Turkish politics embraces body art

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/09/17/turkey.tattoos.ataturk/index.html?iref=allsearch

I read an article on tattoos in Turkey called, Turkish politics embraces body art. This article is about the recent popularity in getting the signature and/or face of founder and former political leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on a visible part of the body such as the arm. Turkey is going through a time of political change where and Islamic leader is beginning to rule, and some people are upset about it. The Ataturk signature and portrait are a well known symbol of freedom and support of the deceased leader. In the past, it was common to see an Ataturk tattoo on someone's chest, or another less-visible part of the body, but times have changed, and some tattoo artists do as many as 5 Ataturk tattoos a day. One artist noted that the number of Ataturk tattoos increase on a day-to-day basis. There is even a particular salon that gives free Ataturk tattoos every year on the anniversary of his death.

Personally, I think this is one of the coolest stories I have ever heard. Not only are the tattoos attractive and subtle, but it states a political view and brings unity to the country. Every country needs unity, and I think that tattoos of a signature of a the founder of your country is a beautiful way of doing so. It says a lot about the country that the citizens would be proud enough of a political leader to permanently dye their skin to support him. I think it is special when tattoos can be more that a fashion statement. Many people are against tattoos. I personally am not, but if I were, this article would make me think again about my opinion on tattoos. In egyptian times, art was about kings and queens that were important and special to the people. The same thing is going on here with the tattoos. The Turks are making art of a political leader that they respected. THe only difference is that the art is on their bodies instead of carved out of stone.