Children, Harran

As we were visiting the village in Harran, children were running around and following us.  I guess some followed us because they were curious, but some for money.  While we were at the tourist sites, the children who hung around us spoke a little English phrases like “Hello, my name is Fatma”, “nice to meet you”, “Madam, just one dollar please”.  Despite that many wanted money, the children were friendly, a little shy, and really interested in talking to us.  I just wish I had candy instead, because I rather give that then something that is so materialistic. 

Two girls followed us up to the castle.  The older sister was speaking to my friends, Cat (studying Arabic in Syria) and Fatma (Morrocan) in Arabic.  They, like many residence in the area, were Arabs.  They can speak both Arabic and Turkish.  I took some pictures of the little sister, Fatma (yes another Fatma) because she asked me to.  Another boy was also walking with us.  He acted as our tour guide and took us around for half the day before he had to go to school again in the afternoon.

The children in the inner part of the village, away from the tourist sites are much more innocent and genuine.  They didn’t ask for money, they were just curious.  As we walked in our large group of foreigners, children started following us.  As we try to find our way back to the spot where we can catch the dolmuş, more and more kids accumulated behind and around us.  Kids would see this parade of foreigners and children, and they would shoot out from their backyards and play place and tag along.  We had at least 30 kids following us.  Some were shy and hid behind other kids, or they’ll push others to talk to us.  Some would asked us to take pictures of them.  It was the cutest thing.  They were so happy, jumping, skipping, running up and down the road.  When I showed them their picture they would make a funny face and laugh and talk amongst themselves, joking about how they looked. 

Seeing them makes me very happy because I can feel their happiness.  I am glad I brought them some fun.