I Have Cola in My Cup (Book)

Cola in My Cup is an essay collection by Turkish academic and writer Prof. Dr. Sadettin Ökten. Published in 2014 by Tuti Kitap, the work examines Türkiye’s cultural transformation and the loss of values during its modernization process through the metaphors of coffee and cola. The book invites readers to reflect on a civilization spanning from the past to the present.

The book contrasts coffee, a symbol of traditional Turkish culture, with cola, a symbol of modernization and Western influence, to analyze the societal transformation underway. Ökten interprets the shift in the cup’s contents—from coffee being replaced by cola—as the substitution of cultural values with foreign elements. Within this framework, the central question “What were we, and what are we becoming?” underpins the discussion of changes in the societal value system and their impact on the individual.

• Cultural Transformation: How traditional values evolve during modernization and the societal effects of this change.
• Conception of Civilization: How a society’s understanding of civilization reflects in individuals’ lifestyles and value judgments.
• Modernization and Alienation: How modernization under Western influence leads individuals to distance themselves from their own cultural heritage.

The work consists of 232 pages and is composed of short essays grouped under 57 headings. Each essay addresses a specific topic, offering readers an opportunity for deep reflection. The author employs a simple and accessible language, supporting academic insights with examples from everyday life. Additionally, proper names and concepts mentioned in the book are accompanied by brief explanations in the margins, giving the work the character of a miniature encyclopedia.

Upon its release, Cola in My Cup attracted attention from readers and critics alike. The book has been the subject of various evaluations for its exploration of preserving cultural values and addressing social issues arising from modernization. It has been cited as a reference in discussions concerning the cultivation of cultural awareness among younger generations.