Poland vs. Turkey

[LBJer]

I voted for Poland.

[Santander]

I would both rather live in and visit Turkey. Istanbul is a deeply frustrating, but energizing city. Poland is pretty mediocre in every respect.

[President Johnson]

Poland overall.

[Independents for Nihilism]

On the one hand, Poland managed to oust their populist government led by a wannabe strongman last year, while Turkey did not. On the other hand, Istanbul is full of cats, but I haven't heard the same about Warsaw. Call it a wash.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Nothing against Poland, but Turkey is higher on the list.

[Santander]

On the other hand, Istanbul is full of cats, but I haven't heard the same about Warsaw.

Warsaw is actually full of p*ssies, at least in parliament.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Turkey, quite easily. Not judging on politics

Just has more to offer and feels different. Nice culture esp. at the more touristic destinations and Istanbul, well, is perhaps one of the most beautiful and historically relevant cities in all of Europe aside of Rome and Paris (and maybe Vienna, Berlin & London).

I like some aspects of Poland too, but i think Turkey is a bit more unique.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

I would both rather live in and visit Turkey. Istanbul is a deeply frustrating, but energizing city. Poland is pretty mediocre in every respect.

The fact that it is 16 vs 4 votes, yeah, really shows this is not a European poll. Pretty sure Turkey would win on every European forum hands down. Americans really don't have any idea on what Turkey really is, since it's so far, while it is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe (one of the reasons why any Turkish government would be stupid to antagonize Europe since they'd bankrupt the country by alienating European travellers). Turkey generally always was more known as a more moderate or the most moderate out of the Islam countries, and historically were also very tolerant (Ottoman Empire) since if they weren't the empire wouldn't have lasted for several centuries.

[LBJer]

I would both rather live in and visit Turkey. Istanbul is a deeply frustrating, but energizing city. Poland is pretty mediocre in every respect.

The fact that it is 16 vs 4 votes, yeah, really shows this is not a European poll. Pretty sure Turkey would win on every European forum hands down. Americans really don't have any idea on what Turkey really is, since it's so far, while it is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe (one of the reasons why any Turkish government would be stupid to antagonize Europe since they'd bankrupt the country by alienating European travellers). Turkey generally always was more known as a more moderate or the most moderate out of the Islam countries, and historically were also very tolerant (Ottoman Empire) since if they weren't the empire wouldn't have lasted for several centuries.

I think Turkey's adamant denial of the Armenian Genocide is a problem for many people.  If German leaders, when asked about the Holocaust, said: "There were a lot of Jews who died during WWII. There were a lot of non-Jewish Germans who died during the war too.  It was a terrible time.
However, Jews were never targeted for genocide by Hitler and other Nazi leaders.  Next question?" Germany would certainly be much less respected than it is today.  

In fairness, Poland has had some issues where free expression about its history is concerned as well--particularly the law prohibiting assigning any blame for the Holocaust to Poland (the criminal provisions of this law were subsequently repealed, though).

[LAKISYLVANIA]

I would both rather live in and visit Turkey. Istanbul is a deeply frustrating, but energizing city. Poland is pretty mediocre in every respect.

The fact that it is 16 vs 4 votes, yeah, really shows this is not a European poll. Pretty sure Turkey would win on every European forum hands down. Americans really don't have any idea on what Turkey really is, since it's so far, while it is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe (one of the reasons why any Turkish government would be stupid to antagonize Europe since they'd bankrupt the country by alienating European travellers). Turkey generally always was more known as a more moderate or the most moderate out of the Islam countries, and historically were also very tolerant (Ottoman Empire) since if they weren't the empire wouldn't have lasted for several centuries.

I think Turkey's adamant denial of the Armenian Genocide is a problem for many people.  If German leaders, when asked about the Holocaust, said: "There were a lot of Jews who died during WWII. There were a lot of non-Jewish Germans who died during the war too.  It was a terrible time.
However, Jews were never targeted for genocide by Hitler and other Nazi leaders.  Next question?" Germany would certainly be much less respected than it is today.  

In fairness, Poland has had some issues where free expression about its history is concerned as well--particularly the law prohibiting assigning any blame for the Holocaust to Poland (the criminal provisions of this law were subsequently repealed, though).

Again, politics isn't much of a factor, though Poland hardly does much better than Turkey on that aspect too. And i'm by no means a fan of Erdogan. With regards to the denial of the Armenian genocide, many people on this forum are in denial of a genocide that is actually taking place right now, while no-one responsible for a genocide that took place more than 100 years ago is alive today... The recent displacement of the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabach matters more but the international community barely did something because we're dependant on Azerbaijan on oil after we sanctioned Russia, so we're all to blame here.

I think we can all agree Poland edges it out on politics, but it's closer / more narrow than one would think. Both nations actually have a lot in common here (or had), but Erdogan's AKP is gonna lose next election too. And in all fairness, Turkey does acknowledge a genocide in Gaza is taking place right now - Poland does not. And despite all bashing on Turkey/Erdogan, he did not object to Sweden and Finland entering NATO when it mattered. I suspect that if you ask all European government leaders the question who is more reliable: Trump or Erdogan. They would all say Erdogan. Same applies for Orban's Hungary.

But again when answering the question, politics barely is a factor in part because of the gap not being that big. Sure, islamophobia will be a big reason why Turkey would not be popular in many places but other than that, it's a very cultural-rich country (and so is Poland too, make no mistake about that), unique and has a nice mediterranean climate at their coasts.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Poland wins in every category except climate.

[TDAS04]

Poland wins in every most categories, except especially climate.

[wnwnwn]

The ball

[vitoNova]

Poles = kurrrrrva.  
 
Turks = disarmed, and sad sack conscripts.  A sharp contrast to their rather jovial Greeks.

#NATOtales

[Lechasseur]

Poland

[Progressive Pessimist]

Poland. Though I may be biased since I have some descent from there.

[𝕭𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆 𝕸𝖎𝖓𝖔𝖑𝖆]

Poland wins in every category except climate.

I think Micia and the branches of your family that hail from next to >3000m mountains will be very disappointed to hear this.

[Lambsbread]

I'd prefer a turkey sandwich to a poland sandwich, that's for sure.

[Mr. Smith]

I'd prefer a turkey sandwich to a poland sandwich, that's for sure.

polish sausage is excellent tho..

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Poland to live, Turkey for vacation. Voted Poland. Obviously, Turkish food > Polish food though.

[Frozen Sky Ever Why]

Poland, but neither are cracking my top 20 countries to say the least.