WHY DOGFIGHT 2 /TURKIYE= MIXTURE OF RELIGIONS&LOVE&TOLERANCE

Achieving peace and harmony in a world of different cultures and religions may seem like an elusive goal.
But Norman Police Chief Phil Cotten has a new appreciation for the quest for peace, after 10 days of total immersion in Turkey's rich history and traditions.Cotten was one of several Oklahomans invited on a special sojourn to Turkey in early June, courtesy of Turkish Republic.
The group also included Norman residents Theresa Vaughan, a University of Central Oklahoma professor, and T. Thomas, a Baptist minister. Others were Sam Bowman, Oklahoma City councilmember; David Goin, Edmond school superintendent; and three state representatives, Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City; Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; and Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City.

The group left Oklahoma City on May 30, spent 10 days in Turkey and returned June 11.

"In my opinion, the goal was for us to come back with a very deep appreciation for Turkey and Turkish people and the real true Islam beliefs," Cotten said. "They are very loving and caring people."

He was approached to go on the trip by Dr. Vahap Uysal, a University of Oklahoma finance professor. Cotten had previously attended some of the institute's events and gatherings in Oklahoma City and Norman.

And he knew that Drs. Tom and Barbara Boyd had previously gone on an Institute-sponsored trip.
Cotten spoke with Dr. Barbara Boyd, asking her about what to expect."And she said, 'I'm not going to tell you what to expect, I want you to experience it for yourself.'"Experience it he did. His hosts kept the group going from early morning until 9 or 10 at night or later.
"We just visited all kinds of houses. We went to museums. We went to mosques. We went down into cisterns," Cotten said.
Turkey was the site of many significant events in Christian history, of which their hosts took full advantage. Some believe it's where the Garden of Eden was located and remnants of Noah's Ark are thought to be atop a Turkish mountain.The group traveled to Ephesus and the tomb of Mary, mother of Jesus, where Cotten said there was a lot of circumstantial evidence of her presence.Another interesting site was Cappadocia, where early Christians fled Roman persecution.
Cotten said he saw no evidence of anti-Americanism at all, just the opposite.
He relates a story about the group going into a restaurant the first evening before they went to the hotel.
Two men at another table heard them speaking English and one asked their hosts who they were.
"(They) explained it to them and it turned out he was part of their movement and bought dinner for us, just out of the blue," Cotten said. "People were always doing nice things."

Cotten came away with a warm regard for the country, the hosts and their strong desire for peace and harmony. "There wasn't any ulterior motives other than just friendships and building relationships. People were so friendly."

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[joncantrell]

Wonderful! Brings back great memories of the kindest people, the most beautiful scenery, and the best food on this planet...or any other!

[hitturkey24]

it is very nice to hear these words from a nice person. what you see on others actually is your reflection on a mirror

[asteroide]

I love your country way of life, wish someday I can retire to there :)

[hitturkey24]

I hope so,Thanx for your comment

[PornoAli]

viva istanbul

viva the warriors of anatolia

viva the ottoman empire

excellent video !!!

[hitturkey24]

thanx 4 comment

[Yeschiil]

Ben bunu cok seviyorum

I love it

Ich liebe es

[OGUZHANTURANMHPcCc]

ne mutlu türküm diyene

[podarades]

I, too, met wonderful Turks in Turkey & elsewhere, but the Turks have an atrocious history of slaughter, chauvinism and brutal conquests. They need to atone for these things, collectively, officially, before Europe accepts them as a member in the EU.