Red Tape - Ne yapabiliriz?

What is red tape? I simply define this as an obstacle to achieving one's goals. In my opinion, for every country, there are differing degrees of red tape. In respect of Turkey, one could be forgiven for mistaking the country as a veritable jungle of red tape. Let me illustrate this for you...

One could assume happiness by being granted a residence visa in the country where he or she lives, but unfortunately I can not testify that this is the case in Turkey. You ask why! Well, let me explain:

Firstly, the only tangible benefit to obtaining the residence permit is a feeble palm sized book that has your picture pasted in. The privileges granted to one for being the proud holder of this new status are "somewhat limited". So, what can one do with one's new found status? One can remain for an extended period in Turkey, in relation to myself, it is 14 months, as this is the line that I drew between my perception of a ludicrous price for a permit and outright theft.

So, now that I have the permit I don't have to leave and re-enter the borders every three months (USD$30 each entry), yes it's more convenient. What else can I do? I can also open a local bank account here and establish accounts with service providers. So, although I am married to a Turkish citizen and can contribute to the economy with funds from outside the country, they don't deem it necessary for a foreigner in this situation to legally work here. Of course, why would one want to work here when one's life is here? A rhetorical question for the said foreigner, yet a perplexing question for the powers to be!

If you're still not persuaded that my feelings and tones of this message are justified, perhaps the fact that one will pay 630 lira for this 14 month privilege may sway your opinion.

What is the relationship of this rambling to the definition of red tape you ask? Well, in a society where subtle discrimination originates at the top level and filters down to street level, one's goals and ambitions that are normally achievable suddenly slip out of reach.

As the Turks would say, "Ne yapabiliriz?", or, What can we do?