Over the last 15 years, Turkey has undergone huge changes, most of these because of the requirements for membership set down by the European Union. Turkey's application to accede to the EU began on the 14th April 1987 and still the answer is being delayed. The Government still says it wants to be part of the elite group, but day by day, more and more of the citizens are beginning to turn their back on the idea of becoming part of the new Europe; by now they are beginning to tire of constantly jumping through hoops.
With economies falling fast across Europe, the people of Turkey see themselves as the saviours of the Euro, especially as Turkey had the fastest growing economy in Europe in 2010 with an 8.9% growth rate. But they won't wait around forever to save Europe. There are some people who would rather be part of the richer Middle Eastern nations, and still some more who would choose to keep Turkey isolated to grow and develop alone and then go on to become an economic superpower like Japan in the 1980s and '90s.
If Turkey's economy is so strong, why isn't it part of the European Union already? Most people in Turkey believe it's because it would be the sole Muslim nation in a Christian based EU; others suggest it is because after joining, Europe's borders would stretch to Iran, Iraq and Syria making Europe a much more difficult place to police.
These are sentiments that right-wing analysts constantly use to their advantage in the media across Europe; they know that the average readers don't care, especially in England, and will be happy to listen to any excuse to block it.
However, if you ask ten average people in England what they think of Turkey, the responses will probably be vastly different. Some will talk about the famous beach resorts in the south where every year thousands of tourists flock to enjoy the sunshine, cheap food and alcohol. Some will think of the historic sites that could match the best that Greece has to offer, including the ancient Ephesus and without a doubt, a small percentage would think of terrorism and the PKK: the outlawed terrorist group. In fact, Turkey has all of this and much more.
Geographically, the Republic of Turkey contains a vast mix; in the south are the beaches, famous around the world, in the west are ancient sites and in the north along the Black Sea are the green forests and tea growing areas, and then there is the mountainous east. Because of this diversity in the landscape, the character of the people differs greatly too. Some people in the west identify themselves with Europe, the border to Greece and Bulgaria being much closer to them than the capital Ankara. Others believe Turkey should turn its back on Europe after years of following European guidelines with no rewards. The region of Thrace, to the West of Istanbul is considered not part of Turkey, and along with Izmir, Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, all tourist destinations, to be the most liberal places in Turkey.
The Black Sea regions people are known for having fun all of the time, and are also the butt of many jokes across Turkey similar to blonde jokes in the West. The people of the east are considered the most traditional, being much closer to Iraq and Iran than to Istanbul, therefore holding a more conservative view of Islam. The way of life in the east is very different from most areas of Istanbul.
One man from Balikesir, in the West of Turkey, spoke about his views on Europe.
"We have the strongest growing economy in Europe, we have the largest young population in Europe. Europe is afraid of this, in ten years we will be better than some European countries and they will be asking us for help."
Others followed up with the Turkish catchphrase, "It can be" which can mean "maybe, probably, yes, no" and also "I wouldn't be surprised if that's true, This is Turkey".
In one normal city near Istanbul you can find diametrically opposed arguments in the streets: some want Turkey to become more of an Islamic Republic and hate the idea of Turkey becoming westernised, whereas others prefer this option. In 2010, a poll of public opinion showed that just 38% were in favour of joining the EU, down from 73% in 2004.
Although the land and the people's characters vary and represent a confusing huge place, there is one thing Turks do agree on. They are proud of their country and history, hugely patriotic and, also known to anyone who has visited here, amazingly hospitable, helpful and kind. They're proud of their culture and want to share it with others. They're also critical of many things in their daily lives and they hold a grudge to Shakespearian effects, sometimes remembering a tiny slight for months.
One thing is certain about Turkey though, in the future it will be a country to watch, whether it's for good or bad, no one, not even the people, really knows right now.
Sam Whittam - A constant traveler who observes and writes nearly everything he sees and hopes to show other society how life is in other communities.
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