Behind the scenes - what is actually happening in Izmir?
The majority of Izmir supports the main opposition party in Turkey known as CHP. This has often been criticized by the current prime minister, from the party AKP. We have even been called 'Gavur Izmir', literarly translated as 'Foreign Izmir'. This has historical connotation as Izmir (formerly known as Symrna during the Greek times) had a big foreign (a.k.a non-Islamic) population. Yes, Izmir was foreign. So what? Why should this be brought up by Turkey's prime minister once again? What purpose does it serve besides creating unnecessary tension in polarizing Turkey? Something to think about.
Today, Izmir may still be seen as 'foreign' because there are many different views to those of the current government. Today I was in Alsancak. The main shopping street here known as Kibris Sehitleri Caddesi was again flooding with anti-government protestors. Mainly the protestors were left wing. I have never in my life seen that many posters of Lenin and Che in Turkey. There was also Greenpeace.
I am not going to stand here and defend all of the anti-government protestors for there are some groups that are taking advantage of the situation and want to stir things up (something that needs to be avoided is civil war in the country). However, I believe it is important to share who was protesting for what in Alsancak, Izmir today.
