Motorcycle Explorer December 2014 Issue 3 | Page 11

"Turkey is the
D
iyarbakir is famous for having the second longest wall in the world, completely
surrounding the old city. In the upper area overlooking the Tigris inhabit the poorest. I
chatted with three streetsweepers who spoke openly about politics. Its principles were
basic but clear: Turkey is the enemy, since it denied their rights and democracy. As we
talked, two police men riding their HondaVaraderos approached us. I feared that they
will interrogate me why was I recording with a video camera. However, they were only
curious about the motorcyle. They smiled and showed me at thumb-up, the
international sign of approval.
One of the Kurds said they knew a Christian in Iraq called Jan. He said Jan could help
me. I asked if I could have his phone number. It is always useful to have local contacts,
especially whenyou do not knowwhat you are getting into.