In a moving tale of redemption, a former looter, weakened by cancer, helped Cambodia regain its stolen cultural treasure, a statue. Toek Tik, the former thief, witnessed the return of the stolen Cambodian statue just months before his death.

<h2>Thief turned saviour</h2>

Toek Tik joined forces with a team of Cambodian investigators led by American lawyer Brad Gordon in tracking down stolen treasures.&nbsp;

CBS reports that the looting of Cambodia's cultural treasures began a century ago, intensified during the country's colonisation by France, and became a global business in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s amidst genocide, civil war, and political turmoil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-chinese-company-gives-monthly-bonus-based-on-employees-exercise-routine-670831">Fitness matters: Walk, run, jog, hike your way to the bank at this Chinese company</a>

Cambodia's temples, holding sacred stone, bronze, and gold artefacts, were easy targets for unscrupulous antiquities collectors.&nbsp;

Douglas Latchford, a British dealer, was identified as the mastermind behind large-scale looting in Cambodia. Toek Tik had supplied the antiquities' dealer with thousands of looted artefacts.

"He felt tremendously guilty about many things he had done in his life, about the killing, about the looting," said Gordon, as quoted by CBS.

<h2>The mastermind</h2>

Despite portraying himself as a scholar and protector of Cambodia's culture, Douglas Latchford was accused of stealing many artefacts featured in his books.&nbsp;

As per investigators, Latchford sold most of the loot to wealthy collectors, and museums, keeping a few for himself.

"I would say that he was, in many ways, the mastermind behind the greatest art heist in history," remarks Gordon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-texas-police-on-alert-as-man-serving-life-for-child-sexual-abuse-escapes-jail-670901">US: Texas police on alert as man serving life for child sexual abuse escapes jail</a>

A 2011 auction of a stolen sandstone warrior from Koh Ker brought him to the attention of US law enforcement.

Latchford was indicted by US authorities in 2019 for smuggling, conspiracy, and wire fraud, but he died before facing trial. Testimony of former looters found by the investigators proved critical in the case against Latchford.

"It's quite remarkable to have looters actively assisting a team of investigators to recover artifacts that they had a first hand in helping remove from the country," said J P Labbat, who a former special agent with Homeland Security's cultural property, art, and antiquities unit.

Brad Gordon negotiated the return of Latchford's personal collection of stolen treasures with his family. Some other stolen treasures have been returned by museums. However, other stolen Cambodian antiquities, including those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), are still being sought for repatriation.&nbsp;

The Met recently reached an agreement to voluntarily return 13 artefacts tied to Latchford.&nbsp;

As per Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodia's culture minister, the Met's announcement was a&nbsp;"first step". She looks "forward to the return of many more of our treasures," added Sackona.

Additionally, 33 stolen treasures from the collection of the late billionaire George Lindemann are voluntarily being returned by his family.

More than 30 other sculptures were discovered in 2008 when Architectural Digest published images from the Lindemann mansion. The Lindemann family voluntarily agreed to return the stolen treasures in September.&nbsp;

The artefacts, symbols of Cambodia's gods and ancestors, are on their way home after decades of being displaced, said Gordon. "We feel like the gods have spoken today. They want to come home."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a moving tale of redemption, a former looter, weakened by cancer, helped Cambodia regain its stolen cultural treasure, a statue. Toek Tik, the former thief, witnessed the return of the stolen Cambodian statue just months before his death.

