This subject has been brought up so many times but I was wondering how many of TC users have had successful relationships with a Turkish man or woman?

There is so much controversy so I wanted to try and pull together all the positive stories to redress the balance a little!

I was cautious when I met my partner whilst spending time with friends on holiday. I had heard the resort stories and was not interested in anything other than relaxing with friends and exploring the coast a little.
A resort worker started to approach me, just talking about every day things..his resort life, his family, his friends, likes and dislikes and we fell easily into conversation. I had no expectations and just enjoyed the company and making new friends. It wasn't until the end of our holiday that I felt that connection with him. We exchanged numbers but I never expected any developments once I left the country. I thought of him often but was just happy to have known him.
But once I returned home, and he went home to his family, we remained close.
Long story short, we have never been happier or more content with our lives. Before his National Service we spent a long time in eachother's company. We have worked through any problems and fears and discuss everything openly and as equals. He has shown me a completely new culture and way of life...really broadened my horizons and increased my love of Turkey through his passion for his country. I intend to start a life over there as soon as he is discharged from the army.

I had the same concerns and fears about the "holiday romance" but in my case it had the best possible ending.
I just wanted to share this and was wondering if anyone else had similar stories to share?

You are right. This topic has been written on and discussed to many times! Always with the same results...a huge debate about over-generalızation and the promotion of stereotypes!

I agree with you. So much generalising and debating and the fact is there is no answer to the arguement. It just goes on and on. Not really productive!!!!

However, I do get tired of the negativity & generalisation that floats about. It would be nice to hear of a few of the happier threads to dispel a little of the "holiday romance" ideas. Maybe dilute some of the generalisations a little? For those who are in such relationships, I think it's only healthy to say "yes this and this can happen" "but it doesn't always have to be the case".

I'm a happy example

But I'd never recommend anyone to engage in this kind of relationship, because even if you're both genuine about it, the first years are just an endless struggle. For us it wasn't so much because of cultural differences, we coped with that pretty quickly, it's problems that our respective countries throw at us constantly. I'm danish but we have to live in either Sweden or Germany for the years to come, because they don't allow us to live in my home country but I need an education and there's no way we, as students, could support ourselves in Turkey.
So my advice to everyone would be..don't even think about entering this kind of relationship. Too many problems.
Personally I'm really happy with the way things turned out but generally speaking the success rate is so low, so.

So what happened? Are you now together? I'm glad everything worked out good for you in the end!

I am only a humble student that uses the translation requests as a means of practice, but wonder about the ethics of facilitating these relationships. Just now somebody asked in English how say, "I want to share my life with you" and then a few lines later. "what is you last name".

But you look where the requestor comes from and think about what this says about the men that they live..

But here in this virtual "community" we know that "persons" seeking these relationship with Turks with who they can't "speak" directly, are the "fuel" that drive (insallah) TURKISH ClASS along.

Azade has shared his life story with us and i sincerely hope that it continues well. We that inhabit the Tranlation Forum see that many other outcomes are possible as we get see it unfold.

I agree. I think the translators on TC must see an awful lot of relationships unfolding and it must raise questions for you. Some great relationships, some not so good. But I suppose at the end of the day it is not so much the CONTENT of the request that is important...it is the encouragement it gives to learn. It is merely a learning tool for others.

I would like to think you translate a lot of positive messages aswell...men and women wishing to convey good news and happiness. People expressing their love is never a bad thing (but you must have to translate Seni Seviyorum SO many times!).

My partner and I communicate very well in English, but I use the translation service to convey certain messages I need him to understand, and to show an interest in his language! His family speak very very little english indeed so it is so important I try and learn so I'm not relying on my partner all the time. Once a translation has been made, I will take it to compare with my own and learn from it.

I'm glad you are still together. You didn't say so in your post

I understand you saying you don't recommend anyone embark on such a relationship...it's really difficult isn't it. I completely understand. But at the end of the day, you can't choose who you fall for. You just have to do what you can and make the most of it!


My husband and I are also halfway through the army...it's tough but like you said it's just a small bump in the road. Where is he based? Kütahya? It's a very disciplined base!