What do you think?
Rate this book
Turkish Awakening
Born in London to a Turkish mother and British father, Alev Scott moved to Istanbul to discover what it means to be Turkish in a country going through rapid political and social change, with an extraordinary past still linked to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and an ever more surprising present under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
From the European buzz of modern-day Constantinople to the Arabic-speaking towns of the south-east, Turkish Awakening investigates mass migration, urbanisation and economics in a country moving swiftly towards a new position on the world stage.
This is the story of discovering a complex country from the outside-in, a candid account of overturned preconceptions and fresh understanding. Relating wide-ranging interviews and colourful personal experience, the author charts the evolving course of a country bursting with surprises - none more dramatic than the unexpected political protests of 2013 in Taksim Square, which have brought to light the emerging demands of a newly awakened Turkish people. Mass migration, urbanisation and a growing awareness of human rights have changed the social, economic and physical landscapes of a powerful country, and the 2013 protests were just one indication of the changes afoot in today's Turkey. Threatened as it is by recent developments in Syria and Iraq and the approaching danger of ISIS.
Encompassing topics as varied as Aegean camel wrestling, transgender prostitution, politicised soap operas and riot tourism, this is a revelatory, at times humorous, at times moving, portrait of a country which is coming of age.
From the European buzz of modern-day Constantinople to the Arabic-speaking towns of the south-east, Turkish Awakening investigates mass migration, urbanisation and economics in a country moving swiftly towards a new position on the world stage.
This is the story of discovering a complex country from the outside-in, a candid account of overturned preconceptions and fresh understanding. Relating wide-ranging interviews and colourful personal experience, the author charts the evolving course of a country bursting with surprises - none more dramatic than the unexpected political protests of 2013 in Taksim Square, which have brought to light the emerging demands of a newly awakened Turkish people. Mass migration, urbanisation and a growing awareness of human rights have changed the social, economic and physical landscapes of a powerful country, and the 2013 protests were just one indication of the changes afoot in today's Turkey. Threatened as it is by recent developments in Syria and Iraq and the approaching danger of ISIS.
Encompassing topics as varied as Aegean camel wrestling, transgender prostitution, politicised soap operas and riot tourism, this is a revelatory, at times humorous, at times moving, portrait of a country which is coming of age.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2014
28 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Alev Scott
6 books47 followersAlev Scott (born 1987) is a British-Turkish author, journalist, and cultural commentator. She is best known for her explorations of Turkish identity, Ottoman history, and modern sociopolitical issues in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 1, 2023
3.5*
This is a light book for a reader who doesn't know much about Turkey. Alev Scott is half British and half Turkish Cypriot and she moved to Turkey after her university studies to get to know her Turkish heritage better. The book is full of comparisons with Britain, a lot of generalisations and judgments, which made for easy reading and the author tried to use the Gezi Park protest as a reference point to weave together all the different topics addressed (e.g. education, over-development, business, prostitution...). From a political perspective, this book didn't predict well what would happen (Erdogan is still in power almost ten years later) and it felt a bit too simplistic. The Turkey she shows us is that of modern Istanbul and can hardly represent rural Turkey. She is quite biased and doesn't present the whole picture. Even though it was very easy to read this book, I wish it had been a bit more structured (I'm left with a bunch of random information). The author has been barred from entering Turkey two years after this book was published. I might read her second book.
This is a light book for a reader who doesn't know much about Turkey. Alev Scott is half British and half Turkish Cypriot and she moved to Turkey after her university studies to get to know her Turkish heritage better. The book is full of comparisons with Britain, a lot of generalisations and judgments, which made for easy reading and the author tried to use the Gezi Park protest as a reference point to weave together all the different topics addressed (e.g. education, over-development, business, prostitution...). From a political perspective, this book didn't predict well what would happen (Erdogan is still in power almost ten years later) and it felt a bit too simplistic. The Turkey she shows us is that of modern Istanbul and can hardly represent rural Turkey. She is quite biased and doesn't present the whole picture. Even though it was very easy to read this book, I wish it had been a bit more structured (I'm left with a bunch of random information). The author has been barred from entering Turkey two years after this book was published. I might read her second book.
March 30, 2017
This book has really gone in deep to the Turkish lifestyle and political system. Alev Scott has written a wonderful piece including music, TV dramas, the education system and various points on how Turkey differs from England. She has gone into the political scene with a bit of an objective view then turned subjective as she has experienced the Gezi Park herself. The book has resonated with me on a different level as I am Turkish but also a double citizen and have experienced both sides of the spectrum England and Turkey. Scott has really managed to not leave anything out and make valid comparisons between the two and created a beautifully written novel.