In a moving tale of redemption, a former looter, weakened by cancer, helped Cambodia regain its stolen cultural treasure, a statue. Toek Tik, the former thief, witnessed the return of the stolen Cambodian statue just months before his death. Thief turned saviour Toek Tik joined forces with a team of Cambodian investigators led by American lawyer Brad Gordon in tracking down stolen treasures. CBS reports that the looting of Cambodia's cultural treasures began a century ago, intensified during the country's colonisation by France, and became a global business in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s amidst genocide, civil war, and political turmoil. Also read | Fitness matters: Walk, run, jog, hike your way to the bank at this Chinese company Cambodia's temples, holding sacred stone, bronze, and gold artefacts, were easy targets for unscrupulous antiquities collectors. Douglas Latchford, a British dealer, was identified as the mastermind behind large-scale looting in Cambodia. Toek Tik had supplied the antiquities' dealer with thousands of looted artefacts. "He felt tremendously guilty about many things he had done in his life, about the killing, about the looting," said Gordon, as quoted by CBS. The mastermind Despite portraying himself as a scholar and protector of Cambodia's culture, Douglas Latchford was accused of stealing many artefacts featured in his books. As per investigators, Latchford sold most of the loot to wealthy collectors, and museums, keeping a few for himself. "I would say that he was, in many ways, the mastermind behind the greatest art heist in history," remarks Gordon. Also read | US: Texas police on alert as man serving life for child sexual abuse escapes jail A 2011 auction of a stolen sandstone warrior from Koh Ker brought him to the attention of US law enforcement. Latchford was indicted by US authorities in 2019 for smuggling, conspiracy, and wire fraud, but he died before facing trial. Testimony of former looters found by the investigators proved critical in the case against Latchford. "It's quite remarkable to have looters actively assisting a team of investigators to recover artifacts that they had a first hand in helping remove from the country," said J P Labbat, who a former special agent with Homeland Security's cultural property, art, and antiquities unit. Brad Gordon negotiated the return of Latchford's personal collection of stolen treasures with his family. Some other stolen treasures have been returned by museums. However, other stolen Cambodian antiquities, including those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), are still being sought for repatriation. The Met recently reached an agreement to voluntarily return 13 artefacts tied to Latchford. As per Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodia's culture minister, the Met's announcement was a "first step". She looks "forward to the return of many more of our treasures," added Sackona. Additionally, 33 stolen treasures from the collection of the late billionaire George Lindemann are voluntarily being returned by his family. More than 30 other sculptures were discovered in 2008 when Architectural Digest published images from the Lindemann mansion. The Lindemann family voluntarily agreed to return the stolen treasures in September. The artefacts, symbols of Cambodia's gods and ancestors, are on their way home after decades of being displaced, said Gordon. "We feel like the gods have spoken today. They want to come home." (With inputs from agencies)

Redemption story: Ex-thief, battling cancer, aids in return of Cambodia's cultural treasures

City officials in Toronto were forced to cancel a weekend of Eritrean cultural celebrations after outbreaks of violence and demonstrations by opponents of the Eritrean government.

Clashes between attendees and protesters left nine people hospitalised and brought attention to human rights abuses in Eritrea and tensions within diaspora communities, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

<h2>Global skirmishes and human rights concerns</h2>

The violence in Toronto mirrors similar confrontations in Sweden, where over 50 people were injured, and in Seattle, where Eritrean protesters opposed cultural events they believe support one of the world's most repressive regimes.

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<h2>Pleading for peace and protection</h2>

In the days leading up to the Festival Eritrea Toronto, the organisers sought protection from Toronto police to ensure a "festive and peaceful" event. However, tensions escalated as protesters began tearing down tents and confronting attendees.

Attendee Danait Mehreteab reported that her father was targeted by protesters and severely injured. He was struck with a metal rod, resulting in a skull injury requiring 12 staples and a fractured spine.

Following the escalating violence and safety concerns, city officials made the difficult decision to revoke permits for the Festival Eritrea Toronto, prioritising public safety.

Community groups expressed "deep concern and distress" over the clashes and highlighted the event organisers' alleged ties to the Eritrean government, triggering traumatic experiences for those who fled oppression in their homeland.

Toronto mayor Olivia Chow condemned the violence as "unacceptable," emphasising the city's commitment to peaceful cultural celebrations.

