Fatih Akin, an object of research

"As a representative for second-generation Turks living in Germany, Akin seems 
comfortable with the notion that he is German. Yet he also does not mind being called 
Turkish because of his parents’ origins, even if he does not see himself as Turkish. 
Perhaps Akin said it best himself, in an article on the German film Web site 
medienhandbuch.de: “‘Mein Film ist Globalisierung,’ sagt der 34-jährige weiter. ‘Ich bin 
Globalisierung. Ich bin zu Hause in Hamburg, gleichzeitig ein Kind türkischer Eltern. 
Und eigentlich ist das nichts Neues” (Medienhandbuch 1). Fatih Akin is best left to 
himself by the media—no reporter can describe Akin’s identity better than he can".

(Courtney Johnson, German, Turkish or Both? Fatih Akin as an International Identity)

Fatih Akin is a director of turkish descent, born in Germany, lives in Hamburg. In the process of identity-building personally as well as a director, he deals in most of his films with turkish-german relations though co-existence. Without silencing voices, he represents the true living conditions for the Turkish-German community,their problems, the emergence of these hybrid characters, but not in any way that either Turks or Germans  or both could be offended. His aim is not to provide diversification, but also to lead to an understanding between Turks and Germans. "Head-On" as well as "The edge of heaven" focus on that exact point, to suggest another definition for belonging, identity and homeland or make it clear that such notions are rather "liquid".

An Unrecognised Muslim Minority

This video is about the Alevi community in Istanbul and the attendance at a Cem of two reporters -Pelin Turgut and Nathan Thornburgh - for the Time Magazine. A quick but comprehensive representation of the community is what follows. The Alevi's past is much greater  than anyone could have  imagined, starting from nearly 12th century. After many years of mistrust and introversion , they decided their voice to be heard and  initiated an "openness" policy, where anyone who would like to know about them could join their Assemblies. In contrast to Orthodox Sunni gatherings, we can observe the mixture of sexes and  generations in that Cem. Even more they participate together in the Cem ceremony, as we can see a girl washing a boy's hands and vice versa. The absence of any dressing code within it, is also a remarkable feature. We cannot ommit to refer to the representations of their saints, Ali, the nephew and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, in particular, who  according to Alevis' faith was the successor of Muhammad and expressed -according to them- the true faith. However, Alevi is quite a syncretistic religion, carrying characteristics from other religions or sects as well. " Control your hand, your tongue and your loins" is what they primarily support. That is  the  secret for a balanced life:  trying to avoid any violent actions, any offending words or any immoral behaviour concerning your body. Such a phrase could well be considered as some kind of advice, which  led at first the majority to think of Alevis' faith as a humanitarian approach  rather than a religion. But, Alevism is , in fact, a religion , different in practice and beliefs from Orthodox Sunni Islam, characterizing almost 1/4 of turkish population. How will turkish government deal with them and all religious minority in general, is just a matter of time. The EU-ambitions could lead to a better understanding between state and its citizens.