The White Turk

Also known as the secularist, the white Turks are not “white” because of the color of their skin (which usually falls somewhere between pink and bronze) but because of an adherence to a Western lifestyle; particularly the aspects of the West condemned by as many major religions as possible.

The more the lifestyle annoys conservatives, the better. Utter an Islamic phrase while raising a toast, renounce Allah to get that infidel in bed, order the halal bacon. Think of it as a never-ending celebration of the separation of church and state.

These white Turks are clearly visible in the “Turkey welcomes you” touristic spots, the ones assuring foreigners they won’t have to pack burqas or camel feed for a visit. Instead they should expect trendily stubbled men, women with their shiny, uncovered hair flirting with strangers and, if the ads are any indication, chiseled couples committing public displays of affection. So free from the opium of religion, the white Turks’ mosque attendance mostly occurs after a pub crawl when they really need to use the public toilets (usually at the divinely ordained one lira charge).

Yet many Europeans seem unable to spot the white Turk, even though they reside in most of the bars, clubs and nicer restaurants listed in the international guidebooks. Instead, the visitors seem to focus on those non-white Turks too uncivilized and religious to appreciate all the modern freedoms that were granted them, much to the chagrin of the white Turks.

All peoples have some unique product they are very proud of, whether it be a particular type of cheese or an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The white Turks pride themselves on the creation of a modern-looking, secular-acting state, and in return all they require is some recognition, a little respect and for pretty much everyone else to agree with, and one day, live like them.

Yet this apparent confidence masks a deep uncertainty amongst white Turks; fear for the future, fear that they might be rendered a minority in their own country and that those that reject all the progressive freedoms rewarded them might take them all away. The family above might look harmless sitting by the dock on the strait, but not only have they visibly shunned the white Turk lifestyle, given the chance, they are definitely uncivilized enough to force their lifestyle on everyone else.