Muslim culture in general and Turkish culture in particular are cultures of hospitality: where one's sense of self worth is shaped, in part, in relation to "the guest."
But, more than that, there is an overwhelming sense of cultural confidence that comes, no doubt, with long experience. Unlike the average American, the average Turk does not appear to live in fear of cultural difference. The inhabitants of Asia Minor have seen so many different cultures come and go that there is a palpable sense of comfort (though not necessarily satisfaction) with the various ways that things can work in the world. Turkey is the size of Texas yet, whenever I return from Turkey to the States, I always feel as if I have returned to a parochial corner of the planet: white-washed and afraid of its own shadow.
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