The festival, which had previously taken place without incident, came under scrutiny as critics accused it of being a propaganda tool to raise funds for Eritrea's pariah government.

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<h2>Human rights crisis in Eritrea</h2>

Eritrea has long been criticised as one of the world's most repressive countries, with no history of elections since gaining independence from Ethiopia.

Refugees from the nation have described a police state characterised by forced labour, military conscription, torture, and sexual harassment, prompting millions to seek refuge in other countries, including Canada, which is home to over 36,000 individuals of Eritrean descent.

Police in Toronto are actively investigating the incidents but have not confirmed any arrests at this time.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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City officials in Toronto were forced to cancel a weekend of Eritrean cultural celebrations after outbreaks of violence and demonstrations by opponents of the Eritrean government.

City officials in Toronto were forced to cancel a weekend of Eritrean cultural celebrations after outbreaks of violence and demonstrations by opponents of the Eritrean government. Clashes between attendees and protesters left nine people hospitalised and brought attention to human rights abuses in Eritrea and tensions within diaspora communities, reported the Guardian. Global skirmishes and human rights concerns The violence in Toronto mirrors similar confrontations in Sweden, where over 50 people were injured, and in Seattle, where Eritrean protesters opposed cultural events they believe support one of the world's most repressive regimes. Also read | Who is Tory Lanez? Canadian rapper's sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion delayed Pleading for peace and protection In the days leading up to the Festival Eritrea Toronto, the organisers sought protection from Toronto police to ensure a "festive and peaceful" event. However, tensions escalated as protesters began tearing down tents and confronting attendees. Attendee Danait Mehreteab reported that her father was targeted by protesters and severely injured. He was struck with a metal rod, resulting in a skull injury requiring 12 staples and a fractured spine. Following the escalating violence and safety concerns, city officials made the difficult decision to revoke permits for the Festival Eritrea Toronto, prioritising public safety. Community groups expressed "deep concern and distress" over the clashes and highlighted the event organisers' alleged ties to the Eritrean government, triggering traumatic experiences for those who fled oppression in their homeland. Toronto mayor Olivia Chow condemned the violence as "unacceptable," emphasising the city's commitment to peaceful cultural celebrations. The festival, which had previously taken place without incident, came under scrutiny as critics accused it of being a propaganda tool to raise funds for Eritrea's pariah government. Also watch | Unchecked climate change to cost nations billion in debt Human rights crisis in Eritrea Eritrea has long been criticised as one of the world's most repressive countries, with no history of elections since gaining independence from Ethiopia. Refugees from the nation have described a police state characterised by forced labour, military conscription, torture, and sexual harassment, prompting millions to seek refuge in other countries, including Canada, which is home to over 36,000 individuals of Eritrean descent. Police in Toronto are actively investigating the incidents but have not confirmed any arrests at this time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Toronto cancels Eritrean festival amid violence breaks out between diaspora groups

The Peruvian government displayed on Thursday 21 cultural artifacts returned to embassies in Argentina, Canada, Ecuador and Brazil.

Peru officials hail return of cultural artifacts

The Indian community in Iceland are forging deep people-to-people relations with the Nordic country, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-ram-nath-kovind-embarks-on-9-day-visit-to-iceland-switzerland-slovenia-248529">President Ram Nath Kovind</a> said on Monday.

Terming the Indian diaspora as 'cultural ambassadors', the President applauded them for contributing to the local society through their advanced skills and knowledge.

"We live in an age defined by knowledge, technology, and digital space. These represent new markers of our growing ties with Iceland. We are proud of your achievements. You convey an image of India that is highly mobile and highly skilled," Kovind said while addressing a gathering of the Indian community.

He underlined that yoga is immensely popular in Iceland, saying that the people of the tiny Nordic country understand the value of living in harmony with nature and oneself which are basic to the exercise.

The President called upon the Indian community to make efforts to promote Ayurveda and traditional knowledge system across the world.

