Turkey is one of the best countries in the entire world.

After traveling for years, I have learned that life is pretty much the same.  A lot of the  countries have nice buildings, nice beaches, nice food, etc.  So why is Turkey have earned my recognition as of being the best country in the entire world?  What is so different about Turkey?

The answer: People and philanthropic way of living

People is what is comes down to.   The culture of Turkey has impressed me with its unconditional hospitality, generosity and most important respect.   Turkey is a very unique country.  It is the only country in Middle east that is Christian.  Yes, the Muslim people live there too, but in harmony with Christians.  The country has old fascinate qualities and believes, yet the women are treated there equal.  There, the women can wear the short skirts and smoke the cigarettes.  There, the women’s opinion is valid.  Their views are highly respected.  There, the women are not the second class.   They are welcomed to have the marriages outside of the arranged marriages, unlike all other countries in Middle East.  How about that?   Me coming out of south Russian, it was a good news.

Turkey is a beautiful country.  The architecture, old and modern, is designed to compliment each other.  It is the place where the old fashionate way is respected and it is the place where modern world is respected.  Hey do you want to wear a scarf to cover your face, you are welcome.  Hey, do you want to wear a low cut ti shirt,  you are welcome!

I am a foodie.  The country is reach in its spices, produce and meats.  The traditional way of preparing the food was obviously a treat.  I just do not see the kebabs to be well prepared in the microwave.  Me coming out of the south Russia in late 80s and early 90s, just looking in all that food was enough.  Personally, I could afford only chubuk chorba.  It was the instant soup that was sold in small packages for about 0.15 cents.  At this moment of my life, I could not afford $15.00 dollar fish dish.  Luckily, some locals at the villages were giving me food for free, when I was not even asking.  What a treat that was!  I will remember the taste of that fish for the rest of my life.  The sweet and juicy taste of two fish on the plate, covered in light brown creamy souse.  The people who gave me that fish were smiling, saying that I do not need to give anything in return.  I was only a teenager, but already could understand and appreciate with the philanthropic way of living of the Turkish society. Till this day, I am amused with the behavior of villagers. Philanthropic way of living is the most rare quality that most countries do not have.  Certainly, I do not see it in America, where what can I do for to help you and here is the bill for my my help is widely practiced.  In most cultures philanthropic way of living shall be hidden, for most people will just take advantage of it.  Because after all, what is it there for me?

As I was hitchhiking from city to city and from village to village, with my small back pack, I was introduced to the beautiful coast of mediterranean seas.  What a beauty?  Not one beach was alike.  The nature, the fresh air, the warm breeze ….the beautiful life… the start of my adventurous life was on!   There, I was exposed to the beauty of waters…  Sitting in the beat up car that I flagged down, I was dreaming that one day, I will travel the world and visit the most amazing beaches of this planet.  My dream came trough…

TURKEY is the best country on this planet, one of those few countries on this planet that preserved philanthropic way of living.

Later in my adult life, I have visited Turkey a couple of more times to see if this was only my first country, my imagination or the country is truly amazing as I have described above.  As I was sitting in the nice court ear restaurant, eating $15.00 nice fish dish, I realized that the country did not changed.   Till this days, I regret that I have not made this country my home.  I still think that some day, I may go there and do that.

I miss you Turkey…. the best country in the whole world.