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Turkey

The Insane and the Melancholy
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( 431 ratings, 60 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Turkey by Ece Temelkuran delves into the political and social landscape of modern Turkey, exploring its complex history and turbulent present. The author examines the country's shift towards authoritarianism and the impact this has on its citizens and democratic institutions. Through her insightful narrative, Temelkuran provides readers with an understanding of the challenges Turkey faces on both a national and global stage.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in understanding modern geopolitics and societal changes from the perspective of a respected Turkish journalist. It offers a deep dive into the political landscape, challenges, and cultural shifts in Turkey, providing insightful commentary and personal reflections that illuminate the complexities of the region.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Starting with the basic question "what is this place?", award-winning journalist and novelist Ece Temelkuran guides us through her "beloved country". In challenging the authoritarian AKP government – for which she lost her job as a journalist – Temelkuran draws strength and wisdom from people, places and artistic expression.

The result is a beautifully rendered account of the struggles, hopes and tragedies which make Turkey what it is today. Lamenting the commercialisation and authoritarianism which increasingly characterises Turkish society, Temelkuran sees hope in the Gezi Park protests of 2013, the electoral breakthrough of the progressive HDP party in 2015, and in the simple kindness of ordinary people.

Much more than either straightforward history or memoir, Turkey: the Insane the Melancholy is like sitting with a friendly stranger who, over raki or coffee, reveals the secrets of this rich and complex country – the historic "bridge" between east and west.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ece Temelkuran's Turkey captures the nation's current socio-political landscape with a fiery intensity and an insightful, narrative-driven approach. The book delves into the polarization under Erdogan's rule, blending personal anecdotes with cultural and political analysis, while offering a poetic and intimate reflection on the country's challenges. It is praised for its passionate prose and astute observation of Turkey's authoritarian drift, making it an essential read for those interested in understanding its tumultuous journey.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780755649730

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: I.B. Tauris

Illustration: 27 bw illus

Contributors:

  • Translated by Zeynep Beler

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 400g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Ece Temelkuran is one of Turkey’s best-known authors and political commentators. She was previously a columnist for the Habertürk newspaper, before her outspoken criticism of government repression led to her losing her job. Her previous books in English include Deep Mountain: Across the Turkish–Armenian Divide (2010) and the poetry collection Book of the Edge (2010). Ece has lived in Tunisia, Lebanon, Paris and Oxford to write her novels, which are published in several languages, and now divides her time between Istanbul and Zagreb.

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