The summer months are holiday months. In almost every occupation, many people go on vacation and the pace of work slews clown. While the diplomatic traffic in Ankara has remained lively in July, just as it was in June, diplomats too have started to take thesr holidays. At the same time, there are also many diplomats in Ankara whose mission is coming to an end. These have been busy making their farewell visits, while some of their replacements are already starting to arrive. In July and August 2004, more than 100 new diplomats arrived in Turkey. This year, this figure will be almost the same, whsch means that 15 % of the dipiomats in Ankara will change.

One of the most important diplomats remaining in Ankara is German Ambassador Woif-Ruthart Born. Dr. Born is DIPLOMAT'S guest this month. Relations between Turkey and Germany are extremely close and complex, not only politically but also in economic and demographic terms. The Ambassador discusses these relations, explains the work of the German Embassy and expresses his country's views on various topical issues.

 

DIPLOMAT also devotes space in this issue to the life and works of retired diplomat and artist Daver Darende. Darende has worked as a Turkish diplomat for 36 years in many countries. We focus in particular on his painting skiMs. At the same time, however, he is an intellectual with an interest in many branches of art and the author of several books.

Since it is holiday time, this edition puts a strong emphasis on travel. It is Croatia's turn to feature in our foreign travel pages. The heavenly Adriatic coast is wei! worth taking the trouble to explore. However, if you prefer to stay in Turkey, paradise is also to be found at Kekova, with its natural beauty, its mysterious submerged ancient city and the authentic naivity of its rural setting.
 

For contrast, we also offer a glimpse of the boats of Bodrum and a flavour of the waterfalls on the mountains of Düzce, half-way between Ankara and İstanbul.
 

The choice is yours...
 

Kaya Dorsan

Publisher and editor-in-chief