Expressing happiness that Hindi would be now taught at the University of Iceland, Kovind said that the move would strengthen cultural understanding between the two countries.

Highlighting the initiatives done by the government, Kovind said, "We have set a target to become a five trillion-dollar economy by 2025. Through Jal Jeevan Abhiyaan, we are working to provide clean tap drinking water to every rural household by 2024."

The Ayushman Bharat scheme is providing health benefits to approximately 500 million people. We are committed to sourcing 175 GW of electricity from renewable sources by 2022 and we are well on our way to achieve this goal," he added.

The President said that India is looking at Iceland on how to tap geothermal energy.

"In the last five years, we have rescued over 90,000 Indians and nationals of 50 other countries caught in natural disasters or humanitarian situations overseas. As a result of these efforts, our people have new confidence in the government," Kovind remarked.

The President invited the Indian community to visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Earlier, Kovind interacted with an Indian business delegation. During his visit, Kovind will hold talks with his Icelandic counterpart Gudni Th. Johannesson and Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.

He will address the India-Iceland Business Forum on September 11. He will also deliver a lecture at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik on 'India-Iceland partnership towards making a greener planet'.

This is the first visit of an Indian President to Iceland since the visit of former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2005. During his nine-day official trip to Europe, Kovind is also slated to visit Switzerland and Slovenia.

The Indian community in Iceland are forging deep people-to-people relations with the Nordic country, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Monday. Terming the Indian diaspora as 'cultural ambassadors', the President applauded them for contributing to the local society through their advanced skills and knowledge.

The Indian community in Iceland are forging deep people-to-people relations with the Nordic country, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Monday. Terming the Indian diaspora as 'cultural ambassadors', the President applauded them for contributing to the local society through their advanced skills and knowledge. "We live in an age defined by knowledge, technology, and digital space. These represent new markers of our growing ties with Iceland. We are proud of your achievements. You convey an image of India that is highly mobile and highly skilled," Kovind said while addressing a gathering of the Indian community. He underlined that yoga is immensely popular in Iceland, saying that the people of the tiny Nordic country understand the value of living in harmony with nature and oneself which are basic to the exercise. The President called upon the Indian community to make efforts to promote Ayurveda and traditional knowledge system across the world. Expressing happiness that Hindi would be now taught at the University of Iceland, Kovind said that the move would strengthen cultural understanding between the two countries. Highlighting the initiatives done by the government, Kovind said, "We have set a target to become a five trillion-dollar economy by 2025. Through Jal Jeevan Abhiyaan, we are working to provide clean tap drinking water to every rural household by 2024." The Ayushman Bharat scheme is providing health benefits to approximately 500 million people. We are committed to sourcing 175 GW of electricity from renewable sources by 2022 and we are well on our way to achieve this goal," he added. The President said that India is looking at Iceland on how to tap geothermal energy. "In the last five years, we have rescued over 90,000 Indians and nationals of 50 other countries caught in natural disasters or humanitarian situations overseas. As a result of these efforts, our people have new confidence in the government," Kovind remarked. The President invited the Indian community to visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Earlier, Kovind interacted with an Indian business delegation. During his visit, Kovind will hold talks with his Icelandic counterpart Gudni Th. Johannesson and Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir. He will address the India-Iceland Business Forum on September 11. He will also deliver a lecture at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik on 'India-Iceland partnership towards making a greener planet'. This is the first visit of an Indian President to Iceland since the visit of former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2005. During his nine-day official trip to Europe, Kovind is also slated to visit Switzerland and Slovenia.

Indian community forging deep people-to-people ties with Iceland: President Ram Nath Kovind

An ancient tower dating back 2,000 years in the historic Afghan city of Ghazni collapsed this week, local officials said, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country`s cultural heritage and the government`s ability to protect them.

The old citadel known as Ghaznain Fort originally had 36 towers, but 14 of the towers had collapsed in recent years due to decades of war, heavy rain and neglect.