June 3, 2015
الكاتبة بريطانية لكن أمها تركية، عادت لتركيا لكي تعمل هناك مؤقتاً كمدرسة للأدب الإنجليزي في احدى جامعات اسطمبول. الكتاب لطيف ولكنه لم يأتي بأي جديد. كل ما كتبته المؤلفة سبق أن كتبه آخرون. أسلوبها لطيف وقصصي، وحاولت أت تغطي قطاعات مختلفة من الحياة التركية مثل الاقتصاد والسياسة والأقليات وأحداث حديقة جيزي 2013.
خلاصة الكتاب هي أن : تركيا بلد معقد للغاية، ينتظره مستقبل حاسم.
March 14, 2014
interesting book looking at the author discovering modern turkey through her travels and conversations and her own Turkish heritage as turkey can be many things to different people
July 22, 2019
As a tourist to Turkey this summer, I didn’t have a great opportunity to engage in many deep conversations with Turks much as I tried.
But Turks were pretty open about their dissatisfaction with their current national leader and his government.
In this book, Alev Scott helps me understand why.
But she does much more to give me the “head space” that animates Turks today.
She helps me understand Turks feelings about what membership in the EU would mean to Turks, who are the rich and who are the poor, and where does religious observance fit into their lives.
Again, I’m sorry to say, I have a few minor quibbles. Scott castigates the Turkish as a nation of copiers, and on the one hand I completely agree. I purchased a ripoff suitcase at a bazaar that lasted not even one day of minor flights by Turkish Airlines before two of the three handles broke off and the wheels stopped working.
However, Scott complains that Turks have not designed a new car since the 1980’s. That may be, but my own home country, Canada, is in a similar boat, as are about 100 other countries. Car and cellphone manufacturing is dominated by industrial giants. It’s no great shame nor surprise that a developing country like Turkey doesn’t do it. But times could change.
I also found Scott sometimes using an amateur psychologizing as a shorthand to explain things she doesn’t want to spend time understanding.
But Turks were pretty open about their dissatisfaction with their current national leader and his government.
In this book, Alev Scott helps me understand why.
But she does much more to give me the “head space” that animates Turks today.
She helps me understand Turks feelings about what membership in the EU would mean to Turks, who are the rich and who are the poor, and where does religious observance fit into their lives.
Again, I’m sorry to say, I have a few minor quibbles. Scott castigates the Turkish as a nation of copiers, and on the one hand I completely agree. I purchased a ripoff suitcase at a bazaar that lasted not even one day of minor flights by Turkish Airlines before two of the three handles broke off and the wheels stopped working.
However, Scott complains that Turks have not designed a new car since the 1980’s. That may be, but my own home country, Canada, is in a similar boat, as are about 100 other countries. Car and cellphone manufacturing is dominated by industrial giants. It’s no great shame nor surprise that a developing country like Turkey doesn’t do it. But times could change.
I also found Scott sometimes using an amateur psychologizing as a shorthand to explain things she doesn’t want to spend time understanding.
January 2, 2019
Turkey is one of my dream travel destination but I must be honest that my intention is purely romanticized by the story of its beauty; the land, the people, the culture, the architecture, the food, the leadership and other touristy templates and scripts we wanderlusters hear about. I try to find a way to justify my innate admiration over Turkey, hence this book.
I did not expect to read a personal narrative that is very much opposed to what I originally thought of Turkey. I don't disagree 100% with the author however I can safely conclude that we belong to the opposite camp of thoughts.
This has been a refreshing take on the political and cultural in Turkey and I very much enjoyed it.
I did not expect to read a personal narrative that is very much opposed to what I originally thought of Turkey. I don't disagree 100% with the author however I can safely conclude that we belong to the opposite camp of thoughts.
This has been a refreshing take on the political and cultural in Turkey and I very much enjoyed it.
June 11, 2019
Fine for what it is, which is essentially an extended Lonely Planet introduction for newcomers, but sadly devoid of people and places.
May 10, 2023
Alev Scott is a young female Brit whose mother has Turkish Cypriot roots and in this great study of modern turkey she relocates to Istanbul and immerses herself as much as possible in Turkish society Long time leader Erdogan, has done a lot to change Turkey in the past couple of decades in which he has held power. Some of it has gone down well but there has also been a great deal of controversy. At present, Turkish politics is in the headlines as Turks go to the polls to vote in a general election and it is predicted to be very close with Erdogan’s long reign very much under threat.
