During my time in Turkey, I have often witnessed social situations when a person earns respect dependent on their status in society or their wealth. It is a part of Turkish life that I loath as more often than not, the same people have no moral ethics or mutual respect for other people.
I instead prefer the term that “respect should be earned and not given”. However, last week, I met an old woman who earned my respect in an instant.
Perhaps I was more delighted to make her acquaintance, as it was an unplanned meeting. We were wandering remote roads in the village of Maral, not a long distance from the border with Georgia. This area of Turkey has not fallen prey to the trappings of mass tourism that has blighted the west and south coast.
Traditions and cultures are still visible in everyday life and the high mountains, dipping valleys and masses of pine tree forests, ensure that any greedy developers with plans for a concentrate jungle would have to focus their ambitions on other destinations.
My meeting with the old woman happened because we unintentionally came across a local beekeeper tending to his hives in the garden. On the doorstep of his old wooden house sat the woman, introduced to us as his great grand mum. We asked her age and the response was
“I am not sure but I know I am more than 100”
Even without knowing her exact age, she had sparked my interest. I could see in her appearance that her life experiences would be enough to write a history book ten times over.
Recalling Her Life
She remembered when the region was under Russian rule and their soldiers were patrolling the mountain roads. As a young girl, she recalled riding a horse as the popularity of the modern car had not spread to the region.
She told us about turbulent times when the Turkish war of independence was declared in 1919. As a child, she first heard the name of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was leading the war and would later become the founder of Turkey.
In 1923, victory was celebrated and the borders of current day Turkey were under discussion. Locals of the village gathered to attend a meeting and were told to choose whether they wanted to be under the soviet rule of Russia (current day Georgia) or be Turkish citizens.
Her mother was adamant her family would be citizens of the Republic of Turkey.
The old woman showed no hesitation in giving me permission to take her photograph, instead more interested as to how the photo was instantly shown to her on the playback screen of my digital camera.
She has lived a great and colourful life, yet still took time to welcome strangers with overwhelming hospitality. This woman immediately has my respect. She is worth ten of any rich, famous, or powerful person in society who instead desires the false respect of those around them.
Reader’s question: What do you think? Has this woman automatically earned your respect?
Wonderful article, I would love to see more of this lady’s story.
Hi Jennifer, I would like to have known more but I was using a translator as the level of Turkish spoken was higher than my basic understanding. I was also very weary about being intrusive because meeting her was not planned.
Natalie recently wrote about..Flower Passage and Istanbul Nostalgia – Portraits From The Past
. . backways and trackways – this is what it is all about! Great big thank you for this one Natalie – real Turkey in a blog post
Alan recently wrote about..‘It’s Behind You!’
Glad you like the post Alan, your feedback is always welcome because if anyone knows the back streets of Turkey, it is you
Natalie recently wrote about..Galata Tower and a 360-Degree View of Istanbul
Money and/or social status should be the last thing we respect, but oftentimes — and perhaps even most of the time — it is the first thing respected. A life well lived, and especially a long life, are things to respect, to remember, and strive for.
Mark recently wrote about..Retweet Worthy Tweets # 4 — Tips, funnies, and inspiration
Very true words Mark, we respect people with money and/or social status without realising it. The western trend of celebrities idols is a perfect example of that.
Natalie recently wrote about..The Basilica Cistern of Istanbul and the Heads of Medusa
It is really amazing how wise those really old people are. They don’t care about their age and why would they? It doesn’t mean anything. At the same time she cares about greeting and talking to a stranger and that might mean a lot to that person.
Arnis Supe recently wrote about..48 Amazing Hours in Sydney, Australia
It meant a lot to me Arnis, on the western coast of Turkey, we would be told to bugger off and stop being so nosy.
Natalie recently wrote about..Interview With An Imam – A Leader Of Islam
Natalie,
Just read about the old lady and your report is really interesting. You make it very enjoyable to read and I would love to find the time to sit down and read more about your interesting travels across Turkey. Keep up the good work. Love Sheila. xo
Hi Sheila, Glad to see you here on my blog and even more happy that you like my writing. Thank you very much for the compliment xxx
Natalie recently wrote about..French Street in Istanbul
Fabulous!
Jack Scott recently wrote about..Bodrum’s Crusader Castle
The woman or the article?
Natalie recently wrote about.. The Colourful Greek Island of Meis
What a remarkable little story! Copious amounts of respect for the dear lady and how much richer she has made your life for meeting her!
Ash recently wrote about..Uganda: Making A Difference Without A Viral Video (Interview With Leonie Quayle)
When I met her, I actually felt jealous. In some ways, her life is hard but in others, the simple living has enabled her to live a long life. She certainly deserves respect
Natalie recently wrote about..The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul : A Photo Guide
What a wonderful opportunity. Great photo and story.
jan recently wrote about..There is something I have not done!
An unexpected opportunity Jan which I think made the meeting even more special
Natalie recently wrote about..Save Water – Drink Wine
Great article Natalie. I only hope to get somewhere close in age. But then again I amaze my doctor every time I show up for a physical.
The Travel Fool recently wrote about..Are Zoos Humane Or Not?
TTF – I stay away from doctors because I know I would never pass a physical!
Natalie recently wrote about..Bars in Taksim – Nightlife For Females and Foreigners
Natalie, another great find and fun read, thanks.
I remember the first time when a young man jumped up to let an elderly man take a seat in a very crowded city bus in Istanbul. I was nearly bowled over! I witnessed it again and again, I even was offered a seat myself when a youngster jumped up to me and offered “Amca, otur…” Hmmm, did not know my age showed that much.
