Embracing the differences:
Clemson faculty observe acceptance in Istanbul, Turkey
July 2008
A small white paper with a printed arrow was taped on the back of the Turkish hotel room door, pointing the way to Mecca.
Although Cecil Huey wasn’t surprised to see directions toward the Muslim holy ground, the Clemson University professor never thought he would have needed to know where Mecca is. He’s not Muslim.
These small cultural and religious differences are one example why the nonprofit Istanbul Center in Atlanta and a group of Turkish businessmen began helping fund Americans’ trips to the country. They believe so strongly that religious and cultural differences should be embraced, they want to help others do what Turkey has done.
“When it comes to the idea of living together — respect — (Turkish people) have done it very well,” said Constancio Nakuma, associate dean for academic services in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. “Noticing it happening, and very concretely, you begin to believe that if more people became aware (there would be change).”
Although the group’s goals of religious acceptance seemed lofty and idealist, Huey, a professor emeritus of mechanical engineering, and a group of 10 others from the University and the Upstate visited the growing and accommodating country for 10 days in June. They paid their airfare; the Istanbul Center covered everything else.
“We are different and difference is something that cannot be eradicated, and it can actually become a positive,” Nakuma said. “It’s knowing how to enjoy our differences, respect our differences, that will bring about world peace. Someone has to start somewhere, and (this Turkish group is) reaching out.”
The group traveled to Istanbul, a city of 10 million, and from there toured the country’s historical sites and spent time in the homes of Turkish residents.
They went to Antalya on the Mediterranean and saw the influence of the Greek and Roman people and their gods. They drove to Cappadocia, a land formation created by three erupting volcanoes where many early Christians and monks took refuge. They flew to Izmir, which is very close to Ephesus, a city the Christian writer and disciple Paul spoke of often. They saw the house of the Virgin Mary and many of the Christian relics. They visited mosques and a synagogue.
The trip also included a visit to several local schools, where the group saw a new way of teaching — adding a layer of social justice to curriculum.
“You could tell they were not afraid of foreigners,” Nakuma said. “Just the opposite. So embracing and welcoming of foreigners and talking at a level you wouldn’t think from kids.”
For these two educators — who both admitted to being skeptical going in — the trip was life-changing. Awareness creates appreciation, and acceptance cannot begin without it, they said.
As the men prepare for another school year at Clemson, they don’t know how the trip’s effect will play out in their lives, but they know that change is there. Ultimately, that is the Turkish group’s goal: Changing perspectives, one person at a time.
“There’s a certain amount of faith required, as an educator, that you are producing some benefit,” Huey said. “Most of your influence plays out in the future. They have to have some faith that this will play out.”
Crystal Boyles, editor/writer for Web services, can be reached at boyles@clemson.edu or 656-3988.