Turkish journalist Nur Batur has been the Athens correspondent of Turkish newspaper Hurriyet since 1995. A news analyst for BBC International , Deutche Welle , and Stockholm Radio , she recently became Bureau Chief of Turkish CNN . Batur has interviewed political leaders such as Saddam Hussein, Lech Walesa, Simon Peres, Yasser Arafat and Benazir Butto.
How important is it for a Turkish journalist to be a correspondent in Greece? Are you satisfied with this position and why?
Athens, Washington and Brussels have always been the most important capitals for a Turkish journalist. Washington and Brussels are important because of Turkey's close relationship with the US, membership of NATO, long-standing relationship and now candidacy to the European Union. Athens is important because of the close, but also turbulent historical relationship between our two countries. Athens has always been equally, if not more important than the other two capitals.
I am very happy to be working as a foreign correspondent here for several reasons. First, it gives me the opportunity to see Turkey through the eyes of our closest neighbour, and at the same time our most confrontational neighbour. Second, my position allows me to look at this strategic part of the world from the Western coast of the Aegean . Looking at things from a new dimension, seeing the historical mistakes of both nations, and the deadlocks that exist today, gives me the chance to analyse these problems and search for solutions.
I have been living and writing about the most interesting
political, social and economic changes in Greece, which will
certainly affect the future of Turkish-Greek relations. It
is extraordinary to be able to witness the changes in these
two countries/relations. Take, for example, the explosion
of emotions between Turkey and Greece during the earthquakes of
1999. I believe we are living a historic moment; witnessing
such moments is always thrilling for a journalist, politician
or diplomat.
To what degree do you feel Greeks are prejudiced against Turks? As a Turkish journalist dealing with thorny political issues, have you been the victim of prejudice?
Unfortunately, Greeks are quite prejudiced against Turks, not only for historical reasons but also because of the way they have been educated since childhood. On the other hand, despite their bitter historical experiences other nations like Germany and France have started educating their children with thoughts of cooperation and peace rather than hostility. In doing this, I believe they have succeeded in turning a new page for their people. I hope that as Turks and Greeks, we will be able to turn the page as well.
As a Turkish journalist, I have faced some difficult moments because of this prejudice, especially during tense periods between the two countries. However I must admit that being a Turkish journalist in Athens has always given me a privileged position in comparison to my other colleagues.
Do you think the lifestyle of Greeks and Turks is very similar?
Yes, Greeks and Turks have very similar lifestyles. As we lived together for centuries, we have adopted a lot of Greek traditions, just as Greeks have adopted many Turkish traditions. The way we approach life, our sentiments, our family relationships, our music, our cuisine, are all so similar. I don't think there is any other nation in the world that shares so much with Turkey and its people.
As a Turkish correspondent in Greece what are some of the most common difficulties you come across?
During the recent rapprochement between Turkey and Greece, I had more privileges than difficulties, but I have faced quite a lot of difficulties during past crises. Due to the prejudice I mentioned earlier, I had difficulties getting in touch with many politicians and civil servants, thus it was hard for me to get first hand information.
Some of my colleagues had the same attitude as well. As journalistic cooperation does not have nationalities and boundaries, I had difficulty comprehending this approach. However, I can't deny the strong cooperation I had with some of my Greek colleagues during the most tense periods.
