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The judge was a reasonable person and perhaps had a problem with Article 301, which is now under consideration to be discarded. He dictated my statement, and instructed for my release and lifting the ban on my exit from Turkey. He wished to rule on the other two charges too, but they were not under his jurisdiction. We had to rush for the court at Kartal-Pendik region, in the Asian section of the city. We had less than an hour to beat the 5 pm deadline. Otherwise, I had to remain in jail until Monday, the day of my departure from Turkey. I would experience the fastest travel in Istanbul's heavy traffic. The police officers used the siren and zigzagged through the traffic, occasionally using the shoulder, made it to the court just seven minutes before 5 pm.
The middle-aged judge, while browsing my files, looked at me and asked me whether my brother was killed about thirty years ago. I was worried that he could be affiliated with the nationalists. Well, after asking me a few questions, he instructed my release. I am very thankful to the police officers who did their best to make my release possible by the end of the day. I had very little chance to get a release from the three charges.
The following day, I had a great reception at the book fair. This was my third real public appearance since my immigration to the USA, about 19 years ago. For security reasons, I had to limit my activities with TV programs that allowed me to encounter religious scholars through live debates. The lecture room was filled by an enthusiastic audience. The reporter from the weekly Tempo magazine later told me about his impression. He was surprised to see a very diverse demographics: young and old, men and women, women with headscarves and women wearing modern attire. They were very peaceful and friendly toward my arguments.
During the remaining two days in Istanbul, I had an interview for Tempo Magazine's upcoming cover story on the Islamic Reform movement, and I met with various groups, including an elite group from another Turkic republic. Contrasting my first night on the floor of the cell, a friend of mine gave me the key of one of his luxury apartments looking at the Bosporus Straight just above Bebek…
I was relieved the moment my airplane departed to London. When I arrived at Atlanta airport, I knew that I was at home. As much as I dislike some of the policies of the US government, especially its foreign policy and its promiscuous affairs with big corporations, I consider myself a very lucky person for living in a country with such a Constitution that has allowed me not to worry about expressing my progressive and liberal political and religious views. After my experience during my recent short trip, I became even more appreciative of the Constitution that protects individuals from the tyranny of government. May God reward Jefferson with eternal bliss!
PS: Taj wants to change the logo of MECO's website, www.meco.org.uk to reflect their monotheistic position rather than the dualism. I am looking for a volunteer artist to design a logo and the title MECO (Muslim Educational Center of Oxford) perhaps blending the so-called classic "Islamic art" with modern taste. Lailahe illa Allah in Arabic together with its translation, "There is no god but the God" could be an idea.
