Posts Tagged ‘Turkey’

Celebrate Nowruz, the Spring Festival

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Around 200 million people world wide celebrate Nowruz, the spring festival. Let us join them and celebrate the coming of spring into our homes. This blog post explains Nowruz in general terms and gives a check list of how you can celebrate Nowruz and starts improving your life.

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz is a festival to welcome the season of spring. Originally started in Persian traditions Nowruz is now celebrated by more than 200 million people globally. Earlier, Nowruz festivities commemorated the Sun moving from the Pisces constellation into the Aries constellation on the Vernal Equinox. However, in terms of astronomy today, Vernal Equinox or the movement of the Sun to the point of zero in celestial longitude and latitude is in the Pisces constellation and not in Aries constellation. This year the Vernal Equinox takes place at 17.32 UTC/GMT on Saturday 20 March 2010.

Generally known as the Persian New Year, Nowruz is celebrated in Persian and allied cultures for more than 5,000 years. Considering the fact that Nowruz is celebrated in more than 30 countries, United Nations has accorded its recognition to Nowruz as a holiday of cultural significance. Nowruz celebrations are seen primarily in Iran and countries in Central Asia such as Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Eastern Turkmenistan (Sinkiang) and Uzbekistan. In south Asia it is a noted festival in India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir. Turks, Kurds and Armenians join together to make Nowruz a memorable and national day in Turkey even though the Turkish Government does not officially recognize it. Syria, Armenia, Crimea, Georgia and other parts of Caucasus do have various cultural activities lined up for this day. People in Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia and Macedonia in the Balkans also take part in festivities connected with Nowruz. Moreover, diasporas from Armenia and Iran living elsewhere continue their traditions of Nowruz. Followers of Zoroastrar and Bahaullah world wide mark Nowruz as a day of great religious significance. Nowruz is also a day of remembrance for Shiaite sects such as Alawites and Albanian Takkes.

Nowruz is spelt something like 21 ways because of this ethnic and cultural diversity. In Turkey it is Nevruz, Uighurs call it Noruz while Kurds call it Nuroj. Starting from the Vernal Equinox, festivities continue for 12 days and on the thirteenth day people go outdoors to complete the cycle of this annual event.

How can you take part in Nowruz?

The following are few recommendations for you to take part in celebrating the spring festival:

1. Generally you can spruce op your home by cleaning, clearing and arranging and may be giving a face lift. This sprucing is called as “spring cleaning “in the west; this is the time to bring zing into your lifestyle

2. You can buy new clothes for you and your family

3. Flowers and bouquets containing hyacinth and tulip are brought home at the beginning to enhance positive cosmics and for improving your life and that of your family

4. You can light bonfire in your front yard; traditionally this bonfire is lit on the Wednesday preceding the Vernal Equinox day

5. As Vernal Equinox arrives you can lay a table known as “Haft Sin”. Thereafter you can decorate the table with beautiful clothes spread over it and keep few items over the table. Originally there were seven items coinciding with the seven planets; later two more were added. You can select either seven items or nine items as you please; I have given the entire nine items along with the traditional Persian Nowruz names against each one in brackets:

5.1 Wheat or Barley sprouts in a dish, clay or metal pot (Sabzeh) – for rejuvenation;

5.2 Dried fruits of oleaster, or fig or similar tree (Senjed) – for love

5.3 Sweet pudding made form wheat or oats (Samanu) – for affluence

5.4 Few coins (Sekkeh) – for wealth

5.5 Apples (Sib) – for beauty and health

5.6 Garlic (Sir) – for medicine

5.7 Hyacinth plant (Sonbol) for growth and equanimity

5.8 Sumac or multi colour berries (Somaq) – for rainbow and sunrise

5.9 A bottle of Vinegar (Serkeh) – for age, maturity and patience

6. You can keep a fish bowl with golden or colourful fish within to give zest and variety. This bowl can be placed on the table or nearby it

7. Keep few watermelons as nothing is complete in this heated ambience until you have water melons and lot of these with you. We enact the Zoroastrian custom and practice of eating the reddish inner chunks of this great fruit

8. The festivities last for 12 days and end with an outing on the thirteenth day. The following are few items on the agenda:

