Until recently , Turkish children would chant a national oath at school , says Elif ##kan . Its wording made her query the concept of separate and collective identity in Turkey , she writes . She says Turkey 's mainstream is suspicious of it . But she says ` ` sameness '' is stifling freedom and democracy and causing divisions in society .
Until 2013 , Turkish children would chant a national oath at school , says Elif Shafak . Its wording made her query the place of separate and collective Self in Turkey , she writes . Shafak says Turkey 's mainstream is suspicious of difference . But she says `` sameness '' is stifling creativity and democracy and causing divisions in society .