My first impression of Turkey evokes images of a beautiful rug, famous Turkish ice cream, and the fascinating history of the Ottoman Empire. Turkey is a place where European and Asian cultures meet and coexist in harmony. Although Istanbul is not the capital city of Turkey, it remains the cultural and historical centre of the country’s history. Ankara, on the other hand, serves as the capital city of Turkey, but it is the administrative centre. I’m interested in this trip due to Istanbul’s past as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, which reflects Turkey’s complex layers of history. I hope to learn about Turkey’s democracy and understand how its government balances tradition with modernisation. From what I have seen through the media, Turkey still preserves many landscapes and architectural treasures from the Ottoman period. I believe that visiting Turkey will expand my perspective on modernisation by showing me how a country can grow while maintaining its deep-rooted traditions, secularism, and democratic principles. The topic of religion in Turkey interests me the most during this visit. I plan to explore this through the lens of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. I will gather information by engaging in conversations with students, lecturers, and local people about their religion and beliefs, practising active listening with respect, and journaling (with their consent) before collecting their opinions. Through these interactions, I aim to observe how religion influences national identity, shapes governance structures, and coexists with modern political values. I believe this experience will give me a deeper and more understanding of Turkey’s national-religious identity and its role in sustainable development. As a law student in Thailand, a Buddhist, and someone who has a Muslim best friend in college, my background deeply shapes how I view the world. Growing up in a multicultural environment has taught me the importance of understanding and empathy in navigating differences. I hope this field trip will help me explore both the similarities and contrasts between Turkish and Thai culture. I believe religion not only guides personal beliefs but also influences governance, law, and national development. It is a crucial element that shapes how societies progress in the modern world. This field trip is more than just a study visit; it is an extraordinary opportunity for me to broaden my worldview, learn directly from my eyes and ears, and understand how countries like Turkey develop their governance structures through the balance of faith, culture, and modernisation.
Busakorn Methakulchai (Rally), Kasetsart University