Week 42 begins in Turkey where Gul is finding joy in the new

 Edited BY


G P Kennedy


Gul - Aegean Coast, Turkey


THE BOOK OF DISQUIET


 I’ve been reading an extraordınary book, called The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa, who died young at the age of 47.


His books never published during his lifetime. This book is about the ‘disquiet’ of his simple life, like many of us.


“I have a feeling that hurts me but I don’t know what it is,” says Pessoa. Nowadays I am in this exact mood. I cannot bear what is done to the young people in this country.


The whole week, there have been clashes around the Bosphorus University campus and various city centers. 


Since a pro-government academic has been appointed as the rector of Bosphorus University both the students and academics have been protesting. 


Turkish police attacked and detained dozens of students who peacefully protested this week. Erdogan has called the students ‘terrorists’ and the Interior Minister called LGBT students perverts. Twitter put a disclaimer on his posts for inciting hatred. Unbelievable. 




Every day at noon, the academics are protesting by turning their backs to the Rector’s Office,  evenings; students at the various places in Turkey.


And we are all at the social media to support them, sometimes up all night supporting social media campaigns, #AsagiBakmayacagiz (We won’t keep our heads down) and ‘release our friends’. 


Many universities around the world condemned these actions and stand in solidarity with the students and academics.


Our disquiet is so much that can’t fit into a book. 

 




CLUBHOUSE


 I’ve been hanging out on Clubhouse this week, you’ve probably heard a new buzzword.


First, it didn’t amaze me then joined live audio-chats about protests in Istanbul to get the real news. 


Unfortunately, a group of students who shared information via the Clubhouse app was taken into custody by cyber police, facing a charge of ‘provoking the public’. 


I learned that Clubhouse is popular in China, as China’s censorship and government control life. I think that’s why Clubhouse quickly has become very popular in Turkey too. Also, I think while our social life is limited people are missing engaging with other people. 


A couple of days ago, Elon Musk hosted an audio chat on Clubhouse that thousands of people listened to. You usually would buy tickets to listen to Elon Musk now, he invites you to his free talk.






COVID FEBRUARY

 

Since December, Turkey has been implementing curfews on weeknights and a full weekend to stop the spread of the virus. 


Daily life has been unbearable for over 65s and under the 20s with all restrictions and, there are still around 8,000 new cases every day. 


In addition, the vaccination program has started well but slow going at the moment. Still, about half of Turkey’s population doesn’t trust the Chinese vaccine, but our government is offering no alternatives. 


“Those who hope for nothing because it’s perfectly useless to hope”. Thanks, Fernando Pessoa.






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