Tonight at yoga, the teacher came over to help me with a stretch that just wasn't happening. After she helped me at least get slightly comfortable in the pose, I wanted to cry because I felt really stuck, not flexible, unmoved. It made me want to go away to a beautiful island and spend a month learning yoga and focusing every day on deep stretching and finding peace with my body. It dawned on me that many people who go on yoga retreats go not just for the physical peace they find, but for the spiritual peace. I found myself suddenly wanting that. It made me wonder what I could do to make my trip to Turkey a more spiritually based journey.
As I will be going to a place ripe with the history of Islam, it seems fitting for me to learn more about the Muslim faith. I don't know that much about the Spiritual practice of Muslims. What are their prayers? I know they pray ritually 5 time a day, but what are they saying and thinking? What about spiritual meals or community gatherings? What is it like to attend a Mosque?
I think it would be best for me to explore some of these questions here in Portland, but I wonder if I shouldn't bring it with me to Istanbul? Should I wake up every morning at sunrise for the first prayer of the day? What other ways can I learn more about the spiritual practices of Muslim while I'm in Turkey? It's in writing this that I realize I know so very little about one of the great faiths of our world.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
"Women and Islam" lecture
Tonight I had the privilege of attending a lecture at the Rosegarden Turkish American Cultural Center here in Portland. I signed up for their mailing list a while ago to follow any Turkish language classes and read about this lecture in one of the emails they sent out. It was given by Dr. Sophia Pandya from California State University, Long Beach, and I really enjoyed it.
First, I should tell you how nervous I was when I arrived. The building is pretty much unmarked, the only reason I knew I was in the right place was because I saw women with the hijab entering. I wondered if I was inappropriately dressed (tank top and capris) but decided to venture in and find out. When I came in the door, there were only men, so I tol done who approached me that I was there for the lecture and he walked me to a room where the women were waiting. So in I walk, only about 1/3 of the women wore hijab but I was definitely showing more skin than anybody else. I asked if I should cover up and they said absolutely not, from then on they did nothing but smile at me, introduce themselves, and inquire as to who I was. They were simply lovely. One young woman I met, named Selen, was especially helpful. She has been here in the US for about 2 years having come from Istanbul. Her husband got a job here so she's working on a Master's degree at PSU in Engineering. She graciously answered my questions, made sure I understood where to go and when (not that it was complicated, I just didn't want to offend anybody so was slightly more careful than normal).
The lecture itself was an excellent introduction for me. Even though I have a B.A. and a Master's degree in Religion, both degrees focused on Christianity. I know so little about the history of Islam as well as the culture. Dr. Pandya started by showing us clips of American movies and shows depicting Arabs. It was horrifying. American's have done such a great job of depicting Arabic Men as evil and dangerous and Arabic Women as timid and beaten. We have depicted Arab nations as being backwards and uneducated. It made me think about what a responsibility Hollywood has to be more cautious about its' depictions of other cultures. Hollywood has the power to do a lot of harm to people.
In discussing the patriarchy of Islam, Dr. Pandya started by reminding us that the Prophet Mohammed was actually quite progressive. He made it so that women could inherit property, he consulted women on matters of faith, and he in general made life a bit easier for women. The patriarchal part of Islam came later when the center of the Islamic Empire was moved from Damascus to Persia. There, Islam encountered Zoroastrianism, which as it turns out was very patriarchal. Unfortunately, Islam picked up may of its' ideas from Zoroastrianism that often hurt women. It was interesting to understand that history. I did some research on Zoroastrianism in Graduate school, but really only focused on early Zoroastrianism, nothing past Jesus. I do believe that Zoroastrianism played a huge part in the apocalyptic world of Judaism and Christianity, but I had never thought about some of the other roles it had played. I need to do more research on it I guess.
I really loved the stories of women here in American who are helping to change how Americans view Islam as well as the face of Islam as a whole. There is a movement called the Hizmet (which means service) also known as the Gulen Movement that is focused on inter-faith dialogue, education, and helping people who are in need. I gather that the Rosengarden Center here in Portland is part of the Hizmet movement. They put on meals during Ramadan for non-Muslims to introduce us to their practices and to share their beliefs in general.
I've emailed Dr. Pandya to see if I can get a copy of her presentation because there were some other points that I want to share (but silly me didn't bring a notebook to take notes). Overall, I'm so glad I went! I will definitely be going back to the Rosegarden for more activities!
