The book Writers on Istanbul, compiled by journalist and writer Neşe Mesutoğlu, explores Istanbul’s cultural, historical, social, and architectural fabric through interviews with twelve intellectuals, writers, historians, artists, and academics. The work brings together diverse perspectives on the city to present its structure to the reader.
The book consists of twelve interviews with individuals offering views on Istanbul’s past, present, and future. These interviews encompass not only literary and artistic circles but also insights from history, sociology, architecture, and photography. The main themes and guests are as follows:
- History and Civilization: İlber Ortaylı (The World’s Oldest Metropolis), Semavi Eyice (A City Shaped by Sieges).
- Literature and Inspiration: Ahmet Ümit (Istanbul Is a City Beyond the Sea: Generous and Deceptive), Buket Uzuner (Istanbul Is Rome’s Twin Sister).
- Culture and Art: Sunay Akın (Haydarpaşa Station Holds Anatolia in Its Hands), Muazzez İlmiye Çığ (They Called Us “Provincials”).
- The City and the Art of Living: Ara Güler (My Beloved Istanbul Is Its Symbol!), Hıfzı Topuz (Films Reached Cinema Two Years Late).
- Social and Architectural Inquiry: Emre Kongar (Istanbul Must Be Turned Into a Diamond), Çetin Altan (It Is Important to Be Worthy of Istanbul!).
- Food and Flavor: Aydın Boysan (Children Knew How to Catch Fish), Artun Ünsal (Hosting a Feast Was an Act of Display).
Writers on Istanbul does not examine the city from a single perspective but through the personal memories, expert knowledge, and visions of twelve individuals across different disciplines. The central subject of the book is Istanbul’s identity.
This identity is explored through the following key areas:
- Historical Depth: The city’s ancient past is examined through Semavi Eyice’s narrative beginning in prehistory and İlber Ortaylı’s analysis of historical events.
- Cultural and Artistic Identity: Buket Uzuner and Ahmet Ümit portray the city as a muse, while Hıfzı Topuz’s testimonies about the artistic milieu reveal the connections between figures such as Nâzım Hikmet and Bedri Rahmi and Istanbul.
- Concrete Heritage and Culture: Ara Güler’s photographic lens captures the city’s visual symbols; Aydın Boysan’s architectural reflections and Artun Ünsal’s focus on flavors bring to life Istanbul’s tangible heritage and culture.
The primary aim of the book is to convey to the reader the personal experiences of these individuals and their unique bonds with Istanbul, each an authority in their own field. In doing so, it emphasizes that Istanbul is more than a geographical location—it is a “character” that leaves traces in every individual. The book examines Istanbul through various themes: its historical and architectural journey, its role as a source of artistic inspiration, and its daily cultural life—particularly its flavors and the art of living.
The book invites readers to discover Istanbul not through memorized facts but through the personal narratives and interpretations of twelve thinkers. The memories and foresights of these individuals from different generations converge to present both Istanbul’s ancient past and its visions for the future.
Shaped by journalist Neşe Mesutoğlu’s interviews, the book adopts a personal style.
- Conversational (Interview) Style: The book’s structure is built around Mesutoğlu’s questions and the guests’ responses, resulting in an intimate, conversational tone rather than formal academic language.
- Personal and Biographical Touch: While discussing their areas of expertise, the guests relate their insights through personal connections and memories tied to Istanbul.
- Multivocality: The gathering of twelve distinct experts creates a pluralistic perspective. Each section is shaped by the guest’s unique voice and professional background, making the book a dynamic and non-monotonous reading experience.
