5 Posted June 25, 2012 Hey my fellow Somalis! I'm going to Turkey next month inshaAllah for a few weeks and was wondering if there are any SOLers in Istanbul (or have been to). I know it's a long shot, but since I've never been before and don't quite know what to expect, I though I'd ask here I'd mainly like to know about the level of racism, safety etc. I'll be travelling with my older sister and her son. If you live in Turkey, let me know and maybe you can take us for a little tour. Thanks! 5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar Posted June 25, 2012 Our own SOLer Nuunka might help you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abwaan Posted June 25, 2012 A lot of Somalis there always....2005 baan mar tegey iyagoo meel walba laafyoonaya ayaan arkay. I am not in Turkey, but I have not heard of any problems, just be careful as there might be some africans who want to travel to Uk, Holland, Germay etc...who would pay anything for a passport and you might be attracted to some gangs who can attack you for that and your pocket money. Istanbul was a safe place as far as I know. I even went to the Asian side after I met a nice Turkish Engineering student who lived there. I had a greeat time Alxamdulillah. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wyre Posted June 25, 2012 Coming Over There on September Insha Allah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carafaat Posted June 25, 2012 I have been once to Turkey on Holiday. No racism, specially when you mention them you are a 'Muselmen'(muslim). Make sure you go to a Turkish Hamaam, and take the full rought treatment. you will feel reborn. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Narniah Posted June 25, 2012 I lived in turkey for an entire year, Istanbul to be exact as an exchange student. I just got back two weeks ago. I had the best time of my life there. I had some of my friends from my school with me so I wasn't completely alone but I was the only Somali in my group. I must warn you about a few things... Turkish people are outrageously curious, just like Somalis but just a tad bit worse. Nothing is off limits for them! Anything that comes to their mind, they will ask you. During my stay there I got stared at, pointed at by everyone, literally EVERYONE lol. They will stop what they are doing and just shamelessly stare at you. My Turkish friends reassured me that it's because they love what they see, otherwise they wouldn't be starring. I learned this was true after a few months down the line. But at first you gonna be like 'why they all starring at me' relax they are just marveling at your beauty. Turkish people love brown/olive skin, everywhere I went the Turkish women would circle around me and literally touch my skin and say chok guzal ai ai lol which means oh beautiful nice. I had strange old women pinch my cheeks and kiss me all over my face meh. At times it was overwhelming. Turkish people love Somalis, and they all know about the famine that happened. Everyone who asked me where I'm from and when I said Somalia, they all wanted to know if the money they sent came to the right hands! A lot of you don't know this but most of the money that came out of turkey didn't all come from the government but out the pockets of Turkish citizens who took it upon themselves to fill forms and send money directly. You will find people from all over the world in Turkey, but not many blacks. Some Turkish people have what I call 'The shoe face' they just show no emotion and come across arrogant. But I found that some of those same people surprised me at times when they offered to help me with my luggage or allowed me to cut through the queue. Turkish people will protect you at their expense if you are ever wronged. No bystanders will watch it like Europe or America where every man/woman is selfish and will mind their business. Turkish people have a lot of pride! Can we blame them they used to rule the world. One thing I must mention is Turkish men's immense respect for females. I never stood on a bus/ underground, the men will never let a woman stand they will all get up to offer you their seat. MashaAllah. And no man is ever allowed to talk rudely to a woman if he does he gets jumped by all the men. I was a witness of this several places, women there are empowered! Don't travel alone unless you are ready to be wooed by their Turkish men, they will not waste a chance to speak to you. The best thing about Turkey is hearing the Azhan! MashaAllah, there's a mosque every corner. I haven't seen any Somalis in turkey, none. If you have any questions do ask. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted June 25, 2012 Nice people. Nice food. Enjoy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BN Posted June 25, 2012 Narniah;845076 wrote: I lived in turkey for an entire year, Istanbul to be exact as an exchange student. I just got back two weeks ago. I had the best time of my life there. I had some of my friends from my school with me so I wasn't completely alone but I was the only Somali in my group. I must warn you about a few things... Turkish people are outrageously curious, just like Somalis but just a tad bit worse. Nothing is off limits for them! Anything that comes to their mind, they will ask you. During my stay there I got stared at, pointed at by everyone, literally EVERYONE lol. They will stop what they are doing and just shamelessly stare at you. My Turkish friends reassured me that it's because they love what they see, otherwise they wouldn't be starring. I learned this was true after a few months down the line. But at first you gonna be like 'why they all starring at me' relax they are just marveling at your beauty. Turkish people love brown/olive skin, everywhere I went the Turkish women would circle around me and literally touch my skin and say chok guzal ai ai lol which means oh beautiful nice. I had strange old women pinch my cheeks and kiss me all over my face meh. At times it was overwhelming. Turkish people love Somalis, and they all know about the famine that happened. Everyone who asked me where I'm from and when I said Somalia, they all wanted to know if the money they sent came to the right hands! A lot of you don't know this but most of