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A review by nferre
The Assassin from Apricot City: Reportage from Turkey by Witold Szabłowski
4.0
This book is almost a series of about ten short stories which here and there intertwine uncovering a side of Turkey of which I knew nothing about. As I am
traveling to Istanbul this spring, I wanted a deeper understanding of the country and the current socio-political climate; this book delivered.
Szablowski clearly and concisely explains and exposes issues is Islam versus westernization. The culture clashes between societies who are homophobic and the g
Gay community, the ultra religious versus european non-religeous communities -- who do not always live peaceably side by side. It's a country on the verge.
It could go forward into the European community, or it could be on the verge of taking two steps backwards into the world of fundamentalism.
The title story focuses on Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who in the early 1980's attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul. The book also explores honor killings, the protests of Gezi Park and the illigal immigration which is a constant on Turkey's Aegean Coast.
All in all an insightful book and well worth the read.
traveling to Istanbul this spring, I wanted a deeper understanding of the country and the current socio-political climate; this book delivered.
Szablowski clearly and concisely explains and exposes issues is Islam versus westernization. The culture clashes between societies who are homophobic and the g
Gay community, the ultra religious versus european non-religeous communities -- who do not always live peaceably side by side. It's a country on the verge.
It could go forward into the European community, or it could be on the verge of taking two steps backwards into the world of fundamentalism.
The title story focuses on Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who in the early 1980's attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul. The book also explores honor killings, the protests of Gezi Park and the illigal immigration which is a constant on Turkey's Aegean Coast.
All in all an insightful book and well worth the read.