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Turkey - torn in opposite directions |
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Turkey as a nation is torn in opposite directions. Some seek closer ties with the West and membership with the EU. Islamic fundamentalists desire to develop closer links with the Muslim world.
Perhaps this confusion can best be illustrated by looking at the life of a young woman called, Ayse, her father and mother would be considered conservative Muslims. Her dad lives in Saudi Arabia working to supplement the family's income. He has performed the 'Haj', the pilgrimage to Mecca. Nine time as a surrogate for sick family members. A couple of months ago Ayse's mother suffered a verbal attack from her friends because of Ayse's liberal behaviour. Ayse has always described herself as a Muslim, but doesn't feel compelled to cover her head or pray at the mosque. She tries to dress as a fashionable western girl, even though her family lacks the economic means. She studies hard and wants to get a good job to give herself economic security. Her brother Metin does not believe that Islam is right, so he describes himself as an atheist, since he knows of no alternative.
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