Be sincere and speak up.

OK I admit it...I HATE TURKISH DELIGHT!  It´s nasty.  Like a sticky lump of mildly flavored glue!  There...I said it.  Please don´t hate me now!  

OK, while I am confessing...Turkish coffee is like drinking grainy motor oil and it gives me heart palpitations!  I usually take coffee with me when I go and I know its time to go home when I run out! 

I feel so much better si++.  Thank you for giving me an opportunity to confess my unTurkish feelings!  

I dont like   big Turkish noses.

wow, what a relief! --Ice approved the hate! My goodness!  Lisa was lucky, Mr Ice didnt like those things as well himself and was considerate allowing Lisa to hate.

They charge me £10 every time I enter the country.....usually about 3 times a year.  

Where´s TheAe?   

She has set sail for calmer waters already.  However from her posts we can guess she doesn´t like dudus.  

Though this is not specific to Turkey, my answer would be the tax system.

No matter how hard you work, how creative you get, what risks you may take, the tax man is always there to claim his big share. He is your natural partner who only reaps the benefits and stays away from all the risks.

Once the money is in his system. You have no control over it and he has no need to ever tell you. Your money probably travels from your pocket into that of some fat and ugly big shot favoured by the powers that be.

Come on lemon,

Is it only big noses that you don´t like about Türks? There must be more than that!

I would like to see more dishes with out the nightshade plants.  Some of those are tomato, potato, bell peppers, onions and eggplant.....which I think make up the ingredients of most Turkish foods....Iman Baylildi in particular. It is delicous, but these ingredients make me ill.

I adore Imam Bayıldı...

Come on Elena,

Let´s not turn this thread into "Things you like about Türks/Türkia".

Afraid of Code 301? 

I don´t get what you mean? What´s that has got to do with it.

I say it spoils the fun, right?

Come on lemon!

Obsession of Turkishness?

Hah?

It´s only your labeling. So be it.

For my part, judging from my personal experience; I feel good to be born here as a Türk. I mean I am happy for you-know-what.

tamam tamam.....

I love big noses

What I find a bit strange about Turks... I wouldn´t say hate, is the fact that they are so open about diseases. I do NOT want to hear about the wart that was removed from your ass! And I also don´t want to see pictures of your sick aunt in the hospital...show me a happy picture!

I also mind some of the "hunting" behaviour of the men. If I want to walk alone in the zoo, I don´t want to get hit on by a random stranger, and I REALLY don´t want to get hit on by the bird-keeper. "This is a bladiebla bird... interesting no? You have phone number? You have facebook" ... "NO, I am anti technology"

People who smoke in open air in public places.

I love Turkish hospitality, generosity, and many other aspects of the culture, but I don´t like to eat a lot and don´t know how to refuse food without causing hurt feelings. I also do not want the extra calories, fats and sugars. I don´t like a lot of sweet things, it´s torture to have to eat baklava and many of the other Turkish deserts...they are just too sweet. I´m also concerned about sugar overload, and in fact all those sweets make me ill. Please tell me how to get out of having to eat them without hurting feelings or insulting someone. 

Sometimes I think there is no way to refuse food and not hurt feelings.  I even tried telling people that I have a medical condition where I can´t consume caffeine and people still get hurt feelings that I don´t drink their Turkish coffee and tea.  I guess I decided that I can live with other people´s hurt feelings better than I can live with heart palpitations!  

Sigh, the last time I was there I tried that. I was about crying towards the end. I overloaded on nightshades (patlican in particular) and was sick for months on my return home.

It did something to my system so I could not eat anything, my insides were inside out and I lost ver pounds....and that is a LOT for me. I did look svelt....sort of, but past 30 skinny doesn´t look good, it looks emaciated. I needed medical intervention to reverse things. 

lemon,

Your list is too short. Anything else you would like to add?

Alameda - next time pass all the sweets to me There´s no limit to my ability to devour Turkish sweets bar Turkish Delight. Have to agree with Lis here. All kids of baklava, kadayif and, most of all, kunefe make me drool. It´s awful you got such a harsh reaction to food, hope you´re ok now.

What I dislike about Turkey is the carpet dealers that don´t take no for an answer until you are borderline rude and men who think it´s ok to openly ask you for sex just because you look Slavic. First it´s amusing but on your tenth day there after two-hour stroll ont he hills of Istanbul, being all sweaty and worn out, having to put up with yet another seller or admirerer is too much.

Ah dear Daydreamer....".......and this too will pass" and yes, my gastronomic issues are improved, now that I can control the nightshades in my diet. 

