Looking for suggestions of reading material on Turkey. I would like fiction or otherwise to read before I go or to take with me. Other countries like Ireland have so many books suitable but I am having difficulty with Turkey.

Katherine, <BR> <BR>While in Turkey a couple of months ago I read "Hailide's Gift" by Frances Kazan. It was a wonderful story of the fall of the Otoman Empire and the modern revoloution in Turkey. What's best is that you can visit the places in Istanbul where the novel, based on much historical fact, takes place. I'm sure it's available on Amazon or B&N.com. <BR> <BR>Also, I would reccomend that you read any of the many biographys of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. In Turkey, everywhere you turn you will see a banner or picture of Ataturk. Turkish people are extremly proud of Ataturk and until I returned and read a biography of him I did not know why everywhere you look in Turkey you see the face of Ataturk. He was truly a very facinating man and like all men of power and influence had his many strong and weak points. I read "Ataturk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey" by Andrew Mango and found it very good but I'm sure there are many others. If you meet any male children in Turkey, chances are about 50% that his name is Mustafa... after Ataturk. Read the book and get a real feeling for how modern Turkey has evoloved. It will really give you a leg up if you have a chance to chat with any Turks about their history; of which they are very proud. <BR> <BR>Have a great time. It's nice to see someone like myself that likes to read while "in country". It so enriches the experience.

I hiked through northeastern turkey. I would rent "the color of Paradise". It is filmed in Iran but the landscape is identical to the catchcar (sp big time) mountains. <BR> <BR>I am not going to give you recommendations but I do want to tell you to look for 1 historical, 1 art and 1 social study book. Sorry I cannot suggest title. There is just such a rich history it is hard to digest as you will see on your visit. But art/history/society kinda of all reflect each other so it will help you to read what is in front of you. Getting some info before hand will put things into context as you wander. I did this for Egypt and found that it really enriched my trip. Amazon is so helpful for this. I would also pick a major museum in Ankaara (capital)(sp) see if they have a website and what books they suggest. Good luck <BR>

I read Norwich's "A Short History of the Byzantine Empire" two years ago and that inspired me to plan a trip to Turkey, although I later cancelled the trip due to a change in schedule.

I enjoyed "Harem: The World Behind the Veil", by Crotier Alev Lytle - a history of Turkish harem life.

Try Mary Lee Settle's book "Turkish Reflections"; it's a travelogue-type book by an American woman who lived there in the 70's. I liked it, I didn't love it. She also wrote a fictional book called "Blood Tie", which takes place in a coastal town on Turkey. It was probably written around the time she lived there, and does have a dated quality to the story; nonetheless, it's an interesting read. <BR>And I haven't read it yet, but many people have suggested Jeremy Seal's "A fez of the Heart".