In Search of a Fez

A Fez of the Heart by Jeremy Seal illustrates the dramatic change in culture in Turkey of the past 20 years - from allowing nudity on beaches to rejecting the fez, which Seal calls quintessential to Turkish culture. But why the sudden shift in attitude?

This comparison between nudity and fez hats is probably the most interesting point of the passage. Turkey is an Islamic nation where exposing of flesh is frowned upon - yet the fez is also "Islam," as noted in the passage.

Seal seems to think that it comes down to business and tourism.

When Pomegranate was not popular tourist attraction, bikini-clad women were not even allowed into towns, let alone topless, and there were not many places to stay. Offering food and shelter was seen as a hospitality gesture, and there were many farmers. These conditions all changed once residents began to realize the opportunity to capitalize on the tourists' willingness to pay for shelter, food and trips to ruins. There were many less farmers and many more places to stay. And Turkey embraced the wants of the west for the sake of good business.

And so we see why Seal makes the comparison between nudity and the fez - it comes down to incentive for the Turkish people. They allow tourists to be naked and embrace the fact because it brings in business. As to why they reject the fez - neither Seal nor I can be certain.

People are drawn to Australia for its distinct culture and beautiful reefs. As mentioned in this post, the Great Barrier Reef accounts for much of Australia's tourism, as it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This is also true of the Sydney Opera House of course, as it is an iconic structure.