Kadriye: There are no strangers here

Who would have thought that there were still single communities with 20 people. Coming from a huge city like Chicago, I was baffled at the thought that a beautiful and very small village of Kadriye could consist of so few. However within the limits of this small town, they had everything: water, shelter, a mosque, a lot of love, their family and great food. Things are simple, and it seems that they love it that way. The village was within the limits of Koceili, a section of Turkey with many provinces and undergoing fortification of its water systems, and surrounding areas. However, the only fortification that this village may see is of the earth’s natural doing. We arrived in the village and we were charmed by its character. The houses, though sometimes damaged, had amazing life and one could tell that there was history within every wall. One of our hosts from the village was so hospitable that he roasted a fresh lamb for us. We paired the meat with great tasting vegetables. The lamb and veggies were totally organic and were derived from the local area. We also tried fresh strawberries right out of his garden. The were a bright beautiful red, with a taste of freshness the blew you away.  Another breath taking element of this experience was the scenic views. This village was very close to the top of one of the Samanli mountain, and the rolling hills beneath and near it were astonishing. Why can’t life always be this simple. Our host had a son whom he obviously loved very much, and it seemed like they were happy living life in a place where they could trust every thing they eat and everyone they see. There were no strangers there. Even though we entered as visitors, we felt as though we left as family.

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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.

One thought on “Kadriye: There are no strangers here

  1. Check out Tracy Lord and her work in Balikesir and Istanbul to conserve native seed stock of many local varieties of fruit and vegetable.

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