Jaques Derrida is discussion the question about the base an excavation of the conditions of the possibility of giving.
Is there a way to give without putting into the tyranny of an economic circle which changes a gift into a debt that demands repayment? This basic question leads Derrida into an archeology of the paradox fundamental to a gift: in order for a gift to be bestowed or received as a gift. This must seem different than a gift, for its permeable appearance or identification as a gift immediately collapses it into the ceaselessly cycle of debt and reimbursement. Gift giving has no real place in business relationships or etiquette.
In the Turkish tradition gift giving is very important. There are a lot of reasons, why people have to or want to give a gift for somebody. Especially by weddings.
Weddings are huge celebrated in Turkey. As a wedding gift, it is a Turkish tradition to buy the bride golden coins, called “ceyrek altin”, worth a hundred or more dollars, to pin on her dress. Friends, relatives, everyone buys them.
The case is, if Turkish people get a present from somebody, they feel that they have to give the same kind or a little bit more expensive than the present back. My Grandmother says for gifts “odunc”. Odunc does not mean present. It does mean lent.
Derrida s problem with to give a gift and expecting a gift are in the Turkish culture too. Maybe this is a human being character. If you give something, you want something.
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