What? So What? Now What?
Before we left for our trip, we each wrote a letter to ourselves with our expectations and feelings. We did this so that we could more easily recognize our personal changes when we returned. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that the letter activity was nice, but definitely not necessary for me to measure my personal transformation after this experience. In Istanbul, we were able to connect with organizations that face uphill battles against poverty, violence, social stigma, and marginalization of minority groups. We met members of the different communities, played games with their children, cooked a community dinner, and saw the institutional disadvantages they face first hand as fancy billboards hide their homes from the rest of the city. The implementation of urban renewal projects for political and economic gain has stripped these neighborhoods of their homes, their dignity, and their hope. But, the inspiring stories from those who spend their lives providing education and health services and fighting for the rights of these communities have left us hopeful for the future and determined to join in these forces for good.
In addition to studying the Urban Renewal Projects, we learned about and met refugees and asylum seekers traveling through Turkey. After this experience we feel committed to taking several steps for action. We talked about working toward fostering social inclusion and support for refugees that are eventually relocated in the United States. We also discussed researching grants and helping to find funding for the organizations that work so hard with so few resources. Additionally, we recognized remarkable similarities between Istanbul and DC- we can act upon our new awareness and knowledge directly in our own community! Our first step was with this blog, to spread awareness about these issues and encourage others to make an effort to accept all people into our communities and acknowledge the incredible power of a community network.
As we studied gentrification in our pre-departure meetings, we came across the term "root shock." This term refers to the emotional trauma that results from being unexpectedly removed from one's home or community; it can be similar to the trauma incurred after a natural disaster. We have witnesses these effects as we've learned of the Roma who have lived in Sulukule for 1000 years and the Greeks and Kurds who have lived in Tarlabasi for generations as well. Our group saw these harmful repercussions from forced relocation and learned about the complicated web of politics and economics that traps and harms certain minority groups. As a result, we call for policies that include and take care of all the different peoples that make up a city.
I learned more from this trip and this group than i ever could have expected. I appreciate the partnerships with each of our organizations and speakers, and will continue to keep the people Tarlabasi, Sulukule, Fener, and especially my own DC, in my heart...
Stay tuned for more posts about our post trip activism as we continue to learn and advocate.
Live love laugh
Alison














