Recently the United Nations showed the extent to which Turkey has gained worldwide acceptance by electing this predominantly Muslim nation to the UN Security Council. When the Council expanded in 1966 it designated two of its 10 elected seats for Western Europe and “others”, but significantly neglected to approach Turkey. This category was typically filled by countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This time, however, Turkey and Austria have been elected to represent western Europe after defeating Iceland in the General Assembly elections.
Over the next two years, the Security Council will be expected to debate the future of the world’s problem areas, including such nations as Iran and Sudan and it is anticipated that Turkey's voice on the Council will be vital. The fact that Turkey will be representing Western Europe is considered a watershed moment.
Professor James Vreedland, of Yale University’s Department of Political Studies, proposes that the fact that this has gone largely unnoticed is a sign of increasing tolerance for religious diversity. He clearly sees this event as reflected a sea change in the way the world views Turkey. “With all of the bad news we hear on this subject, it may be worth while taking a moment to reflect on the progress Turkey’s election represents”, he states.
And it’s not just good news for Turkey on the political front. After a healthy boost in tourist figures last year, it seems that 2008 has been even better.
The number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 6.49 per cent year-on-year in September to almost three million, the Culture and Tourism Ministry recently revealed.
This is further evidence that the Turkish government’s drive to improve the country’s tourist market is working well. In August it was reported that the number of foreign visitors had grown 11.17 per cent from a year earlier.
The number of foreign tourists in the first nine months of the year rose 13.29 per cent from 2007’s total of twenty one and a half million.
Future plans are even more ambitious, according to the Turkish Daily News, with a budget of $320 million dedicated to advertising Turkey as one of the world’s great holiday locations. It is expected that $120 million will be paid by the Tourism Ministry, while private companies will contribute a further $200 million.
By concentrating on all aspects of the country, it is hoped that the tourist season will be considerably extended, with centres such as Bodrum and Antalaya primarily attracting holidaymakers during the summer, while cultural attractions such as Istanbul retain a year-round appeal. |