The first step in not eating food is saying you are either sick/totally stuffed when you enter a house. Normally I use the "ohhh, I just had such a big meal, my neighbor/aunt/whatever came and gave me homemade food" line. Saying you are sick will only lead to you being force fed special Turkish medicine which will only make you feel sicker. (How is dry coffee mixed with lemon juice going to help me?!)

Than when all the food comes out you say "oh, I wish I hadn´t eaten before I came here, it all looks so gooooood!" Ofcourse, don´t forget to actually NOT eat before you go anywhere. Than you taste a bite of everything on the table. You take some extra bites of the things you actually like. Don´t forget to mention how much you like your favorite dish. This will lead to people ALWAYS making this dish when you come over So next time you won´t have to eat the dishes that are not you favorite.

When the meal is finished, or during the meal, don´t forget to mention all your preferences ones again. For example "I´m not such a sweet tooth, I really love rice!" You won´t insult anybody if you don´t finish your plate. People always cook to much anyway. Some people get insulted if you are able to finish everything! It means they didn´t cook enough. Keep this in mind. Just make sure you taste something, and make a lot of gestures that you are sooo full but it tasted soooo good.

Turks who use English nicks when registering at some site on the net as if it were something cool and a Turkish nick instead would be something uncool. I don´t get it.

Kudos to those who prefer Turkish nicks!

They´re secular & alcohol drinkers.

That´s what I hate about them !! no offense ..

Turkia is an absurdistan.

An example is here.

Dark side of Turkia

Father sells 13 year old daughter for his gambling debt

What is wrong with securalism?

And I know for a fact that it´s not like all people in Turkey drink alcohol. It is open to personal choice.

A friend here said (s)he didn´t like the Turkish delight... I understand but the thing is there are many different types of it, including some relatively expensive and incredibly delicious ones. But yes, the cheaper and more common ones tend to be not so good, and I don´t like it either. But again, among dozens of different types, there are some really nice ones...

I am Turkish but I have been living abroad for quite a long time, and I would like to have some criticism about Turks myself...

One of the major short-comings of Turks is the lack of organization, at least compared to the Modern Western Civillization. Where I live, people organize everything, weeks or months earlier! I already know what I am going to be doing next year now! When I visit Turkey and check my brother´s business logs and computers, all I see is a total mess. This is pretty much the same wherever I go, whatever shade of life I look into. The more serious and formal positions tend to be more organized but a general lack of organization tend to shape up the common man.

Another point is language-illiteracy... Turkish is an incredible language. It never ceases to amaze me, with its discipline, richness, logic, and elegance. But its creators are not exactly the people of Turkey today, who are more of a mix between Europe and Middle East. Unfortunately, Turks´ knowledge of Turkish is far from realizing its value and utilizing it in an effective manner. Turks, traditionally, have never been good at learning other languages.

I really don´t like how angry Tukish men can be. This guy I have been talking to for a couple of months gets so jealous (Especially over Facebook) when a guy even talks to me. He threatened to never talk to me again because I was in the same picture as another guy. I never know how to show him how ridiculous he is being when he yells at me for these little things. So yeah I really don´t like their anger and jealousy.

Not all Turkish men are jealous.  This guy just sounds like a jerk.

Watch out girl. It may sound flattering but it is dangerous. As a rule of thumb any relationship you have with other men in open and public shouldn´t be a reason for an attack of jealousy.

Jealousy is human and we all feel it sometimes but normal people keep it under control somehow.

Myself

“With a total of 72 media personnel currently detained, of whom at least 42 journalists and four media assistants are being held in connection with their media work, Turkia is now the world’s biggest prison for journalists – a sad paradox for a country that portrays itself a regional democratic model,” Reporters Without Borders said in its annual roundup.

Ah, an interesting post! I have no bad judgements of Turkish people (sorry), but would like to know what Turks may hate about us Americans.

How about other Americans? They love muslims, right?

Very true in your sarcasm, elifce. It is sad that Americans tend to be so stereotypical. They think that "Muslim" automatically means "terrorist." Openmindedness is not a popular trait here, and the media takes advantage of that.

At least you admit the truth.

Back to your question, Turks think you Americans are bloody, barbaric invaders and genociders.

If I had not heard that before, I might think you were joking. Could you explain why, please? I am trying to learn more about relations between the West and Middle East, and am far behind. Where could I get such a history lesson?

Might it be because you love invading muslim countries and genociding muslims?

