a.) I found it very interesting that the fez is such a taboo to Turkish people but is yet still a commonly seen item that is sold to tourists. I was actually unaware that the Fez was looked down upon or even illegal to the people of Turkey. This seems similar to the situation of the hijab in Turkey which I think I am more familiar with. Ataturk also made the hijab illegal but since then has once again became legal (maybe not in government jobs etc, Im not sure). While in Turkey, the majority of Turks do not wear a hijab (or at least the places I have been, which may be more liberal then others) but you will see a few. It seems that if the fez has remained illegal, that the hijab would have also.
b.) The reading illustrates how economics and culture can interact because we see how it is shameful for Turks to sell a fez, yet the demand and profit possibility overrides the shame. Also, the whole situation of Pomegranate transforming from a historically great and culturally proud place to a tourist serving city shows how economics can transform culture, at least on the outside, for economic success.
c.) My study abroad destination is Turkey and a few tourist destinations are Istanbul, and as we have seen, Pomegranate. People are drawn to Istanbul because it is a national urban metropolis that also has rich history and beautiful scenery. Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is a great destination for Tourists because of its seaside location, old castles, religious centers, and bustling markets. Also, Istanbul is very tourist friendly but as I read about with Pomegranate, this may be because of tourism itself.
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