Friday 25 April 2014

Lest we forget...

Today is Anzac Day...The 99th anniversary of the ANZAC landing to Gallipoli. I want to commemorate them with the letter written by Ataturk; the commander of the Turkish armies during the battle in Gallipoli – Founder of the Modern Turkish Republic; which he sent to Anzac mothers in 1934 in order to acknowledge the heroism displayed by their fallen sons as well as signifying the friendship which was born from the ashes of the war.

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side now here in this country of ours... You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.” 

Here are some photos from Anzac Day 2009...
 The Sphinx at Anzac Cove

Got my citizenship!

Hi everyone! Or should I say G'day mate! :)

Yesterday was a very special day for me. After 4.5 years in this beautiful country, I got my Australian citizenship at a beautiful citizenship ceremony.
I was quite emotional, proud and happy all at the same time. There were more than 100 people who received their citizenship and probably more than 200 people in total with their friends, kids and other family members. The venue was such a melting pot of cultures with all those people from around the world. Watching them and seeing the excitement in their eyes were so beautiful and special. I must admit that I shed a few tears of happiness too :-)
Reading the pledge
Becoming a citizen of another country doesn't mean that you are turning your back to your country. I was born and raised in Turkey, lived there until I was 29. I am proud of my country, my language, my culture and my background. I try to keep my traditions alive by celebrating the religious festivals and other culturally important days; by cooking traditional Turkish foods, and by continuing being the same person who migrated to Australia a few years ago. However; I love living in Australia, I love this country and being a part of it. I believe that if you are living in a foreign country, you also need to adjust to that life by blending into its culture and traditions and show your respect to it. I believe I have found the right balance...


Sunday 20 April 2014

Happy Easter!

These are my Easter eggs :-)
 I could have made hundreds of these. They are so cute!

Happy Easter!!