I am so sorry for this, for what my country has done. I do not support war, or violence of any kind. Although I love my country, I am also ashamed of it. My heart goes out to all people, whether they are Muslims or not.

Do you recognize the Muslim Genocide you committed?

I am beginning to learn, as this is something I do not want to be ignorant of. Please understand that not all Americans are evil of heart. I realize now how sensitive this subject is, and I apologize for bringing it up.

Does that mean no?

It means "very little." I am asking people, but no one seems to know about this issue. They are not teaching it in my school either. Would you recommend any books? I began reading "Through Our Enemies Eyes."

awww they don`t teach you anything about that right? How about the Native American genocide you committed? Do you recognize that or they don`t teach you about that either?

This is what happens when you begin to ask people am I good am I good.

Quoting elifce

awww they don`t teach you anything about that right? How about the Native American genocide you committed? Do you recognize that or they don`t teach you about that either?

Yes, they have taught us. There is much violent history to be learned, including between the Greeks and Turks. My great grandmother was a survivor from when her home in Greece was invaded. Please tell me, where should I go to learn about relations between America and the Middle East? I am young, naive, and do not want to be as ignorant as others. I want to know the truth, to understand. 

Exactly, they don`t teach you how christian greeks genocided the Turks in Cyprus either right?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CO9sc9vRWKo/T5v0KknmXuI/AAAAAAAADIM/6Vu9yG__k1Q/s1600/k%C4%B1br%C4%B1s-katliam.jpg

Do you like this picture on the link? Those were Turkish children who got killed by the christian greeks in Cyprus. Did they teach you about it? Of course not.

Do you want to learn about the christian crusade against muslims? You can start by watching THE SEPTEMBER CLUES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXda5Kn2LAM

I did not mean to upset or offend you or anyone else. I am just wanting to learn... I thought it would be safe to ask such questions...

I love how you step back.

So do you like the picture? Do you want to see more pictures?

They are just children! They should not have to pay for the stupidity of men. I do not support or agree with violence. My heart aches for those dear children, for anyone who suffers from violence...

So you kept asking me what you should read/watch and I suggested you a documentary. Will you watch it?

Yes, I will soon. I am not able to now (being with family) but appreciate that you are sharing it. Thank you for sharing your views, and again, I am sorry for upsetting you.

Just to get another perspective, try some other TV channels sometimes. Like Al Jazeerah or Al Arabiyyah. Are you familiar with Noam Chomsky´s pamphlets?

Good, at least you will be exposed to some truth rather than your christian country`s christian propaganda.

Thank you, both of you. I want to learn the truth, not just believe what is comforting to believe. If I have any questions, would you be willing to give me answers? It would be much appreciated...

And no, I am not yet familiar with it.

i completely agree with abla..

hepinizi çok yakında görücüye çıkaracağım nevbaharı sevmeyen ölsün threadime bekliyorum..

i completely agree with abla..

hepinizi çok yakında görücüye çıkaracağım nevbaharı sevmeyen ölsün threadime bekliyorum..

Dont be.

why should you feel sorry?

There is a saying in Turkish Umitli : "Elaleme verir talkimi, kendi yutar salkimi".

I am learning Turkish too slowly, can you please translate?

Finally!

 

Sale of hookah has been prohibited in areas where consumption of tobacco products is not permitted.

Those who want to sell hookah will have to obtain a conformity certificate, according to regulation in the Tobacco and Alcohol Sale Law released in the Official Gazette today.

The current smoking ban is valid in almost all closed areas such as public institutions, schools, hospitals and sports arenas as well as all bars, cafes and restaurants. With the new regulations, hookah will also be banned in those areas as well.

How is the smoking ban going in Turkey? I´m so glad I stopped smoking a few years ago. Not being able to smoke was such a pain. 

Quoting si++

Finally!

 

 

Sale of hookah has been prohibited in areas where consumption of tobacco products is not permitted.

Those who want to sell hookah will have to obtain a conformity certificate, according to regulation in the Tobacco and Alcohol Sale Law released in the Official Gazette today.

The current smoking ban is valid in almost all closed areas such as public institutions, schools, hospitals and sports arenas as well as all bars, cafes and restaurants. With the new regulations, hookah will also be banned in those areas as well.

Still not good and enough. People are trying to find ways to bypass it. At least they they don´t smoke in indoor areas. Smoking "Nargile" indoor was weird really. When I complained about it several times, I was told there was no ban for doing it.

We have way to go. I don´t like seeing people smoking at doorsteps of shopping centers or sitting some meters away from those who smoke at outdoor.

