Culture versus Change

The Janissary Tree interestingly portrays the struggle between achieving progress and maintaining one's unique identity and culture. Although the plot unravels a bit too quickly, the journey to the end of the book was enjoyable. I spent much of my commute to and fro New York city reading this novel, despite the busy surrounding, I felt completely immersed in the old Istanbul. At first, I thought the lengthy descriptions of Yashim's cooking sessions were standing in my way of getting other juicy details, however later on, these descriptions helped seal a clear image of the Ottoman empire, its people, their habits, and the struggle they were facing.

There is nothing worse than being the best, and watching yourself, your team slip to number two, and slowly, three, and so on, until you are no longer taking part in the race. I believe it is this panicking fear of being left behind that pushes people to abandon some part of their identity to adopt another. The Sultan's need to follow the "civilized" societies's example, such as the French, which were building their own empire, is understandable, is it laudable? I am not sure, as no one can predict the future, however one can notice recurring patterns of assimilation. Since the 19th century, developing countries strive to achieve economic independence and look to Western countries for models of success. Adoption new ways is not necessarily the key to success, that is why it is understandable for Turks to have been opposed to the complete modernization of their people. Customs, as cumbersome as they may seem, are the reason why our world is so advanced, it is our difference that allow us to learn and grow. That said, it is also suicidal, economically, and politically speaking, to completely reject any foreign advancement. The key is to achieve a balance between innovation, and owning its implementation, which the Turks were entrusting a little too much to foreignors in the Janissary Tree.