It's Obama's first visit to a Muslim country since his election. "I think that was a good decision," said financial analyst Burcu Eke. "Because Turkey is like himself — a mixture of cultures. He is like us. So I think he was very right to choose this place."
Others were more wary. Actress Funda Sirinkal said, "I love him because I still don't know him. We will see in time what is going to be."
But perhaps the sweetest expression of Turkey's attitude toward Obama comes from Istanbul's famed bakery, Karakoy Gulluoglu. Bakers there have created a portrait of the president out of baklava. Owner Nadir Gullu said it took five chefs working for two days straight to create the pastry portrait, which they've taken to calling — yes — Baracklava.
Obama arrived in Ankara
President Obama touched down in this Turkish capital Sunday night for a two-day visit at the tail end of a maiden overseas trip that has stretched from London to the western fringes of Asia
Air Force One landed in darkness at Ankara's airport just after 9 p.m. local time amid widespread Turkish hopes for improved relations with the United States, a powerful show of police force and plans for demonstrations against U.S. policies.
Obama's arrival was carried live on national television. For the first time on his trip, he appeared at the plane door without First Lady Michelle Obama, who left for Washington after the couple's visit to Prague earlier in the day.
The vast majority of Turks in this cheerful, bustling city seem to eagerly welcome Obama on his first visit as president to a predominantly Muslim country.
But police appeared to be taking no chances. Local press reports said police planned to use electronic jamming equipment to guard against the possibility of radio-controlled explosive devices along his motorcade routes.
Photo : Nadir Gullu, chef and baklava master of Karakoy Gulluoglu, shows off his portrait of President Obama made of baklava, also known as the Baracklava.
Tags: Obama, source: NPR, source: Washington Post, Turkey
