You have a fixation on Turkey's NATO membership and that's what is clouding your judgment. You are misreading the outcome of this survey.
Religious, secular or nationalist - it doesn't matter, none of us really believes that our alliance with the West is irrevocable. At the same time, we don't believe in any alliances within the Muslim world. In a way, Turks are very realistic about their position in the world.
This is neither sad nor bad; it is what makes us different from Arabs and Persians.
I don't want to turn this into another one of these Turks-Vs-Chinese threads but if you really think that even one of your neighboring countries really, really likes you, you must be very delusional.
We're living in a globalized world. No nation is "going alone" in these days, not even the US. Unlike other nations in the Western camp, Turkey always made it clear that we aren't organically connected to any side. THIS is the difference.
Hi,
Turkey was going thru that phase awhile ago---but not now---. Why---.
At one time Turkey ruled all those kingdoms surrounding it---. The Turks were the masters of the middle east---. During and after the world wars---their dominions were broken up into different nations---.
The Turks found nothing in common with those nations that they had ruled for centuries---. Being the rulers that the Turks were---their mindset was different to those that they ruled---.
So basically there was nothing common here.
Then Turkey chose to join europe---the successful people---the europeans did not want Turkey---.
Once Turkey realized tat they will not be a part of europe---they again started looking inwards---not at their previous dominions but other muslim nations---.
Pakistan came on the top of the list---. The movement of the muslims of India had a great influence over the Turks---the older generation of Turks remembered that and possibly passed it onto the younger generation---.
The Turks had advanced weapons technology---pakistan was in need of that technology---both these powerful muslim nations saw similarity in their cause and belief---thus began the cycle of building some confidence building measures---. The first growth was military to military connection---a strong Turkish military---a strong pakistani military---both playing at equal level---the understanding was there---mutual respect developed---contacts were enhanced---strong confidence building matters were enforced and suddenly Turkey and Pakistan had started a new partnership.
Since Imran Khan cme into power---this relationship has grown---. Just Like Tayyab Erdogan---Imran Khan does not hesitate to speak his mind to the western world---two similar people.
Then Turkeys relationship with Malaysia---very important---Mahathir Mohammad a very charismatic leader---a very strong personality---a person who can take a stand and make the country move forward---.
Looking backwards Turkey has taken a step forward in the right direction---. Looking towards west---Turkey became strong in knowledge education sciences and technology---so joining Nato was the right decision at the right time---. It brought the best of the two worlds to Turkey---. Turkey still has its islamic heritage---its character is still islamic---its identity is still islamic---its eurpoean dress code is an extremely functional dress code---and possibly the europeans may have taken the original Turkish dress code and made changes over the centuries to what it is now---.
We are at a very unique moment of history---. 20 years from now---people will praise the position that Turkey accepted---to look east wards for their true identity---for what made them great at one time will make them great another time---and that time is now---. Look towards west---be ordinary---stay ordinary---.
As Milton once said---" I would rather be a King in hell than a nobody in heavens "---.
How I wish that Pakistan had accepted american offer of taking charge of Yemen crisis in the GCC and build up a massive military presence---. With the GCC under control by pakistan against any foreign threats---Turkey would have been in a very strong position to control other areas in and around its boundaries and its natural affection of Pakistanis towards Turkey---a very important power positioning would have been created by these two nations in the region which would have seen an extremely massive economic boom for both---.
Look brothery relations are good. We helped each other in history, this is the truth, too. But in a war we can only trust ourselves. Your support was great in 1974 especially medical teams but when it comes to kill or being killed it was only Turkish State's task to complete. No one didn't fight for us and no one will fight for us. Not NATO, not Pakistan no one.
And we like to remind this to our children in schools and thats why Turkish nation doesn't expect any help. ''Only friend of a Turk, is another Turk''
I believe you should think about this philosophy. Let's think about Kashmir for example, How can you take it, Who will fight for it and die for it? China? Turkey? UN? This is the bitter truth, everbody might support you. china and Turkey might send you medic teams and weapons but when it comes to kill or be killed it will be only your task to complete, you can only trust your own.
Hi,
Christian nation chose an alliance when fighting against muslim nations---they make it a christan cause---but under the flag of the UN---and yet the Turks want to stand alone---.
In modern warfare---no nation can stand alone---those who build better alliances will win over those who do not have alliances---.
I firmly believe this education of ARROGANCE needs to be changed in Turkish schools and minds---..
And as I stated before---it is very difficult to make alliances as partners with nations that you ruled for centuries---.
But look at what the christian nations have done---UK & US---.
If turkey does not learn and bring about a change in thought and practise---it will have an extremely tough period of isolation that is very slowly being built around it---.