Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Turkiye, Celebrating 100 Years Today. Having lived in Turkey (now renamed Turkiye), for several years, teaching biology, I am aware that today, 29 October, Turkiye will be 100 years old. Kamil Mustafa Atta Turk carved out his new country, Following bitter fighting, including the exclusion of the Armenians. Atta Turk's mindset was always 'black and white'-- One was either a Turk in the new country or not. He changed the Hijri Arabic calendar, jumping 600 years To the Gregorian calendar. He changed the Turkish language, written in Arabic, to Latin lettering. He changed all surnames, requiring only Turkish names. He banned the fez, naming a brimmed cap Which he intended to interfere with the bowing practice of prayer. Turkiye has undergone many changes over its hundred years, But Atta Turk is still very present and cared for in his created country. Frank Maurer 29 October 2023 1800 Hours.