The fort is one of dozens of unique historic sites in Afghanistan - ranging from the pre-Islamic Buddhist centre in the Bamyan valley to the 12th century minaret of Jam in a remote area of Ghor province - in urgent need of protection.

Officials in Ghazni, which nearly fell to the Taliban last year in some of the heaviest fighting seen in the war, said the tower collapsed on Tuesday following heavy rain. A short video posted on social media shows it crumbling but local residents say negligence also contributed to its collapse.&nbsp;

"The government paid no attention to the sites and didn`t build canals to divert flood water," said Ghulam Sakhi, who lives near the citadel. 
"We have warned the government about the dire condition of the citadel but no one visited," Sakhi said.

Mahbubullah Rahmani, acting director of culture and information in Ghazni, said heavy rain and recent fighting had contributed to the tower`s collapse but said the government was working on a plan to protect the site from complete destruction.

He said a German archaeologist had worked at the site as recently as 2013. 
Ghazni, a strategically vital centre on the main highway between Kabul and southern Afghanistan and two hour drive from the capital, is home to a range of cultural and archeological artefacts, some of which date back to pre-Islamic period.

The province and its cultural heritage was officially declared as Asian Capital of Islamic Culture in 2013 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, a Morocco-based body created in 1981, supported by UNESCO.

The collapse of the tower in Ghazni follows concern over the condition of the 900-year-old Minaret of Jam, in Ghor, which has been on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Properties in Danger since 2002.

The Taliban during their austere regime from 1996-2001, before they were toppled by the US and coalition force in late 2001, blew up two giant Buddha statues in central Bamiyan province, calling them idols.

An ancient tower dating back 2,000 years in the historic Afghan city of Ghazni collapsed this week, local officials said, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country`s cultural heritage and the government`s ability to protect them.

An ancient tower dating back 2,000 years in the historic Afghan city of Ghazni collapsed this week, local officials said, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country`s cultural heritage and the government`s ability to protect them. The old citadel known as Ghaznain Fort originally had 36 towers, but 14 of the towers had collapsed in recent years due to decades of war, heavy rain and neglect. The fort is one of dozens of unique historic sites in Afghanistan - ranging from the pre-Islamic Buddhist centre in the Bamyan valley to the 12th century minaret of Jam in a remote area of Ghor province - in urgent need of protection. Officials in Ghazni, which nearly fell to the Taliban last year in some of the heaviest fighting seen in the war, said the tower collapsed on Tuesday following heavy rain. A short video posted on social media shows it crumbling but local residents say negligence also contributed to its collapse. "The government paid no attention to the sites and didn`t build canals to divert flood water," said Ghulam Sakhi, who lives near the citadel. "We have warned the government about the dire condition of the citadel but no one visited," Sakhi said. Mahbubullah Rahmani, acting director of culture and information in Ghazni, said heavy rain and recent fighting had contributed to the tower`s collapse but said the government was working on a plan to protect the site from complete destruction. He said a German archaeologist had worked at the site as recently as 2013. Ghazni, a strategically vital centre on the main highway between Kabul and southern Afghanistan and two hour drive from the capital, is home to a range of cultural and archeological artefacts, some of which date back to pre-Islamic period. The province and its cultural heritage was officially declared as Asian Capital of Islamic Culture in 2013 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, a Morocco-based body created in 1981, supported by UNESCO. The collapse of the tower in Ghazni follows concern over the condition of the 900-year-old Minaret of Jam, in Ghor, which has been on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Properties in Danger since 2002. The Taliban during their austere regime from 1996-2001, before they were toppled by the US and coalition force in late 2001, blew up two giant Buddha statues in central Bamiyan province, calling them idols.

