Let's have some empathy and less prejudice
Reader comment on item: Is Turkey Going Islamist?

Submitted by Ayesha (Turkey), Jul 2, 2005 at 14:35

Frankly, I was speechless after I read all the comments on the article. It is so sad to see how little people know and yet how willing they are to make comments. There is no way Turkey is going "Islamist" (the way that is implied). Only biased observations and not being familiar with muslim culture and religion can result in such a conclusion. Moreover, the comments about Turkey being an unsafe place for nonmuslims is ridiculous and unfair. Terrorist attacks are not something that is common in Turkey. How can one reach a conclusion of the kind? How safe is US, Europe?

I am proposing Octavio Johanson to reread the comments below:

"If Turkey enters the European Union, the Maastrict Treaty would force Ankara to end "religious discrimination". For example it would no longer be able to stop Muslim women from wearing the Islamic head-scarf or to restrict public prayer. Thanks to the Maastrict Treaty, Turkey would go Islamist."

How can practicing headscarf or public prayer be seen as something that must be restricted?This is an obvious discrimination and violation of human rights.There is no empathy here. This is same as saying that wearing the Holy Cross or Kippas should be prohibited.Why would anybody want to do that?Let people practice their religions.Should masses in churches be restricted?I certainly think not.Then why should public muslim prayers be restricted?There is not only one religion in the world.There are multiple of them, and people should be free to choose their religions and be allowed to practice them.

What we need here is a little bit more respect, tolerance and empathy...

Regards,

Ayesha

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