In the early days of my induction into the military, I witnessed a scene that forever imprinted the essence of Turkish heritage upon my consciousness. A Turkish child from Anatolia, being unjustly treated by an Arab captain, was struck across the face. In the two drops of tears that welled up in the eyes of that child, I found the embodiment of Turkish identity. From that moment onward, my allegiance to the Turkish heritage became my deepest source of pride. It is the sole wealth and accomplishment I cherish in life.