Ancient Afghan citadel collapses, cultural heritage sites at risk

I thought landing in Istanbul would be an experience. It turned out to be a banal exercise. Routine and well-practised.&nbsp;

I reached my hotel quickly. A hotel belonging to the same chain exists in NOIDA too.&nbsp;

In Turkey, a narrow strip of water — the Bosphorus Strait — divides Asia from Europe.&nbsp;

I was amused to find later that the two sides also reflects the cultural differences between the two sides. As my guide confessed to me, alcohol is served more widely on the European side. (I had packed a bottle to be on the safe side but fortunately, my hotel was on the European side.)&nbsp;

The Asian side seemed older and traditional, the European more cosmopolitan.&nbsp;

 
A vague idea of India

Istanbul has a vague idea of India.&nbsp;

At a posh eatery near the waterfront, I met a man at lunch who spoke about the late filmmaker Raj Kapoor, and the bane of Hindi cinema.&nbsp;

When I enquired about the "bane", he said "length".&nbsp;

"Either you are a Pakistani or an Indian,” he said as we started to chat.&nbsp;

I wasn’t pleased. But the conversation quickly veered to vegetarian food, a big concern for my wife.&nbsp;

On the one hand, I savoured the moment of being identified as Indian while on the other, I was miffed for being clubbed with the Pakistanis. But then these are the small and beautiful mercies of globalisation, when it becomes difficult for the other to treat you like an alien.&nbsp;

 
'Dikkat', which means 'difficulty' or 'to stop' 
 
The word "dikkat", which means "difficulty" in Hindi and Urdu, means "to stop" in Turkish.&nbsp;

The word was not alien to me. I understood what it meant. It was in front of a kebab shop and I didn’t feel too "nationalistic" about ownership of it.&nbsp;

Deep down, I knew that like chocolate, potato, biryani and many other things, this too came from faraway lands but we made them our own by spicing them up.&nbsp;

We bettered them.&nbsp;

<img alt="istanbul3.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/istanbul3.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="istanbul2.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/istanbul2.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="istanbul4.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/istanbul4.jpg" width="770" />

 
Who are we, and how did we become this way?&nbsp; 
The news on TV was filled with talk about Syrian immigrants, the Iran deal and oil. Some of it was inward-looking.&nbsp;

With liberalism in retreat throughout the world, "strong" leaders have emerged through the ballot box who are now asserting their economic and cultural nationalism. Turkey is one example. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Similar debates pepper the popular media in India.&nbsp;

Most of the debates are about who we are without understanding how we became this way because of constant interaction with the world. We are becoming insular. Inward looking.&nbsp;

A case in point is whether India became modern under the Marathas or the Mughals? Absolutely not. Would we have been richer without cultural interaction or poorer? Obviously poorer. 
&nbsp; 
Turkey stands at the confluence of two continents. Did it become poorer by cultural intercourse or richer? Absorbing all those influences made them prosperou.&nbsp;

Though their transition to modernity was preceded by the collapse of the Ottomon empire, a nation with a wider worldview was already shaping up under Ataturk.

Today, debate in India is only about who we are.&nbsp;

Who are we? What makes us a nation? Is it culture or constitution?&nbsp;

The debate continues.&nbsp;

The debate is polarising and insular.&nbsp;

Despite nations being the most workable system, they are not cast in stone. They can wither away. 
&nbsp;

Indebted to globalisation

So, to not be treated as an alien in Istanbul, I truly felt indebted to globalisation. 
&nbsp; 
Today, globalisation is a maligned word. In this world of economic and cultural nationalism, it was good to be culturally acknowledged and accepted as different.&nbsp;

With all due respect, Istanbul's Spice Market looked like an upgraded version of Palika Bazar but the fact that 10 percent of the shopkeepers there knew Hindi was good enough for me.

In an ever-changing world, we are becoming more and more culturally insular. Our quest is not to discover the other but to find sameness in a faraway land. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
At a time like this, if India turns insular, then it should not aspire to be a world leader.&nbsp;

More initiatives were taken under a Nehru when India’s economy counted for nothing on the world stage. 
&nbsp; 
The question to be debated is whether political and cultural insularity will help India?&nbsp;

Doesn’t this country need to be intellectually connected with wider world issues, rather than worrying about who we are, who we&nbsp;were and what are the purest elements of the Indian identity.

