Olives will save the world, except us

I grew old while constantly writing on this topic for many long years and signing one campaign after another, but somehow, the enthusiasm of those who revive and submit the bill to cut down olive trees has not petered out. 

Guys, even the kids on the street know that the olive tree is one that never dies. As I said above, you, me and the other; we all grow old, but the olive tree that is 2,000 years old still gives fruit; it helps you survive.
 
This is not only an environmentalist matter. It is also a field where we aspire to have a say economically. We had a target of being the second in the world in olive production by 2020. What happened to this target? 

At this moment, civilized countries in the world are working hard to plant olive trees to combat the predicted draught risk in the future. What do we do? Oh, come on, of course we are in an effort to search for ways to reduce the number of olive trees we have. 

We are working very hard to put mining and construction in place of olive groves so that our oxygen and our natural resources erode. We are trying hard to create legal gaps so that these sectors are boosted. It is wonderful to be a comedian and a comedy writer in Turkey - only if they leave comedy to us. 

According to the bill, the fine for cutting down an olive tree is 4,000 Turkish Liras. From the point of view of the contractor, for instance, the cost of cutting down 10 olive trees would be 40,000 liras. After building even the lamest building over there, your profit would be $400,000. Well, what would a contractor do in this situation? He is a human being. Empathize. 

On the other hand, popular singer Tarkan opposed the bill. And he does not even own any olive groves, can you believe this? 

A respected minister of ours told Tarkan to sing his songs; but the olive tree holds a special position in terms of the environment. It is the future of the world. 

Well, dear minister, when politics have failed in protecting our future, then naturally the duty falls on the musician and the comedy writer. I mean, naturally. 

Otherwise, we would of course want to just sing songs, make jokes and have fun. 

Tourism is what suits you 

First I was in Greece to enjoy open beaches, and then in Spain to go to a friend’s wedding. 

My observations from the two countries are that the restaurants are full; the hotels are expensive and full.

The streets are lively, shopping is alive and beaches are crowded even in cloudy weather. Prices have skyrocketed especially in hotels. Even in Airbnb, where you can rent houses on a short-term basis, it is difficult to book places. 

On the other hand, hotels are not as luxurious and variable as ours; beaches are not fantastic as ours, services are not warm like ours, restaurants are not in a better state that would make your jaw drop. Airports are like playgrounds when compared to ours. 

However, both of these countries are cleaner, safer, more amiable and free. Entertainments are on the streets and squares with parades, festivals, concerts and street musicians.  

When I say freedom, or course it is not like everybody can do anything they want. There is a huge fine for even cycling when under the influence of alcohol. But as long as you comply with the written and definite rules, there is eating, drinking, dressing up, having fun, wandering and feeling safe without being interfered… 

For instance, you can notice the difference as a woman while you take a taxi, while eating fast food or while walking on the streets in the evenings with a couple of friends. You know that the worst thing that can happen if you enter a very dark alley is the snatching of your bag or maybe hearing unpleasant comments. 

In our country, which is the most beautiful place in the world, we have a high probability of being ripped off, severe harassment in the harsh and angry atmospheres and the extremely annoying looks on the streets and the reason why in many neighborhoods no women are seen out at nights… 

Well, I wonder how much of a role does the harshening of our looks at each other and others’ lives play in the regress of our tourism?