Turkey is a huge country bordering Eastern Europe and Asia. But aside from if you’ve been there on holiday, little is known about it. So what can we learn from this fascinating destination? Bordering the Black Sea, there is not much to learn of the country’s human rights or animal welfare, but here we’ll focus on the positive.
The country has 40 national parks and many more nature preserve areas, and is trying to protect its remaining endangered species, since the Caspian tiger went exist late last century. Its natural temperature and being one of the world’s top emitter of fossil fuels is leading campaigners to hopefully wean the country off Russian oil and onto greener forms of energy. This will help reduce the frequent floods, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and storms the country has suffered in recent years.
In 2021, Turkey had heavy floods and wildfires that killed many people, and the sea saliva ended up choking sea life. Of course this all also impacts on its very important tourism industry, which is why alternative solutions are urgently being sought. Turkey could become ‘water-scarce’ (not enough to meet daily needs) by 2030 so even it’s for self-serving (rather than planetary reasons) action is now being taken.
interesting lessons to learn from Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a small country (that used to be part of the USSR) between the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains (bordering Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Iran). Spanning both Europe and Asia, the inner city is a medieval walled architectural masterpiece, where you’ll also find the royal palace with the dominating Maiden Tower. It’s often known as ‘the land of fire’ due to natural gases spewing from the earth, to create ‘natural fires’ that never go out.
They know how to make carpets. Known for its beautiful handmade carpets and rugs, these are worlds away from our chemical-laden carpets in superstores. Learn more on how to choose the most sustainable flooring.
People take afternoon tea with jam! Unlike us who usually take tea with scones and jam, they serve tea with just jam on the side. It’s more like jammy fruit that you keep in your mouth, while you drink a small cup of strong tea. The idea is then you don’t need sugar, and you also are offered a slice of lemon after, if it’s all too sweet!
It leaves its native wildlife alone. This country is home to some of the Caucasus Mountains. Packed with wildlife from brown bears and lynx to roe deer and venomous snakes, this is home to Europe’s highest mountain (Mt. Elbrus in Russia). However many ‘human violence’ (aka wars) have led to this area suffering, as it straddles several borders including Georgia and Russia. Lying alongside the Caspian and Black Seas, this forms the dividing line between Europe and Asia.
What not to learn from Azerbaijan. Still like years ago, the country makes use of its huge oil reserves, and continues to drill to make profits for oil (it used to supply half the world with the black gold, during World War II). Read of ideas on how to create an oil-free economy.
interesting lessons to learn from Armenia
Armenia is an historic country, sharing borders with Turkey, Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan. With around 3 million people, it’s located in southwest Asia (though is officially in Europe), just south of the Caucasus mountains. People with Armenian heritage include Andre Agassi, Cher and Kim Kardashian.
Armenia has some of the world’s oldest churches. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as the national faith, and as a result has hundreds of ancient churches that it protects. Although England has many ancient churches (especially in the East of England), many have since been turned into luxury flats or office buildings. Many people visit Armenia to go on Christian pilgrimages (walking faith holidays).
Armenia is one of the safest countries on earth. In Armenia, both locals and tourists often happily walk along the street at night, without fear. You can (usually) even as a local person at night if you are lost, without any worries. The country also has uniformed police officers everywhere, so you’re never far away from finding a bobby on the beat, if you need one.
Armenia is ‘home of the apricot’. Although we also grow apricots in England, they are not as revered and celebrated as in Armenia, where they eaten frequently both in curries and for desserts. Even the duduk musical instrument, is made from apricot wood. Many people in Armenia also enjoy a tipple of apricot brandy.
