Balgat’s swift modernization is exactly what most people would point to when they think of “progress.” This leaves behind, however, the culture and traditions that, for The Chief, are essential to Balgati culture. Modernization offers the people of Balgat the clocks, retail stores, and elections all give the people of Balgat more access to more products, opportunities, and even ways to govern. But it doesn’t include the disclaimer that would read, “replaces distinct culture of small village and replaces with uniform culture of Ankara suburbs.” Modernization always wins the battle with stagnation. People are driven to shiny new things and measuring personal improvement by materially having more “stuff” one day than they did in the past. But because access to this stuff requires reforming culture to accommodate it, places like Balgat end up loosing their uniqueness. Should the chief so quietly surrender his Balgat to the onslaught of modernization though?  There are always people like the chief, who prize their traditions, he recognizes that his values are not going to be preserved in future generations, and quietly witnesses Balgat’s evolution. Many do not share this resignation, and when people of older generations are faced with the cultural implications of modernizing, there is often an effort to keep things the way they are. While it slows the pace of change, it is not entirely merit-less, as there should always be some effort to preserving the eccentricities of different cultures. Progress is excellent, and it oftentimes improves opportunities and quality of life, but it should always be approached cautiously so that what makes a town distinct is not entirely removed, but changed to fit in to the new world.