Religious Calendars and New Year Traditions in Turkey….

Orthodox Christians traditionally exchange gifts on St. Nicholas Day (19 December) or during the New Year celebrations. While they use the Gregorian calendar in daily life, their religious observances follow the Julian calendar. Throughout history, the timing of New Year celebrations has varied across cultures. Ancient Armenians marked the New Year on 21 March, during the spring equinox, in the month of Areg—the first month of the Armenian calendar. Today, New Year’s Day is celebrated on 1 January. In contrast, the Jewish calendar observes Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sunset and falls on the evening of 29 September. In the Christian world, calendar differences influence the dates of religious holidays. Christians who follow the Gregorian calendar celebrate Epiphany on 6 January, whereas those adhering to the Julian calendar observe it on 19 January. On Büyükada, Prince islands in Turkey, Christmas celebrations are limited to the San Pasifico Latin Church. Protestants and members of other denominations often avoid entering Catholic churches, possibly due to a fear of being influenced by the grandeur of the interiors. However, as secular Turks, we have no such concerns. We light candles, open our hands in prayer, and wish for the well-being of our loved ones according to our own beliefs. Christmas in the Shadow of Lights Last night’s pre-Christmas service at St. Anthony’s Church in Beyoğlu was captivating. Arabic Christmas hymns played inside, and just last week, İstiklal Avenue was vibrant with colourful festive lights, creating an uplifting atmosphere. However, this week, for reasons dictated by an unknown political decision, the street decorations were abruptly removed, dampening the festive mood. In contrast, areas like Kadıköy Market, Bahariye, Caddebostan, Bağdat Avenue, Kartal, and Pendik remain adorned with sparkling street decorations. Intercultural Tolerance The interference of religious rituals with innocent festivities is often a topic of debate. For instance, in Magdeburg, Germany, a Saudi doctor misused the freedoms unavailable in his own country to create a public disturbance, serving as a thought-provoking example. Such incidents underscore the importance of intercultural harmony and mutual respect. Büyükada, 22 December 2024

Turkey’s Energy Security and the Impact of the Ukraine War

The Ukraine war has significantly influenced Turkey’s energy security policies and its relations with Russia. Turkey relies on Russia for approximately 40% of its annual natural gas demand, which totals 56 billion cubic meters. This dependency creates economic and political vulnerabilities in Turkey’s energy security framework. As of 2024, the price of Russian natural gas stands at $527 per 1,000 cubic meters, while in the U.S. domestic market, the same amount costs approximately $105. This price disparity has substantially increased Turkey’s import costs. Proposal for Barter Trade To address payment challenges arising from sanctions linked to the Ukraine war, Turkey should explore alternative trade models. Hungary’s approach—exporting agricultural and industrial products to Russia in exchange for natural gas through a barter system—serves as a viable example. Similarly, Turkey could adopt this method by exporting agricultural goods, white goods, and automobiles, thereby offsetting its energy costs. Additionally, given the difficulties in repatriating earnings from Turkish construction projects in Russia, converting these revenues into oil imports and using them to pay domestic contractors could be a practical solution. This approach would alleviate financial bottlenecks in energy trade and establish a more sustainable balance in the sector. Diversification and Domestic Production Ensuring diversity in energy sources and prioritizing domestic production are crucial for enhancing Turkey’s bargaining power in global energy markets. Investments in renewable energy could reduce dependency on imports and bolster Turkey’s energy independence. Moreover, being a competitive player in the energy market requires robust financial strategies and diversified energy resources. Innovative policies and efficient use of domestic resources will enable Turkey to build a more resilient energy infrastructure and strengthen its security against global crises. Büyükada, 13 December 2024 Kadıyoran

The Renovated Notre Dame Cathedral: History, Faith, and Diplomacy….

Notre Dame de Paris, located on the Île de la Cité island in the 4th district of Paris, is a medieval Catholic cathedral considered one of the most impressive examples of French Gothic architecture. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this structure represents the pinnacle of the Gothic style with its architectural innovations, flying buttresses, massive rose windows, and sculptures adorned with natural elements. It also draws attention with its three great pipe organs and enormous bells. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 under Archbishop Maurice de Sully, and it was largely completed by 1260, undergoing various modifications in the centuries that followed. However, the great fire of 2019 led to its restoration. Finally, in 2024, Notre Dame reopened its doors, reclaiming its place on the world stage as a center where history, faith, and culture meet. Visitors from Different Faiths and Reservations Notre Dame is not only a fascinating site for Catholics but also for people of different faiths and cultural tourists. However, some non-Catholic Christians may have reservations about entering such religious buildings, either due to concerns about their faith being influenced or fears of questioning their own denomination in the face of the cathedral’s grandeur. Nevertheless, these structures should not be viewed solely as places of worship but also as cultural treasures. An example of this perspective is seen in the participation of Jewish-Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Protestant U.S. President Donald Trump in the cathedral’s reopening ceremony, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic significance of Notre Dame. In addition to Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Prince William of the United Kingdom also attended the opening. The Importance of Cultural Experiences Notre Dame, one of the essential stops for any visit to Paris, has also been a cultural discovery point for me. While attending an energy fair in Paris, I was struck by the deep admiration I felt when I saw the cathedral still in its restoration phase. Religious structures are not limited to worship; they are places that enrich the human experience culturally and historically. Diplomacy and Reunion The reopening of Notre Dame is not only a success in restoration but also a significant diplomatic event. World leaders gathered at the opening ceremony, finding an opportunity to strengthen ties between countries through art and culture. Such events once again demonstrate how art and history serve as bridges for international dialogue and cooperation. The Rebirth of a Cultural Heritage The renovation and reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is not only a great achievement for France but also a significant development for global cultural heritage. These structures carry the marks of the past into the present, offering a common ground for people of different faiths and cultures to come together. The renovated Notre Dame continues to offer humanity an unforgettable legacy as a platform of diplomacy intertwined with history and faith. In a place like Büyükada, where people of every faith and denomination live together, it is perfectly natural and beautiful to witness the peaceful coexistence of Armenian Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish, Sunni, and Alevi beliefs. Büyükada, December 10, 2024

