Sunday, 11 May 2014

Pearl Wedding Anniversary.


Yesterday was our 30th wedding anniversary which means that today is the 30th anniversary of my life as a Turk.  It's a cliche to say that the time has zipped past frighteningly quickly, but that doesn't make it any less true. In the 30 years since I picked up my pink identity card (pink for a girl, blue for a boy) it has become much harder to take Turkish nationality.  I only had to say "yes'" and sign about ten forms and marriage to a Turk entitled me to become one too. I was able to work legally, pay my national insurance and be eligible for a pension in Turkey. Now there is a three year wait after marriage,  a police check and a language test and probably many more than 10 forms to fill in.
Living  and working in Turkey has not always been easy but it's that little bit of grit that makes the pearl.
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33 comments:

  1. Ayak11 May 2014 at 16:56

    Many congratulations to you both. I was lucky too. Managed it all before the laws changed. I wouldn't like to be attempting to enter that minefield now!

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  2. ArtyZen11 May 2014 at 17:14

    Many congratulations to you both. Love your clever pearl analogy. Axxx

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    1. BacktoBodrum12 May 2014 at 01:04

      Thanks Annie, It's amazing how ageless of wine can make the brain perform.

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  3. Senior Dogs Abroad11 May 2014 at 18:10

    Tebrikler, BtoB! We look forward to your 40th. We are thinking about applying for citizenship later this year. Since we are not a threat to national security and are of good moral standing, we think it will happen. For all the things we may complain about, we are very happy to call Turkey our home.

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  4. Jay Artale (aka Roving Jay)11 May 2014 at 19:18

    Lovely photo. Congratulations.

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  5. Liam Brennan11 May 2014 at 20:05

    Huge congratulations to you both. That's a fabulous photo and you are a fabulous and impressive couple. Wonderful.

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    1. BacktoBodrum14 May 2014 at 10:00

      You'll be amazed how fast you get to your 30th anniversary

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  6. Anonymous11 May 2014 at 20:07

    Congratulations Annie & Teo, knew it was your anniversary but not a big one! Thats a beautiful pearl analogy - how true! Having been one of the first through the ne application system 9 years ago, in retrospect applying for citizenship was easier than residency! At least they had the template worked out! Xx Chris

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    1. BacktoBodrum14 May 2014 at 10:02

      At least you don't have to go through all the jumping through hoops any more.

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  7. Kath11 May 2014 at 20:09

    Lovely picture of a lovely couple xxx

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  8. Anonymous11 May 2014 at 22:12

    many congrats to you two. and may you always share the same pillow. love and woof to you both. betsyb

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    1. BacktoBodrum12 May 2014 at 01:27

      Thanks Betsy. We miss you, it would be lovely if one day we could all meet up - woofers as well.

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  9. Kathy12 May 2014 at 01:14

    That's weird - I was sure I'd commented on this earlier today.

    Congratulations on your pearl anniversary (great analogy) and here's to many more happy years together. I love that beautiful photo of you both.

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    1. BacktoBodrum12 May 2014 at 01:26

      I'm not surprised P, I'm having trouble commenting on my own blog.

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  10. Helen Devries12 May 2014 at 03:25

    Congratulations...wasn't life simpler before they invented systems...

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  11. Jack Scott12 May 2014 at 12:22

    Congratulation and what a lovely pair you made (and still do). Now, did you get those pearl earrings?

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  12. Anonymous12 May 2014 at 12:24

    Congratulations, B to B :-) The photo is beautiful!

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  13. Ozlem's Turkish Table12 May 2014 at 16:24

    Many many congratulations Annie, cok tebrikler ikinize, it really is a lovely photo: ) Gosh now I wonder how long it would take my husband Angus to take the citizenship!
    En iyi dileklerimle, Ozlem

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    1. BacktoBodrum14 May 2014 at 10:08

      I understand he can apply while you are in the uk if he wants to. How is his Turkish?

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  14. Unknown13 May 2014 at 14:04

    Congratulations!!! Wow, 30 years - no mean feat, well done. Love the photo too :-)

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    1. BacktoBodrum14 May 2014 at 10:12

      Most people probably gave us a year at the most.

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  15. Dee13 May 2014 at 19:01

    Dear Annie, congratulations on these past 30 years--as wife and Turk, writer and enjoyer of all around you. I'm so glad that across these many miles and stretches of water I've gotten to know you through your postings. Peace.

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  16. Erica (Irene)14 May 2014 at 05:11

    "CONGRATULATIONS"!!!! Wow 30 years that is real awesome...and I hope many more. What a lovely photo....love the smile on your face. :-)

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    1. BacktoBodrum14 May 2014 at 10:14

      Thanks Erica - not sure why this comment popped up twice

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  17. Erica (Irene)14 May 2014 at 05:11

    "CONGRATULATIONS"!!!! Wow 30 years that is real awesome...and I hope many more. What a lovely photo....love the smile on your face. :-)

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