The book detail s a lot of the change and how on the one hand Turkish life is so radically different from the London Scott grew up in but on the other hand how Westernised and modern this bridge state between Europe and Asia is. We look at not just the political angle but also the social angle and the role of women in Turkish society, the religious aspect of life here and also more peculiar idiosyncrasies of Turkey.
It surprised me to learn how Erdogan, who stands on the political right has re-invigored Islamic values in Turkey, contrasting with the post-Ataturk secular legacy that has really been bringing Turkey much closer to Europe over the past century. This was one of the main aims of the great Kemal Ataturk’s legacy for his beloved nation. Turkish accession to the EU is, however, still on the brink, and no closer to happening with the modern politicians tending to look for other options and a closer relationship with the Middle East and Islamic World seems to be quite appetising, not forgetting ties with the controversial Russia who use Turkish tourism and finance significantly the Turkish economy. Headscarves have been allowed back in public spaces, including universities and schools and on the whole, the public are utilising the opportunity to visually demonstrate their devotion and integrating well with those remaining Turks who stick to the secular traditions.
The Gezi Park protests that filled international news programmes are covered in detail and it is quite bizarre how such a minor incident got totally out of control and the brutal response from the government seemed quite dangerously totalitarian and scarily undemocratic with police looking quite nasty lot. I’m sure that Gezi Park will still feature heavily in the minds of voters in the forthcoming elections.
The economy is addressed and I enjoyed hearing about the cultural importance of the Turkish barber as there are many Turkish barbers in the local Welsh village where I live and I think that they are great social places and friendly and I can see why they are so highly regarded in Turkey proper. Some of the wealthy Turkish business leaders seem very extravagant and overall it seems as though business in Turkey is quite thriving although perhaps slightly different compared with business in other large states such as London or New York where a more brazen form of capitalism exists.
We look at not just life in the big city of Istanbul but also venture out to the provinces and hear about the Kurdish issue. It seems as though the future of the Armenian and Kurdish issues seems to be a bit more closer to a peaceful resolution with new generations feeling less aggrieved by historical incidents and more keenly identifying as Turks However, there is still marginalisation and tensions.. Rural life is a lot more conservative and traditional and there is a difference yet it isn’t so radically strange which pleasantly surprises the author. I lied hearing about the local vegetable sellers, challenging the supermarkets with their neighbourhood market square one man stalls, totally supported by elderly housewives and a cornerstone of the suburban communities.
We venture into the bizarre with some cultural treasures such as camel wrestling, take a look at the mobs of passionate Turkish football fans, explore transsexual prostitution in Istanbul, the dangers of the PKK and Islamic State and war in Syria and also the move towards Islam playing a more integral and open part of society.
Turkey maintains an exotic appeal to Westerners and I identify this in this exploration of Turkish culture. It is a powerful nation set in a critical geographical junction between East and West. Perhaps Ataturk would be disappointed to learn of the move away from his secular state but I don’t think that this is a problem and it could make Turkey appeal even more to foreigners and help them develop and grow their still relatively young nation. The author does well in giving a good analysis of what it is to be a Turk and to cross-examine the culture , politics and economy of a wonderful and interesting place.
The book detail s a lot of the change and how on the one hand Turkish life is so radically different from the London Scott grew up in but on the other hand how Westernised and modern this bridge state between Europe and Asia is. We look at not just the political angle but also the social angle and the role of women in Turkish society, the religious aspect of life here and also more peculiar idiosyncrasies of Turkey.
It surprised me to learn how Erdogan, who stands on the political right has re-invigored Islamic values in Turkey, contrasting with the post-Ataturk secular legacy that has really been bringing Turkey much closer to Europe over the past century. This was one of the main aims of the great Kemal Ataturk’s legacy for his beloved nation. Turkish accession to the EU is, however, still on the brink, and no closer to happening with the modern politicians tending to look for other options and a closer relationship with the Middle East and Islamic World seems to be quite appetising, not forgetting ties with the controversial Russia who use Turkish tourism and finance significantly the Turkish economy. Headscarves have been allowed back in public spaces, including universities and schools and on the whole, the public are utilising the opportunity to visually demonstrate their devotion and integrating well with those remaining Turks who stick to the secular traditions.
The Gezi Park protests that filled international news programmes are covered in detail and it is quite bizarre how such a minor incident got totally out of control and the brutal response from the government seemed quite dangerously totalitarian and scarily undemocratic with police looking quite nasty lot. I’m sure that Gezi Park will still feature heavily in the minds of voters in the forthcoming elections.
