Mekong: The name of wealth and struggle...

We are on the 7th day of our arrival in Southeast Asia. The region formed by the geographical peninsula in the south of China and east of India is called Indochina. Apart from its name, they have no political or sociological connection to either China or India; it is simply named as a geographical region.

It is a geographical region that includes the states of Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, alongside Vietnam and Laos. During the approximately 70-year French colonial period, it was also referred to as French Indochina.

We have a group of 23 people organized by the Logo Travel company and led by our guide, Leyla Cingöz. The first 7 days of our 14-day trip were completed in Laos. We will be here for another 7 days.

My late father used to open the world map we called the "Atlas" during our childhood, list the states and capitals of this region one by one, and was always curious about life in this area. May his soul rest in peace. I remembered him here.

It is impossible not to be impressed by the region's history, nature, culture, and people.

In Singapore, the richest country in the region, we reached the highest peak, Bukit Timah Hill, by vehicle in a short time. It is about 164 meters high. Since the Istanbul Çamlıca Tower is 369 meters, the hill is not even half the height of the tower. It has been placed under protection due to its wealth of endemic plants. The height of the apartment buildings around it is about to surpass the hill. In other words, what I mean is that it is a flat country with no mountains. They boast about that single hill.

For those trying to enter Singapore illegally by sea, which is surrounded by water on three sides, the probability of being caught by crocodiles is very high. The Singaporean state does not provide any assistance if illegal immigrants are caught by crocodiles. Perhaps they are feeding the crocodiles specifically. Who knows?

The People's Action Party, which came to power in the 1970s, did not tolerate those who took bribes, committed theft, or engaged in fraud. It is even said that they had some ministers executed for taking bribes. Therefore, the problem of bribery, fraud, theft, smuggling, and even drug trafficking and use in the country [is non-existent].

Nearly 6 million people live in Singapore, which is about the size of the province of Yalova.

From a socio-economic perspective, there is almost no poverty; the middle class makes up 80% of the society. The segment we call wealthy is around 20%.

According to our Turkish-speaking guide, there is almost no traffic problem in the country; a quota is set every year for vehicle purchases. "I have money, I'm rich, I'll buy whatever car I want!" There is no such arbitrariness.

The literacy rate is 100%. Primary education is free. University is paid. However, after graduating from university, the entire amount paid to the state during the education period is refunded for starting a business or getting married. The system is geared towards working and production. There is no laziness. The concept of a social state is well-developed and established. Of course, there is state support for those with low income.

That is all I have to say about Singapore for now. I wrote this so you could compare it with the socio-political and economic situation in our country. We have created a Turkey that is a paradise for bribery, fraud, and drugs, where drug barons run rampant, even though it is also surrounded by seas on three sides like Anatolia. It is impossible not to feel sad when faced with the reality that we are at the bottom of world rankings in every field. There you have it, the last 50 years of Turkey and Singapore. Compare them if you want, or just say "oh, never mind..." and move on.

We didn't stay in Singapore long, fearing that wealth might be contagious. We arrived in the morning and moved on to Vietnam in the evening. After a flight of about 1.5 hours, we landed in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), which rises on the Mekong River delta of Vietnam (formerly South Vietnam).

First of all, I must mention the Mekong River; as far as I have seen and learned, the name of the wealth and struggle of the Indochina region is the Mekong River. It originates from the Tibetan plateau (territory) and is the 7th longest river in Asia and the 12th in the world. It is approximately 4900 km long. It acts as a mother to 6 states in Southeast Asia. It feeds more than 300 million people.

The conflicts in the struggle area, like molehills and tunnels on the Mekong River delta, drove the Americans crazy. The Cu Chi tunnels played a very important role against the French in the 1940s and later in the 20-year Vietnam War against America. In the tunnels, which spread over an area of approximately 250 km and reach a depth of 10 meters, where the Americans could never reach the kitchens, management rooms, hospitals, and command centers, one of the American commanders finally took his place in history with the remark: "... Hey! What are we doing in this country?..." America had to leave the country with its tail between its legs after suffering huge losses.

When it comes to the struggle against imperialism, the incredible struggles of the Vietnamese people, primarily the country of Ho Chi Minh, come to mind.

I will continue my articles on Indochina. I was excited while traveling and writing. I hope I have been able to impress you while reading as well.

I wish you healthy days.