"Outside looking in
While debate continues about when, if ever, Turkey will enter the EU. Istanbul's cultural and culinary life is enjoying a European-inspired renaissance. Dan Hayes reports
Outside the Haghia Sofia I get talking to three students from Istanbul University. The three, all women, are studying economics and, in their T-shirts and jeans, look much like students in any European city from Stockholm to Salerno.
They are looking for people on whom to practise their English. 'We study lots of theory and grammar,' says one, 'but you don't learn the language the way you do by talking to real people. And if you want to get a good job these days you have to speak English well.'
When we get talking about Turkey and the EU, the students have mixed feelings. 'It would be a good thing, I think,' says their spokeswoman. 'Even the preparations for possible entry have brought lots of positives. But what would be Turkey's role in Europe if we ever were to get into the EU? Providing cheap workers?'"
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