawn to their adherence to their traditions and culture which they always carry with them; the lovely colorful clothes, traditional dances and also the difficult language, Urdu.
Thank you for your love and kind words that the bond will never be broken In'Sha'ALLAH.
Pakistan-Turkey Zindabad.
(Due to limitation, the pictures of quoted persons are not uploaded).