In Turkey, a narrow strip of water — the Bosphorus Strait — divides Asia from Europe. Cultural differences show up on either side

I thought landing in Istanbul would be an experience. It turned out to be a banal exercise. Routine and well-practised. I reached my hotel quickly. A hotel belonging to the same chain exists in NOIDA too. In Turkey, a narrow strip of water — the Bosphorus Strait — divides Asia from Europe. I was amused to find later that the two sides also reflects the cultural differences between the two sides. As my guide confessed to me, alcohol is served more widely on the European side. (I had packed a bottle to be on the safe side but fortunately, my hotel was on the European side.) The Asian side seemed older and traditional, the European more cosmopolitan. A vague idea of India Istanbul has a vague idea of India. At a posh eatery near the waterfront, I met a man at lunch who spoke about the late filmmaker Raj Kapoor, and the bane of Hindi cinema. When I enquired about the "bane", he said "length". "Either you are a Pakistani or an Indian,” he said as we started to chat. I wasn’t pleased. But the conversation quickly veered to vegetarian food, a big concern for my wife. On the one hand, I savoured the moment of being identified as Indian while on the other, I was miffed for being clubbed with the Pakistanis. But then these are the small and beautiful mercies of globalisation, when it becomes difficult for the other to treat you like an alien. 'Dikkat', which means 'difficulty' or 'to stop' The word "dikkat", which means "difficulty" in Hindi and Urdu, means "to stop" in Turkish. The word was not alien to me. I understood what it meant. It was in front of a kebab shop and I didn’t feel too "nationalistic" about ownership of it. Deep down, I knew that like chocolate, potato, biryani and many other things, this too came from faraway lands but we made them our own by spicing them up. We bettered them. Who are we, and how did we become this way? The news on TV was filled with talk about Syrian immigrants, the Iran deal and oil. Some of it was inward-looking. With liberalism in retreat throughout the world, "strong" leaders have emerged through the ballot box who are now asserting their economic and cultural nationalism. Turkey is one example. Similar debates pepper the popular media in India. Most of the debates are about who we are without understanding how we became this way because of constant interaction with the world. We are becoming insular. Inward looking. A case in point is whether India became modern under the Marathas or the Mughals? Absolutely not. Would we have been richer without cultural interaction or poorer? Obviously poorer. Turkey stands at the confluence of two continents. Did it become poorer by cultural intercourse or richer? Absorbing all those influences made them prosperou. Though their transition to modernity was preceded by the collapse of the Ottomon empire, a nation with a wider worldview was already shaping up under Ataturk. Today, debate in India is only about who we are. Who are we? What makes us a nation? Is it culture or constitution? The debate continues. The debate is polarising and insular. Despite nations being the most workable system, they are not cast in stone. They can wither away. Indebted to globalisation So, to not be treated as an alien in Istanbul, I truly felt indebted to globalisation. Today, globalisation is a maligned word. In this world of economic and cultural nationalism, it was good to be culturally acknowledged and accepted as different. With all due respect, Istanbul's Spice Market looked like an upgraded version of Palika Bazar but the fact that 10 percent of the shopkeepers there knew Hindi was good enough for me. In an ever-changing world, we are becoming more and more culturally insular. Our quest is not to discover the other but to find sameness in a faraway land. At a time like this, if India turns insular, then it should not aspire to be a world leader. More initiatives were taken under a Nehru when India’s economy counted for nothing on the world stage. The question to be debated is whether political and cultural insularity will help India? Doesn’t this country need to be intellectually connected with wider world issues, rather than worrying about who we are, who we were and what are the purest elements of the Indian identity.

Istanbul diary: Small mercies of globalisation

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