Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum
General Topics => Books => Topic started by: Carpete on May 10, 2009, 12:34:07 PM
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I have read "Portrait of a Turkish Family" by Irfan Orga 3 times now. Its a very moving account of a family and their lives from before, during and after Ataturk and 1923 and I highly recommend it. Also on a more political note then Ataturk, Rebirth of a Nation by Patrick Kinross is also brilliant. :)
Carpete.
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Hi Carpete - I have read both of those and thoroughly enjoyed them. The Portrait of a turkish Family - I found a beautiful read - very enjoyable, and like you have reread it. I had to be in the right mood for Kinross's book - I don't do politics easily - but if you have the patience, it is exceptionally good !!!
Tales from the Expat Harem I found really interesting and enlightening - different stories from foreign women trying to settle in Turkey - and also, by Jeremy Seal - A Fez of the Heart - travels around Turkey in search of a Hat ! very original and well written.
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Hi Pookie,
the "Portrait" really bought home to me how much the changes in Turkey in the early part of the 1900's affected families and also explained some of the social history and cultural differences which still exists in much of Turkey today. It was also very moving and I cried at times! The fact the family were originally very comfortably off, made it even more difficult for them. The struggle to survive, going from wealth to poverty so quickly and the extreme losses they suffered, the affect long term of the young mother, a very special insight into both courage and despair I think. And a comfortable "read". Kinross, yes, I agree, very good but I did read it in "small doses" too! But well worth the time and for anyone interested in the battles of Gallipolli especially, then very interesting I thought. And of course huge insight into Ataturk and his mindset and vision. I will try to get both of those you refer too to bring out as I have exhausted my store currently!
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Carpete where can i get a copy of this book
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Puma - got mine from Amazon.co.uk
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Thanks for the recommendations chaps. I'm currently reading 'Birds without wings' but I'm still undecided on whether I like it or not. It's loosely based on the story of Kayakoy. I think KKOB has read it so perhaps he may be able to give his review.
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It's "very loosely" based on Kaya Koy. It's a good, easy read, with lots of short chapters. Historically interesting. However, if you're expecting to be able to come to the valley and easily identify any particular landmarks mentioned in the book, you'll be disappointed I'm afraid.
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totally agree with KKOB - I loved the book and have read it a couple of times now - its an easy read and well written - but you would be hard pushed to recognise the location as Kaya Koy.
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Yes, Amazon for both books mentioned above. I didn't enjoy Birds without Wings, its left me with very mixed feeling and I was glad to get to the end and put it to one side! Some parts were ok but I found it a very uneasy book emotionally. Each to their own!
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Not a book but an interesting article by Jeremy Seal in the Times about Kaya Koy here...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/turkey/article6249994.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=1491494
His book on Turkey "A Fez of the Heart" is very good too.
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Does anyone have a portrait of a Turkish family who would not mind lending it to me to read? :) im in the calis area!!
cheers in advance:D
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I have read " Ataturk Rebirth of a Nation" and "Birds Without Wings" and enjoyed them both. I would like to read "Portrait of a Turkish Family" but cannot find a copy out here.
I struggle to find books printed in the English language out here now so have started reading the internet books. Anyone else doing this who would recommend anything?