Smoking at outdoor should also banned where many people sit side by side IMHO.

There are some positive results I believe. Number of people has been decreased since the law was passed several years ago.

I think you are showing some naivite also. You seem bent on blaming "Americans" for the ills of the world, but I wonder if you have ever actually been in the USA, and if you have been, where that was. The USA is an incredibly diverse country. 

The issue is the haves and the have nots and the continueing effort to get more, take more and give less. It has nothing to do with any ethicity, religion or race. 

It´s the International oligarthic 1% keeping control of resources, it´s always about resources, power and control of r e s o u r c e s. 

It´s divide and conquer.....it goes on and on and amazingly....it works because people fall into the trap. 

I would never go to a place that is full of racist and barbaric pigs, and I don´t have to go there to know how much they hate muslims. And if it has nothing to do with religion, why do the christian crusaders invade only muslim countries and genocide only muslims? Why doesn´t your christian country invade the Ivory Coasts for example which is a christian country that opresses its people? Because christian crusaders bring "democracy" only to muslims?

Here are just a few pictures of the "poor Americans who has fallen into trap". They look so innocent!

http://www.drugwar101.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Abu-Ghraib-Iaq-torture.jpg

http://www.bloggerheads.com/abu_ghraib/iraq_torture_01.jpg

http://www.planetization.org/americanwarcrimes.jpg

http://www.peacenowar.net/Iraq/News/April%2004-Photos/Abu%20Ghraib/20040507115909990001.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/12/article-2025512-0D53985500000578-56_233x423.jpg

http://www.fpp.co.uk/online/04/02/images/iraqi_prisoner.jpg

    J1 students come to my city from the Middle East every year. They are not treated with discrimination, and I was awed by how much help they received during their visit. They weren´t hateful towards me for being American, and Americans weren´t hateful towards them for being Muslims or Middle Eastern. One of the Turkish J1s that I got to know was a devout Muslim. I saw him as a good, honorable person with amazing devotion to his religion that deserved respect. And he wasn´t persecuted for his beliefs.

    Both of the churches that I go to pray for people suffering in the Middle East, INCLUDING Muslims. They encourage to unconditionally love those who love and hate them, friends and enemies.

    It hurts to see such hatred and bitterness in people´s hearts, and the destruction it causes. Not all are, but there ARE good people in America. Racism clouds judgment, and not every American is infected with it. You are firmly grounded in your beliefs, but I am also grounded by the goodness in people that I see every day in this country.

At least try to be consistent.

"Very true in your sarcasm, elifce. It is sad that Americans tend to be so stereotypical. They think that "Muslim" automatically means "terrorist." Openmindedness is not a popular trait here"

Saudi Arabia also oppresses its people and the West has no problem with that.

Exactly, because Saudis are the dogs of christian America.

We produce many excuses with this democracy thing. Somehow the west is always in the discussion to blame mainly.

When it comes to blame the west, we always always find a way: In the same context, we accuse the west for not interfering -quick enough -in Bosnia and call them an imperialist because they are interfering in Libya.  

Actually, many of the problems are the problems of the east itself. Nothing to do with the west at all.

Some stupid minds decide to destroy Istanbul. They got the power and they will do it, unfortunately.

Whole story: here (in Turkish)

http://www.radikal.com.tr/haber.php?haberno=36201

I don´t like it either but si++ is right there is one or two types that actually taste really good and got me some serious stomach ache from eating too much of them!  

Yagmur Balbay (L) was eight years old when her father was arrested in 2008. Hürriyet photo

The daughter of the jailed journalist Mustafa Balbay gave a testimony of her experience having a father accused of being a "member of a terrorist organization" in the Ergenekon coup plot investigation, in a speech at the Free Media Conference organized in Norway yesterday. "I have been labeled a daughter of a terrorist. I was excluded at school," said Yağmur Balbay, expressing her wish that no child be separated from their father unjustly.

Balbay, who has been imprisoned since Feb. 28, 2011, marked his fourth year in jail at the beginning of March. The former Editor-in-Chief of daily Cumhuriyet was also elected as a parliamentary deputy in the ranks of the main opposition Republican People´s Party (CHP) in the June 12 general elections of that same year.

The 12-year-old daughter of the journalist said that she could not understand how her father could be accused of being a terrorist. "We didn´t even have a toy gun in our house, my father would not hurt an ant," she said.

From: here

Turchia has become "Tayyibia".

And the ultimate goal is to make her "TArabia".