Ankara, the beginning of a Beautiful Friendship.

This is the very beginning of what I hope to be a passionate and informative series of observations and reflections on the cultural plurality of Anatolia's people. As I fumble my way through culture shock my first few months here in Turkey and experience indescribable and unprecedented hospitality I will pave my path towards the uncovering of the layers of civilization that the modern Republic of Turkey, Türkiye Cumhuriyet, was built upon. Through Rotary meetings, service projects, (koy) village life, to street protests, cultural events, and a taste of Turkish academia I hope to act as an excellent amabassdor of goodwill and to contribute a greater understanding of the cultural and ethnic identity struggles of the Anatolian peoples and inherently, the beauty of their diversity. Stay Tuned!
Above: The Eti is a religious standard used by ancient Hittie priests in what is now Ankara. The symbols adorned with large stags (important animals for their religious and nutrition value) are found made of bronze, silver, and gold.