First, I should tell you how nervous I was when I arrived. The building is pretty much unmarked, the only reason I knew I was in the right place was because I saw women with the hijab entering. I wondered if I was inappropriately dressed (tank top and capris) but decided to venture in and find out. When I came in the door, there were only men, so I tol done who approached me that I was there for the lecture and he walked me to a room where the women were waiting. So in I walk, only about 1/3 of the women wore hijab but I was definitely showing more skin than anybody else. I asked if I should cover up and they said absolutely not, from then on they did nothing but smile at me, introduce themselves, and inquire as to who I was. They were simply lovely. One young woman I met, named Selen, was especially helpful. She has been here in the US for about 2 years having come from Istanbul. Her husband got a job here so she's working on a Master's degree at PSU in Engineering. She graciously answered my questions, made sure I understood where to go and when (not that it was complicated, I just didn't want to offend anybody so was slightly more careful than normal).
The lecture itself was an excellent introduction for me. Even though I have a B.A. and a Master's degree in Religion, both degrees focused on Christianity. I know so little about the history of Islam as well as the culture. Dr. Pandya started by showing us clips of American movies and shows depicting Arabs. It was horrifying. American's have done such a great job of depicting Arabic Men as evil and dangerous and Arabic Women as timid and beaten. We have depicted Arab nations as being backwards and uneducated. It made me think about what a responsibility Hollywood has to be more cautious about its' depictions of other cultures. Hollywood has the power to do a lot of harm to people.
In discussing the patriarchy of Islam, Dr. Pandya started by reminding us that the Prophet Mohammed was actually quite progressive. He made it so that women could inherit property, he consulted women on matters of faith, and he in general made life a bit easier for women. The patriarchal part of Islam came later when the center of the Islamic Empire was moved from Damascus to Persia. There, Islam encountered Zoroastrianism, which as it turns out was very patriarchal. Unfortunately, Islam picked up may of its' ideas from Zoroastrianism that often hurt women. It was interesting to understand that history. I did some research on Zoroastrianism in Graduate school, but really only focused on early Zoroastrianism, nothing past Jesus. I do believe that Zoroastrianism played a huge part in the apocalyptic world of Judaism and Christianity, but I had never thought about some of the other roles it had played. I need to do more research on it I guess.
I really loved the stories of women here in American who are helping to change how Americans view Islam as well as the face of Islam as a whole. There is a movement called the Hizmet (which means service) also known as the Gulen Movement that is focused on inter-faith dialogue, education, and helping people who are in need. I gather that the Rosengarden Center here in Portland is part of the Hizmet movement. They put on meals during Ramadan for non-Muslims to introduce us to their practices and to share their beliefs in general.
I've emailed Dr. Pandya to see if I can get a copy of her presentation because there were some other points that I want to share (but silly me didn't bring a notebook to take notes). Overall, I'm so glad I went! I will definitely be going back to the Rosegarden for more activities!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Tango in Istanbul SHOES!
The other night it dawned on me that I hadn't looked at the night life in Istanbul. I'm not much of a night person or a partier, but I know the most fun I've had out partying has been while travelling. I decided to start my searching for Istanbul evening activities with tango (logical for me). It didn't take me long to find this site. The most exciting bit being the custom made tango shoes!
I had heard about this guy through some friends, but I can't believe how little they cost compared to shoes here in the US that aren't even custom made. I will need to save so I can buy a couple of pairs, to make it worth it, you know. :-)
So much for nightlife. I'm going to be too busy buying shoes!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Hot Air Balloon!
I've always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon, and what better time than in an exotic place? Cappadocia seems to be the perfect spot:
If I go with this company, I get breakfast and champagne. Fortunately, probably for safety, the champagne happens after you land.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Language
I've travelled enough to know that it's helpful to know at least a bit of local language from the country visited. For one thing, the locals appreciate at least some effort being put forth. So, I'm going to learn some Turkish before I visit. Right now, I know two words:
Merhaba: Welcome
Bocek: insect; bug; beetle (This happens to be my friend's last name)
Here are the options I've found for studying Turkish here in Portland:
1. Audit a class at Portland State University - I confess I was very excited about the idea of auditing a class. I know people who did this when I was in Undergraduate and I thought it was supposed to be cheap. Well, I was wrong. For some reason, they charge you the same tuition and fees to audit a class as they do to take the class for credit. I'm not paying $600+ for one class that I don't even get credit for.
2. Purchase Rosetta Stone - I can't tell you how many people have recommended this option to me. I'm considering it particularly because it's not as expensive as it used to be.
3. Take a class at the American-Turkish Cultural Center here in Portland - I love this idea, but I have yet to hear back from them as to how much the classes cost and other such details.
4. Mango for Libraries - A friend of a friend passed this information to me. It's going to be my first stop because it's free. Looks like something I can do from home via the computer.
