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Books
Nobody escapes Spanish literature
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Bridging the Empire
You are rather international. If you had to choose to live in one country, during any time in history, where and when would you live?
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Old Istanbul of the pre-war time (i.e. before 1939). Who are your heroes?
There are a great number of heroes from history and they are not necessarily statesmen, but my unmatched great man is Mustafa Kemal: brave, wise, intelligent, dignified and honest. Which building do you most admire?
There are a great number, from every corner of the world, which are all magnificent in their historical context.
Do¤an Kuban
Maria Eliadesreveals some unexpected words of wisdom and ideals from Do#an Kuban, this year's Istanbul Book Fair Honoured Writer Do¤an Kuban is as classical as they come. The dignified Parisian-born art historian has earned numerous awards and scholarships that have rotated him around the world just to seek Turkey's rich architectural history, a passion he developed while studying Renaissance Architecture in Italy. He made a name for himself with his restoration work on Ottoman buildings like the Kalenderhane Mosque in Istanbul and the Mausoleum of Khoha Ahmad Yasawi in Kazakhstan as well as his projects in places like Izmir, Erzurum, Iznik and Sivas. His biggest fame is from his large body of writings that document and examine Ottoman Architecture. His latest, Ottoman Architecture, has been attracting attention not only due to its details on Ottoman
Favourite language?
cultural history but also owing to its comprehensive gathering of piecemeal accounts of that history. Can you open with a few of your favourite words?
Respect for life, of everything living and every human being, is my most cherished belief. The idea is from Dr. Albert Schweizer. Human dignity is related to it.
Istanbul Book Fair
84 Time Out Istanbul October 2010
Every language is a treasure of human wisdom. But I prefer English, because I use it more often and reach more information through it. How does it feel to be chosen as this year's honoured author?
I am too old to be excited. Any advice for aspiring art historians and writers?
Work hard and be honest.
010 at the Istanbul Book Fair marks the appearance of Spanish lit in the International Section. Attendees can look forward to talks and readings by writers such as Soledad Puértolas Villanueva, Julio Llamazares and Ángeles Caso, as well as a special dance fusion performance by belly dancer, Gülnihal and flamenco artist, Manuel Reina on the opening day from 17.00-18.00. Fernando Espí, the internationally award-winning guitar soloist, will play a speÁngeles Caso cial concert from 14.30-16.00 on November 2. When you're not being whisked away to Spain, check out events with local expatriate writers and transKiran Desai lators like Maureen Freely, John Freely, Jeffrey Kahrs, Mel Kenne and Derick Mattern. The fair isn't short of international bestsellers like Kiran Desai Elif fiafak (The Inheritance of Loss) and Elif fiafak, and will also have a good showing of writers from Italy and France. If all of that doesn't interest you, the reading of poems specially written by a group of Balkan writers on their way to Istanbul last year (“From the Balkans to Istanbul: A Literary Road”) should be a treat. For kids and fans, “Europe's 100 Comic Book Heroes,” an event inspired by Spain, will bring many favourite characters together for the first time. Maria Eliades 29th Istanbul Book Fair, October 30 - November 7, 11.00 – 18.00, TÜYAP Convention and Fair Center The International Pavilion, E5 Highway, Gürp›nar Exit, Büyükçekmece. (0212) 867 11 00. Free shuttles to the fair leave from Bak›rköy and Taksim between 10.00 and 16.00 every half hour. See www.istanbulbookfair.com for event details.
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Top 8 Picks: Istanbul Tanp›nar Literature Festival In its second year, the Tanp›nar Festival welcomes many international writers to locations all over Istanbul from October 30 - November 2. To make sure you don't miss out on all the action, we've combed through the events to pick out the best. Maria Eliades
workshops, and the adults can sneak off for readings with Kamfer at D&R. Don't leave the children with Joly for too long, though, or they might not want to come home.
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1. Festival Closing Party at Ghetto Want the chance to shmooze with the festival's writers and hear them DJ at one of Beyo¤lu's funky clubs for only 15 TL? This public event attracted 350 people last year and more people are expected this year. Purchase your ticket at Biletix.com in advance. 2. “Literature Coffees with Hare” at D & R in Beyo#lu and Caddebostan Coffee and books with a side of booze, a guaranteed perk -at least until the alcohol kicks in. For more Hare events, go to various Midpoint Cafés and Restaurants.
3. Arnon Grunberg and his Swiss Messiah Join the Dutch author of Tirza for a selected reading of his three-month Istanbul to Baghdad travelogue at the Niflantafl› Midpoint Café on October 30 at 15.00. 4. Novelist, Playwright and Film Director Etgar Keret The multi-talented star shows up to readings and discusses his film, Wristcutters -A Love Story. 5. Meeting Naguib Mahfouz's “spiritual child”: Gamal Gitane For all of you who thought Mahfouz was the end to Egyptian literature, meet the man he calls his literary heir. 6. You, Ç›ra#an Palace and the Turkish Minister of Culture If the chance to see this former Ottoman palace without booking a room doesn't impress you, we're not sure what will. 7. The Ahmet Hamdi Tanp›nar Symposium This main event will have talks about translating the acclaimed author and some of the author's contemporaries with their own stories to share. 8. Talks and readings with writers Fanny Joly and Ronelda Kamfer The kids are bound to love Joly's
For more dates and details, see www.istanbultanpinarliteraturefestiv al.com/en/
October 2010 Time Out ‹stanbul 85