Books to Read Before You Go To Turkey

Here are five outstanding books that will make you feel like you are drinking çay in the Grand Bazaar.

Crescent and Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds by Stephen Kinzer

It’s nearly impossible to fit everything you need to know about post-WWI Turkey in one book, but Crescent and Star is a pretty good start. It’s quick and readable. Of course it will only get you up to 2008, so for current events you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernieres

De Bernieres’ historical novel weaves a tapestry of a war-torn Anatolia and the struggles of its people.

My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk

You can’t really go wrong with Pamuk, Turkey’s most famous author. My Name is Red, however, may be one of his strongest works, especially if you are interested in Istanbul during the 16^th century. And murder. You could also check out Snow, The Museum of Innocence or his memoir Istanbul: Memories and the City.

Memed, My Hawk by Yashar Kemal

This masterpiece brought Kemal international fame when it was published in the ‘50s, drawing comparisons to other peasant-class chroniclers Tolstoy and Hardy. And it is still as popular as ever in Turkey.

The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

Turkey’s premier female novelist tackles the issue of the Armenian genocide with this book. Supremely modern and readable, The Bastard of Istanbul makes you feel like you are there.

Other recommended books are Bliss by O.Z. Livaneli, Farewell by Ayse Kulin and anything by Rumi.