 Towards
the end of the summer, I had the chance to visit Helsinki, Finland for a few days as a
Junior Fellow for the Finnish Business and Policy Forum - EVA (Elinkeinoelämän
Valtuuskunta). I didn't have many preconceptions about Finland, but rather a curiosity
about this “beacon of light in the northeastern corner of Europe.”
My primary connection and interest with Finland was… ice hockey! I had previously played
as a member of Turkey's Women's National Team, and had met many Finns through the sport -
both here in Turkey and elsewhere. Even my connection to Finland in Ankara was through a
Finnish diplomat who played ice hockey at the same club as I did.
While waiting for my luggage at Vantaa airport, my attention was grabbed by what I thought
was Turkish being spoken, but it was actually Finnish. The similarities between the two
languages are striking. Given this, it was no surprise to learn that Finnish shares common
roots with Turkish.
The second thing that struck me was the weather. I had checked the temperature forecast
before leaving Turkey, but was still not prepared for the slight shock of being greeted
with 4 degree Celsius Scandinavian mornings, after coming from a scorching 30 degree
Celsius Anatolian summer! The dresses, sandals and running shorts I had brought along
would remain in my suitcase.
I later learned that the weather was uncharacteristically chilly for the time of year.
However, the chill was rejuvenating, and the air was crisp and clean. These elements were
reflected in the design of Finland's physical structures. Functionality, clean lines, and
a sense of environmental custodianship was what I observed.
I was also struck by the order in Finnish society. Everything is conducted or made with
efficiency and ease in mind. I loved the idea of having bicycle lanes alongside pedestrian
footpaths. I loved seeing broad walking and bike paths hugging the shore- lines, and
seeing so many people out enjoying the prelude to winter weather. This, as well as the
presentations, seminars and other events pertaining to Finland's economy and politics that
I attended as part of the EVA program kept bringing my mind back to Turkey. How could some
of the practices that Finland has learned and applied be adopted by our country?
Not only that, but the dynamic and engaging folks I met through the EVA event left me
realizing that there lies a great, untapped synergy between Turkey and Finland. If it took
a pair of hockey skates to peak my interest in a northern land, then imagine what football
boots, high heels, loafers or slippers could do?!
By Esra Doðramacý (PhD student/IR)
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