My last years in Stamboul I saw this behaviour less and less, creeping urbanisation I suppose…
I have often wondered John, if the younger generation of Turkey are losing their culture, traditions and manners. Perhaps because I saw it happen in the UK and you may have seen it in the USA. People used to offer chairs in the UK to the elderly and then the next generation were not taught manners and this simple gesture disappeared. Shame on them
Natalie recently wrote about..Flower Passage and Istanbul Nostalgia – Portraits From The Past
I have been wondering where you are Natalie, lovely to get your post in my inbox! And what a pleasure to meet this wonderful lady, you can tell she has seen it all. She earns my respect big time too; honest, sincere, welcoming and so open-minded. So glad you had a chance to meet her. I lived in southeastern part of Turkey, in Elazig, for 8 years, when I was a child. Locals are so warm and welcoming and they mean it. Many thanks for sharing her with us.
Hi Ozlem, I have road tripping around the Black sea and east of Turkey. Apologies for my absence but we were out and about most days.
I agree that locals in these parts are so welcoming, and it makes traveling even more easier. Never heard of Elazig, so it is another place to stick on my list. This list is growing by the day!
Natalie recently wrote about..Galata Tower and a 360-Degree View of Istanbul
What a wonderful afternoon. I can’t imagine not knowing my age. Sounds very freeing actually. What a warm person she looks like! I bet you could have listened to her earlier stories all day.
Abby recently wrote about..Mangos and yachts in Panama
The whole family was really nice and welcoming Abby, Also got an article to publish on her great grandson who was the local bee keeper so keep watching!
Natalie recently wrote about..The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul : A Photo Guide
Sometimes the best things in life happen when you least expect it! What a great encounter!
My grandmother will turn 100 this August. She lived through the US depression years, was one of 10 children, lived on a small farm and is still hanging in there. It’s hard to imagine what a person has seen and experienced in that time.
Joy (My Turkish Joys) recently wrote about..Istanbul Gay Pride Parade: Photo Post
How wonderful for your grandmother joy – To have lived through the depression is an achievement in itself
Natalie recently wrote about..Bars in Taksim – Nightlife For Females and Foreigners
Aren’t all elders supposed to automatically earn our respect ?
A Montrealer Abroad recently wrote about..#FriFotos: Museums
I know some OAPs and their morals and attitude towards other people are disgusting. While I would help them by giving up seats etc, not all elders automatically earn my respect.
Natalie recently wrote about..Save Water – Drink Wine
What an extraordinary encounter, lucky you!
The part of Turkey around Kars and also the area around Ararat seems so fascinating.
Sophie recently wrote about..Ancient Street Art in the Arctic
I am very lucky, I know. Plenty more posts to come Sophie, this is just the first.
Natalie recently wrote about..The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul : A Photo Guide
What a great story! I can’t imagine what life must’ve been like that long ago, and to have experienced so many things, so many changes, over the past 100+ years is just amazing.
Ali recently wrote about..Stormy Days and Fishy Nights in Bora Bora
Sometimes I wish time machines were invented Ali, I would go back into the past, never to the future. What people like her have seen with their own eyes must be amazing
Natalie recently wrote about.. The Colourful Greek Island of Meis
loved reading that the best stories come from real people she looks like a darling i would love to meet some one like that maybe i will next year
I have got a few more posts about the locals Di so keep reading! I think you will like the post about this lady’s great grandson, the local bee keeper.
Natalie recently wrote about..French Street in Istanbul
I think all elders deserve our respect. They survived world wars and other severe global crises but kept their faith and lived to tell us about it, so I think they all have a life lesson to teach.
Adrian recently wrote about..Free Fun in Istanbul!
Not all elders automatically get my respect Adrian as sometimes i find their morals are to be doubted. Having said that, any elder who has lived through world wars does have to be admired.
Natalie recently wrote about..Interview With An Imam – A Leader Of Islam
That’s so amazing – I would love to live to 100, so I’m always amazed to hear the stories of those who have had such a long life.
This is random, but I was reading a science article last week which posited that people who are currently under 40 might live to be 200!! That’s only if (and it’s a big IF) the technology gets it together, lol.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently wrote about..Amsterdam’s Canals: The Best Way to See the City
Oh wow Christy – not sure I would want to be 200. Seems to be so against human nature. Living to be 100 is done naturally but 200 sounds morally wrong.
Natalie recently wrote about..The Basilica Cistern of Istanbul and the Heads of Medusa
For me, it really is the incredible people that I meet that stand out in my mind, too. What an incredible encounter you had!
I often find that breaking down some language barriers tends to help people open up more and makes these types of memorable encounters more likely.
Shanna Schultz recently wrote about..A Photographic Excursion to Normandy France
I agree. All the people I met on this trip really did make the experience even better Shanna. More posts about the locals are to come so keep checking in
Natalie recently wrote about..Flower Passage and Istanbul Nostalgia – Portraits From The Past
What a great opportunity… The things one can learn from people like this is so amazing…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently wrote about..Copperhead at Innisbrook Golf Resort
Definitely DJ – What amazed me most about her is that she still loves life. Welcoming to strangers and very sociable.
Natalie recently wrote about..Bars in Taksim – Nightlife For Females and Foreigners
How amazing! I love hearing about such stories … how incredible you were able to meet her and learn more about her life.
cheryl recently wrote about..Instagram Postcards Of Berlin – March 2012 Edition.
Exactly Cheryl, it was an amazing opportunity!
Natalie recently wrote about..Göcek –Sophistication that is Not Part of My World
She sounds like an amazing person. And I just love her face – there’s so much character in it! It would be fascinating to hear her tell some of the stories about what Turkey was like last century.
Turtle recently wrote about..In plane site
She has certainly seen some major events in her time Turtle