Turkey is on its way to the top and its current state of affairs makes for interesting analysis. The Republic, 89 years into establishment, has a stronghold in the region that bridges Asia and Europe. Turkey has been campaigning for some time to be part of the Eurozone without success. This, however, has not stifled the country from improving its economy and extending its influence in the international scene.
From within, the former Ottoman Empire seems to be at odds with itself. The persistent PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) problem has seen the country divide itself into east and west. This long and bitter dispute between the Turkish government and the radical PKK has seen many lose their lives. Kurdish people originate from Iranian people in the Middle Eastern region known as Kurdistan (near Eastern Turkey). They form 18%-25% of the Turkish population. The main dispute at hand is the recognition of the Kurdish state and independence. But most of the debate has degenerated to hostility and racism among many Kurds and Turks.
On another front, Turkey also seems to be falling victim to the wave of western culture that is currently sweeping the world. There is large demand for learning the English language and a general interest in Western popular culture, especially among the youth. This has resulted in the slight decline of Turkish culture, especially in Western Turkey, and the disregard of religion. However, Turkey's "Westernization" has allowed the republic to be more tourist-friendly since foreigners can find it easier to communicate with the locals. Turkey is proving to be a fine place for destination with beautiful and historical places to visit. Visiting Turkey is more rewarding because most of the locals are warm and welcoming to visitors.
All in all Turkey is a country to look out for. Its people are passionate about everything and they are ready to see it become the super-power that it once was. Turkey does have some unsolved problems politically but it is stable nonetheless.
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