Fatih area of Istanbul

It is interesting that this Arab person bashed Erdogan as almost all Arabs I meet love him.  

He must be a left leaning person. Because most of the lefts do not like Erdogan in Turkey, it is the right wing, plus, older folks, and religious ones that keep him in power. 

Turkey, under Erdogan does not have a good record in jailing so many people.

I have come across many videos on YouTube about people who were jailed for months and years, without cause. They ended up obviously losing their jobs, homes etc. 

What is that phrase, power corrupts and too much corrupts without prejudice. 

One thing I like about Erdogan is, and you might not agree with me was his policy about the Syrians. 

I’m from Fatih, Istanbul. I was born only a block away from the Fatih Mosque, where Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s tomb is at. I tell you this to give you an idea where it is, in case you have been to that area. 

Well that area of Fatih is almost all people from the province of Siirt. That is where my grandparents are from. After WWI, many people from Siirt settled, out of that faraway city (Siirt)  to Istanbul, to find better employment. Similar to Newfoundlanders coming to Alberta for work. 

Anyway, people from Siirt are mostly Turkish Arabs. Because, sorry, this is heading somewhere, but during the Ottoman Empire days, people from El-Sham area, meaning Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria area, settled in Siirt area, because there was wars down in El-Sham. 

So, my ancestors are Arabs from south Syria area, could be Jerusalem area.

But, the Syrian refugees due to the recent wars have settled all around Fatih. Now, that area of Istanbul is full of Arabs. The signs on shops are Turkish, English, and Arabic. Just interesting how my neighbourhood has changed, again it could be worse for some, but good for others, as these people needed a new place to live. 

I guess it is good and bad, I just liked that Turkey took in 4 million plus refugees, while all of Europe complained that 1 million are coming in. 

Also, Turkey taking so many refugees is due to the fact that Arabs and all the other areas around Turkey, even in the Balkans still see Turkey as the grandchildren of the Ottomans, if anyone can save us, it is them, they think. 

Anyway, I wrote too much. 

Take care,

Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

I read the below article, and wanted to share with everyone.  

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/04/04/world/middleeast/syrian-refugees-one-million.html?_r=0&referrer=

It is devastating to read that the number of registered Syrian Refugees who have entered into Lebanon, has exceeded one million; this number is given by the United Nations. 

There is a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as this small country is overwhelmed and severely taxed with this many people, now living there.  

Lebanon now has the highest concentration of refugees as a percentage of population in the world, with about one Syrian for every three Lebanese. 

These are staggering figures and the World needs to join together to conclude this conflict and end the suffering.  

As a World Citizen, I am appalled at the nonchalant attitude and non-action by our Leaders. 

Thank you for reading, 

Ben here 

Syrian Refugees in Camps

Syrian Refugees in Camps

I wanted to write and bring further attention to a concern I have read in numerous articles.  

There is a snow storm in the Middle-East right now.  

The Syrian refugees who have fled their country, due to the 'civil war', are now, in even more hardship.  

I am concerned for the well-being of the Syrian refugees, who are living in tents, under cold temperatures, in refugee camps in the countries of Turkey and Lebanon.  

There are families with children, who are affected by the cold and the living conditions in these refugee camps, as they were not prepared for the 'blizzard' like conditions. 

There are extreme hardship conditions within the camps, currently.  

I further read that the United Nations, alongside numerous Aid Agencies, are distributing blankets, sheets, heaters and clothing; however there are not enough items for everyone within the camps.  

What can we do?, living so very far away from the Refugee Camps.  

One answer is, we can pray for them.  

Also, we can search on the net for 'Charities', whose mission is helping people of Syria; and making a donation, in this 'Giving' season.  

I hope we all live to see a day of 'no wars'.  

Thank you for reading.