military

Military service is compulsory in Turkey.  Most do their two-year service right after high school.  Some do 6 months of service after obtaining a college degree.  The law has varied some over the years, but service is still mandatory . . . no matter what your age is . . .

Before moving here, Tolga and I considered and accepted this.  He has legally delayed his service for many years because of university, medical, and out-of-the-country related excuses.  His recent delay has just expired - and now is the time he is required to do his service.

There are many people in Turkey like Tolga - over 35, having not fulfilled their military service - but the the majority of these people at this point or hiding or trying to escape the requirement.  It has been a constant stress that hangs over Tolga.

The government, for the last couple of years, has been considering allowing citizens to buy their way out of the service.  A person could pay maybe 10K, and service would be limited to 3 1/2 weeks.  There is also the issue with the European Union - Turkey may join the EU, but compulsory military service is against their human rights policies.

All this said, this week, Tolga received a letter announcing his military delay has expired.  Also this week, the news is announcing once again that a short-term military option may go to parliament next week for a vote.

And this is what we are hoping for.  This is the stress that has hung over Tolga for years.  This is what we are waiting for.