Monument of the Republic

In Istanbul, there is a known landmark in the middle of Taksim Square called the “Monument of the Republic”. It is a statue that honors the Turkish Republic in 1923. There seem to be many protective element that ward off superstitious evil in Turkey, but this statue, like the Nazar (or evil eye) is thought to ward off reminent taboos from the Ottoman empire. The statue stands at 36 feet high and shows the founders of the Republic such as the well known Kemal Ataturk who faces northward. This side depicts he and his comrades in the earlier days looking toward the popular shopping street, Istiklal Caddesi.

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About Lauren Stewart

Lauren Stewart is a curious, go-getter with a passion for people and their stories. She is a University of Illinois student and a May 2012 graduate. Lauren has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. Before she could write, she would interview her grandparents and fill an entire legal notepad with their answers; when the interview was over she would proceed to tell an intriguing story based on her scribbled notes. Having become more mature, she still pursues this passion for details and exploration. Her love for story telling has been paired with a need to seek adventure around the world. Her goal is to one day become an International Reporter and cross her goal of “touching every continent” off of her bucket list. In order to prepare for global expeditions, she immerses herself in different cultures. She has attended global Leadership conferences enhancing her love for diversity as well as connecting with diplomats and young world leaders about changes they wish to see in their countries. Leadership and understanding are key in making progress. She contributes to the United State's progress by helping student leaders. She works as a facilitator for an annual national diversity conference. The leaders she has met along her journey inspire her with their stories. She hopes to bring them to light through the all platforms of journalism. Her skills have been in enhanced by internships in newsrooms such as ABC-7 in Chicago, IL, USA and WCIA-3 in Champaign, IL, USA. She learned the value of virtual connection during her time as a social media executive at CheekyChicago.com. Her resume can be viewed through the "website" link. Lauren is elated to have received the opportunity to enhance her desire to widen global perspectives with this trip to Istanbul. She is excited to dig deeper into Turkish delights as well as broadcast voices that often go unheard in the Muslim community.