8.1 On the first part of six days look outward by visiting elders and relations in your neighbourhoods; exchange gifts and presents with them; invite them to visit you and get the cosmics from the table you have laid for Nowruz. It is also worthy to note that the sixth day is the birthday of Zarathushthra known in the west as Zoroaster

8.2 On the second part of six days look inwards by concentrating on improving your life and lifestyle; Young un-married girls should tie grass in knots and tie it on the right wrist to get good husbands; young un-married men could keep honey or candy overnight to be collected on the following day to get beautiful wives. Businessmen could tie coins in a red cloth and hang it to foster business; hyacinth also helps to do the same

8.3 The ending of Nowruz is scheduled on the thirteenth days when your entire family can go out door to enjoy both inward and outward looking. Known as “Sizdah Bedar” meaning "thirteen outdoors” this outing arises from the ancient Persian tradition of twelve zodiacal constellations controlling 12 months in a calendar and anything outside could be calamitous or could bring bad luck; in order to avoid such eventualities you move away from your home. Therefore the entire family goes outdoors to fairly a distant place and spends the thirteenth day there

9. Throughout the 12 days you light an oil lamp at the time of sun down each day; the element of fire is ranked first in the seven elements ancient Persians believed in: fire, air, water, earth, plants, animals and humans.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile : +94 777 265677

E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com

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Turkey Israel Relationship Changing from Strategic to Tactical

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Recent spat by Israel on the Turkish ambassador brought in its wake a diplomatic skirmish between the two countries resulting in a rare Israeli apology. Will the relationship between the two erstwhile partners in the volatile region of Middle-East improve? The question is in the minds of many political analysts. I examined the state of play between Turkey and Israel by watching the recent Solar Eclipse. In this bog post, I write about the Solar Eclipse in terms of Astronomy and Cosmics and pen my interpretation in point form.

Brief

Turkey and Israel were good buddies throughout the establishment of Israel in 1947. In fact, Turkey was one of the few countries that gave diplomatic recognition to the nascent country. Both Turkey and Israel moulded a political and economic relationship that stood intact during Israel’s war with Arab countries. Later in the nineties, the relationship took the shape of strategic partnership with the military dimension added to political and economic spheres. One reason for this is the similar outlook both countries had in terms of deeply hostile relationship with their respective neighbours. Turkey had to grapple with Armenia, Syria, Iran, the rebellious Kurds and ever nagging Cyprus. Israel continued to be beset with problems with the Arab neighbours and an intractable Palestinian crisis.

The turning point came in December 2008 when Israel sent its troops to Gaza on mission codenamed, “Operation Cast Lead” which resulted in the death of Palestinians in thousands. The world felt aghast, so did Turkey whose Premier Recep Erdogan was furious as he was in the midst of peacemaking between Israel and Syria. From this moment things went bad for the partnership. Recep Erdogan upped his antipathy in statements and a walk out from Davos conference in January 2009 after delivering a stinging criticism on Shimon Peres, Israeli President was a litmus test. The recent diplomatic ridicule by the Deputy Foreign Minister over the Turkish ambassador Ogug Celikkol made things worse. A Turkish ultimatum brought Israel to remorse followed by an apology but not to any sense of pragmatism though. Last Sunday, Ehud Barak visited Turkey on a previously scheduled trip but with an added emphasis on mending ties. He was partially successful. He had long and fruitful meetings with Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. However, the plums he looked for in meeting Prime Minister Recep Erdogan or President Abdullah Gul or Defence Chief of Staff Ilker Basbug evaded him.

Solar Eclipse

Astronomy

The solar Eclipse that took place on Friday January 15, 2010 was the longest annular and partial one lasting about 11 minutes and 8 seconds. It is significant because it is the longest for the millennium as the next longest one is not due until 3043 A.D. This particular eclipse is known as Saros 141 Series. The series began in May 1,613 A.D. It repeats every 18 years and the one that occurred on Friday is 23 rd out of 70 such eclipses in the Saros 141 Series. When this eclipse took place the Sun was covered by the moon leaving the outer ring of the Sun glowing in muted brightness. Almost half of the Globe came under darkness or partial darkness, especially at the height of eclipse at 7.47 GMT/UT when the shadow cast by the Moon was seen on the earth for an extent of 225 miles. Beginning from Chad in Africa the eclipse spread to the Sea of China in the East. There are few significant pointers in this Eclipse.

