I think the general lack of enthusiasm for Turkey´s accession among general public may stem from the fact that people have a wrong idea about Turks. You would be surprised how many people in Europe actually think that Turks are dirty, poor, dark-skinned, hairy barbarians living in tents or crumbling houses. They think Turks are all about alis-veris. That turkey is a country where you buy cheap gold of poor quality and tacky sweaters. The general idea is that Turks are a backward, patriarchial society where women´s rights are violated.

Of course the above is not true, but you have to come to Turkey to see it with your own eyes to understand it...and not everybody in the EU is willing to really go and meet Turks.

When I said the similar things that there is deep-rooted prejudice against Turks in Europe, some deeply enlightened members here laughed at me, even wet their underwears while laughing and tried to deny. Thanks you confirmed it.

Now we should discuss the issues that general public is unaware of? Like Turkish nationalism, fanatic love for Ataturk even if it means banning popular video sites or unsolved kurdish and Armenian issues?

All in all I don´t think it´s the general public that decides whom to invite to out EU sandbox...were it so, Romania would definitely not make it in. The general public´s idea about Romanians is way worse than about Turks

 some deeply enlighted (and know all, i dare to add) are possibly not aware of existing prejudice and stereotyping. How can obvious things be denied? Turks are still ghettised in Germany and not "liked" by administration treated like a lesser evil. 

 Turkey really does not have good publicity in european media except for being a cheap holiday destination. Most of general public sees Turkey as unwanted member and still Arabic country. People do not have all in all the slightest idea about her history, social changes in the lifestyle, safety etc.

She is considered a very dangerous country and a threat for european christianity. DD brought the issue of Romanians who in fact are more despised than Turks in many more countries but Romania as a country belongs in public eyes still to Christian heritage of which Europe is so  rideculously proud. Those who rule, just to give an example think like

Graham Watson, Group leader in the European Parliament for the Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) said: "Size matters. The EU needs as many countries as possible which share our values to help us tackle the serious challenges of our age."

The question is if most of EU leaders and parliament members think that Turkey fulfills this requirement. Do they?

note- since I was reminded what I said before by melegim I want to stress the fact that not ALL europeans ( Dabrowski country would make it fifty-fifty)perceive Turkey like described by DD in her post and me above. However, general perception is not encouraging .

Turkish goverments fail a lot about public relations. And Turkish societies´ social development level is not at the place where it shall be. That´s for sure.

However, many Europeans can easily be factious illitaretely. Turkish people are not the only ones who experience that discrimination. I think that bad habbit will harm European society in the close future more significantly.

Europe owns people like Voltaire, who are not prejudiced against others. And Turkey owns people like Yunus Emre, who works so hard for social development.  

I hope Voltaires and Yunuss´ strengthen in both societis to reach a brighter future.

Have we not been discussing these for years? but could not meet on a common base certainly. 

Oh we most certainly have. And although we might differ in some aspects, I believe that past should not influence present and future relations. The only thing that should be taken into account is today

Ahh yes, I see, in the end we are friends...

tabii ki

Yes, Türkiye must join EU.

Because Türkiye needs EU.

And EU needs Türkiye.

Disagree!

EU is a rottening apple.