Misafirperverlik

I have just come back from Taksim square. It's late and I have yet to do some of my assignments for tomorrow. But I have chosen to write this blog because in many ways what I experienced tonight is more important that any assignment could ever be.

I went drinking with two Turkish buddies of mine and experienced Turkish hospitality. Of course, this is not new to me, after all, the notion of hospitality (or in Turkish, misafirperverlik) is widespread. But I am amazed at the extent to which the Turks are so open, so warm to their guests. Last night, I stayed the night with Erhan, my roommate in Lubbock, and his sister and her roommate. They were open with their home, even insisting that I sleep in one of their beds (they of course, doubled up on a couch!!). Then tonight, I was treated to beer, fries, and great conversation with some other Turkish friends of mine. The reason: I'm their "guest."

The Turks, as a society, are selfless. They go to great lengths to make guests feel welcome, in this they sacrifice a lot. It has been my experience that they want nothing in return. But misafirperverlik also makes me want to engage with them in a more open and honest way. The Turks truly love great conversation, with complex subjects like politics or religion. I find myself fascinated as to what they have to say, I am content just to listen.

We have a stereotype of the east, but this stereotype is nothing but the product of ignorance. The Turks are assertive, quick, knowledgeable, and patient. Their sense of humor also compliments them. Another thing about Turkish hospitality is that it is not expected to be paid back. But I will pay Turkey back for its enormous hospitality, I will work all the harder to learn the language, to become a better listener, and maybe one day, to give the Turks another medium through which they can tell their history.