BRICS and the US Dollar.

A New Era in Global Trade…. Around 40% of Turkey’s annual natural gas demand of 56 billion cubic metres is supplied by Russia. However, payment disruptions caused by the Ukraine war and US sanctions have created significant risks for Turkey’s energy security, making the search for alternative supply routes a necessity. Despite US sanctions on Iran, Turkey has been able to continue its natural gas payments to Iran under temporary exemptions. Nonetheless, reliance on the US dollar increases both operational and political risks. Turkey’s potential membership in BRICS faces objections due to India’s strained relations with Pakistan, but it is anticipated that this issue may be resolved over time. Trump and BRICS Nations’ Move Against the Dollar The 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, responded sharply to BRICS nations’ efforts to reduce their dependence on the US dollar. Trump stated, “BRICS countries should neither create a new BRICS currency nor replace the dollar with any other currency. If they do, these nations will face 100% tariffs and exclusion from the US market,” defending the dollar’s dominant position in global trade. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised that moving away from the dollar has become a necessity due to US sanctions. He remarked, “We were not against the dollar, but our use of it has been blocked. We have no choice but to seek alternatives. When a country is excluded from the global banking system, it must find other ways,” pointing to the US as the main instigator of this process. BRICS and the US: Economic Rivalry The combined gross domestic product (GDP) of BRICS countries has now closely approached that of the United States. However, BRICS has a notable advantage: a population of 3.5 billion, which is ten times the size of the US. This demographic strength positions BRICS as a formidable alternative in global trade. The idea of BRICS establishing a common currency has the potential to disrupt the US dollar-centric economic order. The meritocratic, long-standing autocratic governance in BRICS countries presents a contrast to the democratic structure of the US, reflecting differing approaches in international cooperation. A Turning Point in Global Trade BRICS nations’ efforts to develop an alternative to the dollar and the US’s attempts to maintain its dominance mark a critical turning point in global trade. Energy-dependent countries like Turkey will need to reassess their strategic positioning in this evolving landscape. If BRICS succeeds in creating an alternative system to the dollar, it could not only impact the US economy but also fundamentally alter trade dynamics for countries like Turkey. Decisions made during this period could lay the foundation for a new global economic and political order. Büyükada, 5 December 2024 Kadıyoran

The Destruction of Early Republican Architecture in Ankara

Unbelievable things are happening in Ankara. Many valuable buildings from the early Republican period, which witnessed the founding years of the Turkish Republic, are sadly being demolished one by one. In their place, either empty parking lots or new structures with no architectural or historical connection to the past are being constructed. The Etibank building was one of the first to go. This structure, reflecting the modern architectural style of the Republican era, was torn down, leaving behind an empty parking lot. At the Opera Square parking area, the Melike Hatun Mosque, inspired by Ottoman-era designs, was built. Meanwhile, the magnificent İller Bank building next to it shared the same fate and was demolished. Today, only a temporary shack occupies its former location. But it didn’t stop there. The Ministry of Public Works and Settlement building was also torn down, leaving yet another parking lot in its wake. There are now plans to build a mosque on that site. Similarly, the beautiful DSİ (State Hydraulic Works) building was demolished, replaced once again by an empty parking lot. One of the most distressing losses is the destruction of the Ministry of Public Works building, designed by the renowned Austrian architect Clemens Holzmeister. This structure was not merely a building but a monument embodying the modernization ideals of the Republic. Now, this historical masterpiece is being erased. The Yargıtay (Supreme Court) building is also on the brink of demolition. The Saraçoğlu Neighbourhood appears to have been spared for now. However, even one of the symbolic structures of the Republic, the Çankaya Presidential Mansion, has been left neglected and abandoned to decay. The architectural treasures of the early Republican period are disappearing one by one, replaced by empty parking lots or soulless, nondescript structures. This is not just a loss of architecture; it is also the destruction of a historical and cultural identity. These buildings represent more than bricks and mortar; they are living testaments to a bygone era, reflecting the spirit of a time when the Republic’s ideals of modernization and development were at their peak. Preserving this heritage is vital not only for Ankara but also for Turkey’s cultural memory and identity. Yet, it seems these structures are not seen as valuable monuments but as disposable entities, torn down without a clear plan for their replacement. This is a grave injustice to our history and culture. Ankara 4 January 2025