Stories from the Field

February 2007

A Divided Culture

Typical of core Anatolian (pronounced an-uh-TOH-lee-uhn) culture, village women in Turkey bake their bread over an open fire, farmers work their land with hand-made tools, and a wedding party dances to drums and the squeal of a small reed instrument. Hours away, in the sprawling city, Turkish culture presents a world of contrasts: gleaming high-rises tower over crumbling shanties; women in tight-fitting clothes walk arm-in-arm with women in long black robes; uneasy villagers search for employment while city-born young people enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. There are two Turkeys: one moving westward, the other looking eastward. A small minority wish for a true Islamic state, even if the price is stifling legalism and harsh punishments. There are also those for whom the Islamic faith is a mere shell of outward ritual and tradition. The vast majority of Turks fall somewhere in the middle. In the midst of confusing cultural clashes Turks remain united around one central concept: to be a Turk is to be a Muslim. Whether strictly adhering to the five pillars of Islam or casually observing the rituals of their faith only when custom demands, most Turks proudly assert, “I am Muslim.” Even so, a small handful of Turkish Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, stand on the verge of a bright new beginning. Pray for a multitude of Central Anatolian and Black Sea Turks to join their ranks, finding hope, meaning, and a new future in Jesus Christ.