1. The Eclipse was at the Moon’s Ascending Node

2. The Moon was very farthest from the Earth called apogee at some 255,000 miles away

3. At the height of the Eclipse at 7.47 GMT/UT, the position of the Planets Sun and Moon are given below:

The Sun

Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 19 hour 47 minutes 58 seconds

Declination (Celestial Latitude) 21 degree 7 minutes 21 seconds

The Moon

Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 19 hour 47 minutes 48 seconds

Declination (Celestial Latitude) 21 degree 6 minutes 22 seconds

4. There are no significant stars in the area where the eclipse took place

5. To the south east of the location there are two celestial bodies; Venus at 19 hour and 52 minutes and far away M 75 Globular cluster at 20 hour and 6 minutes.

Cosmics

1. The Sun, the Moon, Venus and the M 75 Globular are in the Sagittarius constellation whose occult ownership is ascribed to Jupiter. Sagittarius constellation represents the Centaur (a figure of half –horse and half-man in Greek mythology). Ptolemy originally drew this figure and is followed ever since. This constellation is full of bright stars and a wealth of deep sky objects such as clusters and nebulae. Additionally, the constellation heralds boon for trade and economy

2. Venus personifies Wealth & prosperity, Knowledge & arts, Happiness & enjoyment, Luxury & comfort, Sensuality & civility, Beauty and brains etc

3. M75 Globular is a vast cluster of almost 130 light years in diameter, standing some 67,500 light years away from the earth with a visual magnitude of 8.5. This cluster is about 180,000 times brighter than the Sun. This is a massive cluster, very remote portraying military and political fame and action.

4. The Moon is located at Lunar Mansion 22 of Al-Sad Al- Dhabih (The fortune of the slayer). This Lunar Mansion leads to political manipulation or political capitulation in the external theatre. It is also bad for partnership in economy or of military nature between nations. But the Lunar Mansion is good for garnering internal political power.

Interpretation

1. Turkey Israel relationship dips from one of strategic partnership to that of managing tactical issues. Turkey goes on its declared policy of “zero problems with the neighbours” and would not require any partnership with Israel on strategic level. By the same token, Israel continues to rely on military as a sole buttress to keep the country safe from the wrath of Arab neighbours and would not countenance a critical ally in the form of peace loving and non-belligerent Turkey

2. Turkish economy expands with peace dividends and the need to rely on Israel as “partner in the same boat” vanishes into thin air. Israeli economy also expands in military related arms and technology but would not be sufficient to keep Turkey aligned to it. Earlier Israel was very dismissive of the political actors in Turkey often relying on the military actors in Turkey. Now this takes a 360 degree turn for which Israel is ill-prepared

3. Both countries would make grandiose statements in public regarding improving relationship and putting the past behind, but would continue to work in the opposite direction privately

4. Turkey becomes a key player in international and regional diplomacy whereas Israel languishes in isolation in the region and much of the globe

5. Turkey is wooed by countries ranging widely such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia who are competing for leadership of Arab league and Iran and Sudan who are struggling to stay put amidst the global outburst against them. Israel on the other hand struggles to make it relevant to any of these countries in peace and prosperity

6. Both countries would continue to bash each other via the electronic and print media as a state policy to satisfy their respective electorates

7. A lop-sided equation has come into force: Turkey needs Israel less and Israel needs Turkey more

8. Outside the equation, Israel is losing clout in the United States while Turkey is moving more towards Russia

9. The final nail on the coffin is struck when Israel invades either Gaza or Lebanon in the near future out of sheer frustration.

You can contact me via E-mail cosmicgems@gmail.com or Webpage http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

 

 

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Seven Planets and Two Stars: Barack Obama in Action

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

(Originally written on Blogspot on Wednesday March 25, 2009)

Celestial bodies constantly move from one position to another, each time signalling what action is cosmically good for the world. The President of the United States is the number one citizen of this earth. And the responsibility is primarily cast on him. On Sunday March 22, the sky had a significant alignment not seen for the last 100 years or so. Seven planets and two bright stars were almost on a straight line. It heralds great opportunity for the United States in particular and the World in general. Let me briefly touch on this alignment of seven planets and two stars in this blog post and the related cosmics of how Barack Obama should face up to the events unfolding in nine countries including the United States.