the money that came out of turkey didn't all come from the government but out the pockets of Turkish citizens who took it upon themselves to fill forms and send money directly. You will find people from all over the world in Turkey, but not many blacks. Some Turkish people have what I call 'The shoe face' they just show no emotion and come across arrogant. But I found that some of those same people surprised me at times when they offered to help me with my luggage or allowed me to cut through the queue. Turkish people will protect you at their expense if you are ever wronged. No bystanders will watch it like Europe or America where every man/woman is selfish and will mind their business. Turkish people have a lot of pride! Can we blame them they used to rule the world. One thing I must mention is Turkish men's immense respect for females. I never stood on a bus/ underground, the men will never let a woman stand they will all get up to offer you their seat. MashaAllah. And no man is ever allowed to talk rudely to a woman if he does he gets jumped by all the men. I was a witness of this several places, women there are empowered! Don't travel alone unless you are ready to be wooed by their Turkish men, they will not waste a chance to speak to you. The best thing about Turkey is hearing the Azhan! MashaAllah, there's a mosque every corner. I haven't seen any Somalis in turkey, none. If you have any questions do ask. Sounds like a great experience! Hope to visit this great nation one day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chimera Posted June 25, 2012 Turks are friendly people, and their language is very cute. Narniah just hit Abtigiis' Radar!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Narniah Posted June 25, 2012 BN you definitely should mate!=) Chimera Lol ..Is that a good thing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluelicious Posted June 25, 2012 Narniah;845076 wrote: I lived in turkey for an entire year, Istanbul to be exact as an exchange student. I just got back two weeks ago. I had the best time of my life there. I had some of my friends from my school with me so I wasn't completely alone but I was the only Somali in my group. I must warn you about a few things... Turkish people are outrageously curious, just like Somalis but just a tad bit worse. Nothing is off limits for them! Anything that comes to their mind, they will ask you. During my stay there I got stared at, pointed at by everyone, literally EVERYONE lol. They will stop what they are doing and just shamelessly stare at you. My Turkish friends reassured me that it's because they love what they see, otherwise they wouldn't be starring. I learned this was true after a few months down the line. But at first you gonna be like 'why they all starring at me' relax they are just marveling at your beauty. Turkish people love brown/olive skin, everywhere I went the Turkish women would circle around me and literally touch my skin and say chok guzal ai ai lol which means oh beautiful nice. I had strange old women pinch my cheeks and kiss me all over my face meh. At times it was overwhelming. Turkish people love Somalis, and they all know about the famine that happened. Everyone who asked me where I'm from and when I said Somalia, they all wanted to know if the money they sent came to the right hands! A lot of you don't know this but most of the money that came out of turkey didn't all come from the government but out the pockets of Turkish citizens who took it upon themselves to fill forms and send money directly. You will find people from all over the world in Turkey, but not many blacks. Some Turkish people have what I call 'The shoe face' they just show no emotion and come across arrogant. But I found that some of those same people surprised me at times when they offered to help me with my luggage or allowed me to cut through the queue. Turkish people will protect you at their expense if you are ever wronged. No bystanders will watch it like Europe or America where every man/woman is selfish and will mind their business. Turkish people have a lot of pride! Can we blame them they used to rule the world. One thing I must mention is Turkish men's immense respect for females. I never stood on a bus/ underground, the men will never let a woman stand they will all get up to offer you their seat. MashaAllah. And no man is ever allowed to talk rudely to a woman if he does he gets jumped by all the men. I was a witness of this several places, women there are empowered! Don't travel alone unless you are ready to be wooed by their Turkish men, they will not waste a chance to speak to you. The best thing about Turkey is hearing the Azhan! MashaAllah, there's a mosque every corner. I haven't seen any Somalis in turkey, none. If you have any questions do ask. Looks like you had a great time over there adventurous Narniah. Turks are civilised people I like their hospitality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blessed Posted June 25, 2012 I'm also considering a visit to Turkey with hooyo this Autmn. Narniah, sounds like you had a good time. Can you recommend places to visit? I know of the Sophia mosque. Does Istanbul have traditional markets? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raula Posted June 25, 2012 hope to visit there as well someday. By Narniah's assertion's they sound like somali's except the much respect to women part (OK Joke maybe)! no wonder they are reaching out in #'s to the Somali's back home. Either way, Great!. A great SOL'er who is on extended sabbatical (me thinks ) lived in Turkey for long-Warrior of Light! Hope she could dish out some advise for others-or see's this thread! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
burahadeer Posted June 25, 2012 @Narniah...what you think if move my family ova there,have 4 young kids.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abwaan Posted June 25, 2012 Carafaat;845025 wrote: I have been once to Turkey on Holiday. No racism, specially when you mention them you are a 'Muselmen'(muslim). Make sure you go to a Turkish Hamaam, and take the full rought treatment. you will feel reborn. You are right Carafaat, Turkish Hamaam is great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