5. Talk to Turkish people in Turkish - This will happen after I've at least learned the alphabet and have learned a few things. Fortunately, through my tango network, I've met a couple of Turkish people here in the states who have been more than happy to help me.
I think my goal will to be through at least a level 2 speaker. I want to know a bit more than just the basics.
Op...one more for me to check out, sent by a friend currently living in Istanbul and studying Turkish:
Pimsleur Will be checking it out soon!
Merhaba: Welcome
Bocek: insect; bug; beetle (This happens to be my friend's last name)
Here are the options I've found for studying Turkish here in Portland:
1. Audit a class at Portland State University - I confess I was very excited about the idea of auditing a class. I know people who did this when I was in Undergraduate and I thought it was supposed to be cheap. Well, I was wrong. For some reason, they charge you the same tuition and fees to audit a class as they do to take the class for credit. I'm not paying $600+ for one class that I don't even get credit for.
2. Purchase Rosetta Stone - I can't tell you how many people have recommended this option to me. I'm considering it particularly because it's not as expensive as it used to be.
3. Take a class at the American-Turkish Cultural Center here in Portland - I love this idea, but I have yet to hear back from them as to how much the classes cost and other such details.
4. Mango for Libraries - A friend of a friend passed this information to me. It's going to be my first stop because it's free. Looks like something I can do from home via the computer.
5. Talk to Turkish people in Turkish - This will happen after I've at least learned the alphabet and have learned a few things. Fortunately, through my tango network, I've met a couple of Turkish people here in the states who have been more than happy to help me.
I think my goal will to be through at least a level 2 speaker. I want to know a bit more than just the basics.
Op...one more for me to check out, sent by a friend currently living in Istanbul and studying Turkish:
Pimsleur Will be checking it out soon!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Ancient or Old?
Being a Biblical Historian who focused on studying the development of the Torah, I am undeniably interested in things that are ancient. If something isn't AT LEAST 2000 years old, my curiosity is generally not piqued (and that's being generous, I generally prefer at least 3000 years old). The first time then I stepped into a Neolithic structure (about 5,000 years old), my heart was a flutter...
With this in mind, I've been just slightly disappointed to read that most history books date Istanbul to about 700 BCE (yes, I know this is old, but not old enough to make my hear flutter the way something 5,000 years old did). The story is that it was settled by Gerek cononists. The leader, Byzas, was told by the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi that he should settle across from the 'land of the blind ones." When sailing into what is now Istanbul, Byzas determined it to be what the Oracle meant because previous settlers must have been blind to have overlooked such a wonderful location.
But you see, I don't buy it. I know that most historical places are built upon older historical places. (For a fun Historical-fiction on this idea, read "The Source" by James Michener). So I did a bit more digging and found this little gem:
Istanbul's Ancient Past Unearthed! They claim to have found a burial sign from the 1600 BCE's. Now THAT's what I'm talking about! The article is very interesting. It points out that the Bosphorous Strait wouldn't have been formed yet, which means the landscape and such would've been much different from today. I'm going to have to do more research, but it would be interesting to know what happened between the time of those first settlers and when teh Greeks came.
I am delighted.
With this in mind, I've been just slightly disappointed to read that most history books date Istanbul to about 700 BCE (yes, I know this is old, but not old enough to make my hear flutter the way something 5,000 years old did). The story is that it was settled by Gerek cononists. The leader, Byzas, was told by the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi that he should settle across from the 'land of the blind ones." When sailing into what is now Istanbul, Byzas determined it to be what the Oracle meant because previous settlers must have been blind to have overlooked such a wonderful location.
But you see, I don't buy it. I know that most historical places are built upon older historical places. (For a fun Historical-fiction on this idea, read "The Source" by James Michener). So I did a bit more digging and found this little gem:
Istanbul's Ancient Past Unearthed! They claim to have found a burial sign from the 1600 BCE's. Now THAT's what I'm talking about! The article is very interesting. It points out that the Bosphorous Strait wouldn't have been formed yet, which means the landscape and such would've been much different from today. I'm going to have to do more research, but it would be interesting to know what happened between the time of those first settlers and when teh Greeks came.
I am delighted.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
A potential route
Here's a scenario that has 4 stops. Check out the google map here.
1. Istanbul (Stops A and E)
2. Cappadocia (B)
3. Hierapolis - Pamukkale (C)
4. Ephesus (D)
Of course, there's also Troy to visit as well...
DOH!
1. Istanbul (Stops A and E)
2. Cappadocia (B)
3. Hierapolis - Pamukkale (C)
4. Ephesus (D)
Of course, there's also Troy to visit as well...
DOH!
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