The Alignment

From the vantage point of the holy city of Jerusalem, I looked at the Eastern sky at 6.00 a.m. on Sunday March 22, 2009. I traced the Moon first. From there when I drew a line towards east I can extend my view up to the Sun. In between these two luminaries I sketched Star Dorsum, Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, Star Hydor, Mercury and Uranus. So I see seven planets and two magnificent stars. Incidentally, the planet Neptune is close to the Star Deneb Algedi where it was found by Astronomer Galle working under the direction of Astronomer Le Verrier at the Berlin Observatory on September 23, 1846. For the benefit of my readers I like to sketch details of the Stars Dorsum and Hydor.

Dorsum

Astronomically known as theta Capricorni, Dorsum is a double star located in the back of the sea-goat Capricorn. The Latin word dorsum means “ the back”. Belonging to the class of A 1 V, it is a main sequence dwarf star giving a brilliant white hue. It is 156 light years away and has visual magnitude of 4.1. Rotating almost 72 miles per second, it is a fast action star sitting on the elliptical path. This star coming between the Moon and the Sun in considered as heralding good times.

Hydor

Astronomically known as lambda Aquari , Hydor is a variable star located at the bend of the steam of water pouring out of the Jar the water carrier Aquarius holds. The Latin name Hydor means “ water”. It is also known as Ekkhysis from Greek Meaning “ outpouring”. Belonging to the class of M 2 III , it is a red giant giving bright red hue. It is 390 light years away and has visual magnitude of 3.7. Rotating away from earth one mile per second it is a slow moving star sitting on the elliptical path. This star is surrounded by about 100 small stars. In Hindu mythology, the star symbolizes the god Varuna, who has several roles to play: the god of ocean and water; the deity of the Moon; the guardian of Western direction; the god who can revive the dead; Varuna is also classified as Ashura and Deva in mythology. The surrounding stars are 100 Adityas , celestial bodies of goddess Adithi and Kasyapas known for their skills as physicals. This star coming between the Moon and the Sun in considered as heralding good times.

Now let me give you how this relates to the cosmics of nine selected countries and how Barack Obama should face up to these countries.

Cosmics of Nine Selected Countries

1. United States: From Globo Cop to Globo Console

The USA is changing its role getting out of the idea of using force to start consulting and consolidating. This remarkable change is good omen for the global economy and politics. Exit route in Iraq and Afghanistan is shown; recession is on the waning side. New and dependent relationship with Asia is forecast with China replacing Japan as the main partner. It is time to reflect on nuke issue with Iran and North Korea pragmatically. Once again confidence is brimming. Barack Obama is fixing many leaks at one and the same time, he should continue to do so as directed by the star Hydor.

2. Russia : Wild Bear to Terrific Tiger

Czar Putin would continue to rattle Europe, to vent anger on USA; he brings Russian winter to incalcitrant Europe by withdrawing gas in right time; but he can be a good partner too provided Barack Obama plays up to him all his Judo tackles. Russia’s unique position in traversing Europe and Asia should be explored. Russia on rise and bringing the terrific country into world’s financial and trading system in orderly manner is key priority for USA and would be done. Russia as partner and not as enemy is the likely proposition for Barack Obama.

3. China: Yellow Peril to Yellow Dawn

Both Napoleon Bonaparte and Nikita Khrushchev got it right; Napoleon said “ Do not wake China the sleeping Giant” Khrushchev went further and said “ China is yellow peril”. China is becoming both military and economic power but weak in politics. The expression “Yellow Dawn” is not mine. One of my colleagues Angel Garrett uses it as her Yahoo ID. But it is very apt for China as a rising giant with lot of yellow hue. Earlier European generals feared the Russian army in their backyard; now the world would be careful that the Chinese armed forces are not around . Barack Obama has to repeat the mantra of “Open Sesame” and get Chinese money flow into U S bonds and investments once again.

4. India: Nowhere to go Except to the Moon

Unlike China, India is reeling; her foreign policy is in shambles; neighbours have no good word for her; balancing priorities and policies have gone haywire. Facing an Election that would bring a hung parliament, India is in the bad books of every country. Nobody fears the Greek bringing gifts now; but they hate when Indians are invading their job markets. With abundant cheap labour especially in IT industry India is a head-ache for Barack Obama. With China he can come into terms be it Yuan appreciation or continuous buying of US Government bonds or WTO safeguards. What he can do with Indian cheap labour inside USA? It has touched raw nerve centres. Hence, Barack Obama talks with China seriously but just say hello to India. So Indians would better go to the Moon.

