Turkish Property Port

Getting to Know Istanbul Through Fiction

Famous Authors and the Books about Istanbul

Researching Istanbul can never be boring as this city’s history and urban culture of today have something to offer everybody. Blogs and posts abound but for a really enjoyable few hours take a look and see the city through the eyes of authors and poets who love the city. These are a few you might enjoy.

Orhan Veli Kanik

First a lovely poem by the famous Turkish poet Orhan Veli Kanik (1914-1950) who changed the cadence of Turkish poetry, this poem brings alive the sounds and smell of Istanbul:

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.
The Grand Bazaar is serene and cool,
A hubbub at the hub of the market,
Mosque yards are brimful of pigeons,
At the docks while hammers bang and clang
Spring winds bear the smell of sweat;
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.
(Orhan Veli Kanik)

 

The Book of Istanbul: A City in Short Fiction, 2010

These 10 translated stories share different Turkish author’s perceptions of Istanbul, each having their own insights about the city and the people who populate it. Edited by Jim Hinks and Gul Turner.

Books by Orhan Pamuk

Orhan Pamuk

Winner of the 2006, Nobel prize for literature, this controversial and highly respected author presents a number of novels that introduce us to Istanbul in all its guises. Istanbul: Hatıralar ve Şehir, (Istanbul: Memories and the City) is a delight to read. This author goes a long way to helping non Muslims understand the faith of so many Turks; attempting to bridge the gap that exists in the understanding of Islam. He often uses the melting pot that is Istanbul as a setting for his books. Look for his historical novel,”My name is Red” to indulge in Istanbul in the 1500’s.

Books by Jenny White

This novelist and anthropologist introduces us to the light of Istanbul and its shadows, her presentations of the intrigues and politics of historical Istanbul, her evocative writing takes you back to an Ottoman time you can feel and an Istanbul you can still see today if you know where to look. Her murder, mysteries give you a feel from Istanbul written by someone who knows and loves the city and all its secrets. Her three books, The Sultan’s Seal, The Abyssinian Proof and The Winter Thief are intriguing, entertaining and informative.

The Bastard of Istanbul

Elif Safak

This interesting book is part of a series written by Elif Shafak, a popular Turkish author who depicts the wonderful women of Istanbul, their coffee rituals, evil eye beads and zest for life and traditions.

There are many more Turkish novels and authors who are being translated into European languages that introduce the reader not only to the mystery that is Istanbul but to the people, their integration and their conflicts both personal and political. Istanbul is a vibrant city with shadows and light, openness and secrecy, all there for you to explore and enjoy within their pages.