The mass demonstrations across Turkey has started with a peaceful sit-in in Gezi Park, next to Taksim Square in central Istanbul (see my analysis piece describing the chronology of events). While violent clashes are still reported from all around the country, the situation in Istanbul is one of relative peace (as of June 6, 2013), Continue reading
global citizen
“Seriously Endangered” in the Era of Lingue Franche

Silver coin commemorating Ladino
Source: 4Law
In all likelihood, you are lucky enough that you will never have to know the feeling one gets after reading his father’s mother tongue now being listed under the Seriously Endangered Languages List of UNESCO, the most authoritative index on all endangered languages in the world. Continue reading
Letter from Africa
by Esin Yagel
“Me he Obruni. Ya fre me Esin.
Me pow chow, e te sen?”
In the Twi language spoken in the southern region of Ghana, these words translate as: “I am a white person/foreigner. My name is Esin. Please, how are you?” Continue reading
Hellfire in Bureaucracy
“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Revelation 14:11
Peace Through Business
The on-and-off rumors about the possibility of a rapprochement between some of the Gulf countries and Israel reminded me of a recent anecdote that I would like to share. Continue reading
Living in a subway…
I’ve already been to, worked, studied, or lived in parts of every colored “line” on this map.† I certainly enjoy being a global citizen Continue reading