5. Indonesia: From Democracy to Demo Crazy

The fourth populous country and a brimming democracy, Indonesia has arrived in the global scene. Barack Obama was wise to send the Secretary of State on her first official mission underlining the importance of Indonesia. Japan has been always wise in giving the largest aid to this country; Australia got messed up; first it is East Timor and then interfering in domestic affairs. China plays balanced game knowing too well the strategies in the Malaccan Strait. Incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, popularly known as SBY is seeking re-election. He is dismissed by the electorate as America’s pet. Barack Obama got it over the plate; he must move carefully in an orchestrated manner to ensure Susilo re-elected , lest the Russians would be there. Barack Obama knows the country and its potential from his childhood days. And for all that there were low key demos by the Indonesians against Ms Clinton.

6. Japan : Flogging the Dead Horse

You look at the faces of Japan’s leaders; haggard old and laggard. So is the country. Japanese are fast losing the stamina and their dollars. Any entanglement with North Korea is devastating. Let China handle the case. Japanese are well advised to play second flute to USA, Russia or China in that order. Economic woes and political instability continue to harangue. Japan shall build more bridges with Asean countries and emerging tigers such as Brazil. It already has sizeable Brazilians inside Japan. Another turn is to go for Turkey & Germany together with Indonesia. Barack Obama has Japan on his side; Like the God Varuna and his 100 companions he has to cure the ills of two counties USA Japan at one and the same time.

7. Germany : Buried with the Bundesbank

Nobody underestimates the power and potency of this Aryan nation. Rising nationalism, this time non-Nazi will push the country to go out of the Euro loop. Germany was too preoccupied with the European integration and defending the Euro, the ruling currency of a motley group. Other than Gerhard Schroeder, the most successful socialist Prime Minister all others are rightists. Their apparent mistake is to ignore the Turkish population living inside the county and friendly Brazil, where the majority of the Nazis fled at the end of world War Two. Barack Obama should prod the Germans to continue this policy so that Bundesbank would be deeply buried in Europe.

8. Turkey : East or West, Turkey is Best

Nobody visualizes NATO without Turkey; that is where Turkey is heading to. Slowly and gradually the Turkish army has to give up directing both domestic and foreign policy. Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, the prime minister of Turkey is not only a nationalist but a pragmatist too. How long he can wait to join the EU? How long Northern Cyprus could be isolated? Russia and China would be glad to get Turkey in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which groups Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (Turkic Ethnic Group) with Russia and China. Iran is an observer country already. The loss of Turkey would be colossal. Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Turkey in April. He has to bypass both NATO and EU and sign with Turkey a “Special Relationship”, modelled on the unwritten agreement between USA & UK existing now. More than Europe America just cannot lose Turkey.

9. Iran : The Empire Strikes Back

Persia was an empire and Iran is an empire. Like Germany this Aryan nation made telling mistakes. One is to change its name to Iran. Winston Churchill famously said “ I do not know which is what Iran or Iraq”. Ever since she became Iran the country is smouldering in fire. To add to this is the incendiary branch of Islam known as “Shiaism”. But Iran is a great country with pride and tradition. It also has immense resources including educated and cultured manpower. Hospitality is something the Iranians are proud of. They are not hostile to foreigners least to the Americans. Barack Obama has made a tactful start with the message for Iranian people on the Iranian New Year, Nowruz; the time is excellent but the context was rattling. Ayatollah Ali Khameni was prompt in accepting the timing and dismissing the context. No threat can work with the Empire. Parodying Winston Churchill “ Which is fearsome: Iranian Nukes or the Army of Iranian women garbed in the Black Chador? Incoming Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is pitched on the former, of course, with disastrous consequences; but Barack Obama has to concentrate on the latter. It is time to Americanize the country. He should not repeat the mantra “ unclenching the fist” but “ disrobing the chador”. A westernised Persia is a safety valve for America. Barack Obama has to move in that direction faster.

You can contact me via E-mail:cosmicgems@gmail.com or Webpage http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

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Posted in Astronomy, Barack Obama, Cosmics, Glabal Affairs, United States | 4 Comments »