POLSKA / POLAND

POLSKA / POLAND

Thoughts of a traveller

Serhan Karatas

Poland is inarguably the most powerful country in the Central Europe and it is one of the biggest land of changes in Central Europe during the last two decades.

The Solidarity Movement and the later political changes led the country into a big change process in economical level. The economic reform programme in Poland, which started in 1990, set the country on its way to liberalisation and privatisation. Owing to a rapid economic revitalisation, Poland became the first transition economy in East-Central Europe, which regained its pre-transformation development level. The recent history of Poland is indeed characterised by that process of transition from the centrally planned to a market-oriented economy and by the recent challenge of being a member of EU by 2004.

The process of transition from the centrally planned to a market-oriented economy has generally resulted in a more diversified product market. This aspect is considered as a very important development for the society indeed. After this change even if the level of income is not that much, the citizens have been taught to be “good” consumers lately. The “Western” brands and goods are demanded more and more day by day. The main cities have already got large shopping malls, which are the big signs of the neo-liberal economic system, very quickly. Today (in 2008) ex-leader of Solidarity Movement, Lech Walesa, is calling the world to travel to Poland to see historical “Solidarity” path in the advertisements of LOT Airlines (Polish Airlines).

The transition process is also witnessed on the social and cultural levels. As a traveller I have been to the biggest cities and some significant towns in Poland in the recent years, I observed the social norms and daily habits as much as possible. Polish people are hesitant to interact with the foreigners at first, but they are generally polite and social people after all.

However the incomparable Catholic Christian and historical values of Poland became the core factors of the state back again, after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. The effect of Pope John Paul II was essential in the transition of Poland. People, especially the elder, are mostly quite conservative. The pilgrimages to Czechtochowa is surely something to be seen and be amazed with.  

In addition there are some strong fundamentalist religious groups in Poland.; radio Maryja and its sect is one of the most remarkable ones.

The religion based conservative values can be referred as the main core similarities I found with Polish society and my own country, Turkey, indeed. As usual small towns are more conservative compared to big cities and student towns.

Well, we should never underestimate the power using the notion of "the holy nation" anywhere. A very important detail to remember is "Polska" is protected by "the queen mother" Virgin Mary and administrated by her son Jesus.

To be continued…
10/04/2008

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Living a life of my own...
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50 years of United Europe

Turning the common ideals into reality?

I celebrate all the Europe family on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Rome Treaty.

Until it will be replaced by the European Constitution, the Rome Treaty of 1957 remains the Foundation of European Union.

I have a dream for a better world. I respect how Europe found a way to heal and reconstruct after the ruins of WWII. Even if I was against the globalization with the knowledge of the obstacles and disadvantages created by that, I am also convinced with the benefits created for the societies. I believed on the unity of Europe taking into consideration that the world should be a place of peace and prosperity.

The rule of law, democracy, human rights and equal participation were important assets of Europe. I witness the wealth and the living conditions in Europe. I believed in the values of Europe. EU has achieved a lot in regional development, social security, education and other social developments. Even education developed in EU come up with many good practices including the achievements in non-formal education and innovation.

Unfortunately nowadays I see a big intention to be closing inside in EU. I do not see the real signs of action for becoming a real power in the world. EU could not establish itself as a power in international relations, security, and energy issues. Climate change and sustainable development are still two big question marks for EU.

EU has tendency to become a “fortress” by closing its borders to any immigrants and xenophobia is rising. The discrimination inside the societies is rising rapidly. Fundamentalism is also increasing. As the role of civil society in EU is essential, new ways must be founded to attach the citizens into the politics and civic life again.

EU can not stop the enlargement in this very important stage. The candidature of Turkey is a important development for the future prosper and happy Europe. Turkey can provide the needed both active young human resources and natural resources.

We should search new ways on working together and sharing prosperity and peace in the region. Let’s work together for a common future!

We can achieve…Let's turn the common ideals to reality...

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Living a life of my own...
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