A Turkish Perspective

US Government claimed 'You are either with us, or the terrorists'. Osama called all Muslims to Jihad. Turkey is the one of biggest allies of US, an active member of both NATO and Islamic Community. Besides, Turkey has suffered a lot from terrorism.

I am a tour guide, not a politician. I discussed the events with many people from different nations and religions. Finally I have developed my own perspective. Following is a rather Turkish approach to Afghanistan:

1. Everyone knows that US backed Afghans (including Taliban) against Russian invasion.

2. Many people know about Whirling Dervishes. Konya is the center of them.

3. Few if any also know that Mevlana Celaleddin - the spiritual leader of whirling dervishes - was born in Afghanistan (old city Belh, today a superb of Mezar-i Serif). Perhaps even in those times the people could not understand him, and he had to move to Anatolia - to the land of Turks. Land of hospitality.

4. Caliphate was reclaimed by Yavuz Sultan Selim (Father of Suleyman the Magnificient) in 16 th century. After that time Ottoman sultans retained this title.

5. Mezar-i Serif also hosts the tomb of Ali, the nephew and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad and also the Fourth Caliph. Some hundred years ago, the monumental tomb was built by a Turkish Sultan. Not to mention how important is Ali for every Muslim and particularly for Alevis and Shiites.

6. Osama is a Wahhabi. Wahhabi is an Islamic sect which was founded in the 18th century under the sponsorship of British agents. Thus the Arabic tribes could rebel against Sunni Caliph in Istanbul. Every Turkish citizen knows 'Yemen' song, how ten thousands 0f Turkish soldiers were killed in the deserts.

7. Wahhabi approach is far beyond the way Turks understand Islam.

8. Turkish Parliament had abolished Caliphate in 1924. After this time there is no title in muslim world corresponding the Christian 'pope'.

9. Turkish Presidential Emblem has 16 stars, representing 16 independent Turkish states found in the history. Two of them were founded in Afghanistan.

10. There are some hundred thousands of Turks living in Afghanistan and millions living in the neighborhood.

11. Ataturk (founder of Turkish Republic) had sent a team of 'elites' to Afghanistan to help developing a modern country. Peace in Afghanistan was his will.

I hope the tribes can unite, and perhaps Turkey can be a good model for them. But, can Afghan people understand Mevlana approach, yet after 800 years?

Umit Ozaydin
Your guide in Turkey

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