The economy is addressed and I enjoyed hearing about the cultural importance of the Turkish barber as there are many Turkish barbers in the local Welsh village where I live and I think that they are great social places and friendly and I can see why they are so highly regarded in Turkey proper. Some of the wealthy Turkish business leaders seem very extravagant and overall it seems as though business in Turkey is quite thriving although perhaps slightly different compared with business in other large states such as London or New York where a more brazen form of capitalism exists.
We look at not just life in the big city of Istanbul but also venture out to the provinces and hear about the Kurdish issue. It seems as though the future of the Armenian and Kurdish issues seems to be a bit more closer to a peaceful resolution with new generations feeling less aggrieved by historical incidents and more keenly identifying as Turks However, there is still marginalisation and tensions.. Rural life is a lot more conservative and traditional and there is a difference yet it isn’t so radically strange which pleasantly surprises the author. I lied hearing about the local vegetable sellers, challenging the supermarkets with their neighbourhood market square one man stalls, totally supported by elderly housewives and a cornerstone of the suburban communities.
We venture into the bizarre with some cultural treasures such as camel wrestling, take a look at the mobs of passionate Turkish football fans, explore transsexual prostitution in Istanbul, the dangers of the PKK and Islamic State and war in Syria and also the move towards Islam playing a more integral and open part of society.
Turkey maintains an exotic appeal to Westerners and I identify this in this exploration of Turkish culture. It is a powerful nation set in a critical geographical junction between East and West. Perhaps Ataturk would be disappointed to learn of the move away from his secular state but I don’t think that this is a problem and it could make Turkey appeal even more to foreigners and help them develop and grow their still relatively young nation. The author does well in giving a good analysis of what it is to be a Turk and to cross-examine the culture , politics and economy of a wonderful and interesting place.
September 25, 2017
Not a bad book, but I already knew most if not all of what she had written about. I do not recommend this book for anyone that has already read a few books on the topic or who has been to Turkey many times, but it serves, however, as a quick introduction to Turkey.
One point to consider about the author's writing style, she covers the topics rather hurriedly. This can be either good or bad depending on your preference. I wish, however, that she had delved a little bit deeper into certain topics.
So this is my sole criticism when it comes to her writing style. Sometimes she would start a chapter about A and then linger a few pages about B, then about C to finally return to her main point.
In the end I wasn't sure how many stars to give. 2 or 3. I went for 2, which might seem like a harsh rating but to the contrary to what the rating may suggest it was not a boring read, considering that I never finish other books which I do not find amusing. Furthermore I would consider reading another book of this author.
Conclusion: a good book for people with little to no knowledge of the country. It covers most of Turkey's recent history and it gives many insights.
One point to consider about the author's writing style, she covers the topics rather hurriedly. This can be either good or bad depending on your preference. I wish, however, that she had delved a little bit deeper into certain topics.
So this is my sole criticism when it comes to her writing style. Sometimes she would start a chapter about A and then linger a few pages about B, then about C to finally return to her main point.
In the end I wasn't sure how many stars to give. 2 or 3. I went for 2, which might seem like a harsh rating but to the contrary to what the rating may suggest it was not a boring read, considering that I never finish other books which I do not find amusing. Furthermore I would consider reading another book of this author.
Conclusion: a good book for people with little to no knowledge of the country. It covers most of Turkey's recent history and it gives many insights.
May 7, 2019
Fascinating read by a British-Turkish expat on developments in Turkey over the last several years that is almost a cautionary tale on where America may be headed if we are not careful.
When I lived in Istanbul in the 90s, talk of a “Deep State” was not uncommon, but now conspiracy theories have gotten so rampant that Turks aren’t sure what to believe.
Conversations of the prime minister (now president) caught on tape talking about bribes and other illegal schemes are not believed by his supporters despite the convincing physical evidence.
Ordinary citizens protesting things as simple as the government plan to develop a cherished public park are branded as “terrorists”.
The government has legal access to your social media history and can ban any site at any time without going to court. The country has more journalists imprisoned than any other country in the world.
She ends her book with a note of hope however, which I am hopeful will also be the case in the US. An energetic generation of young people of Turkey will soon come of age and move past the last century stilted by doctrinaire Kemalists and overbearing and corrupt AKP officials.
When I lived in Istanbul in the 90s, talk of a “Deep State” was not uncommon, but now conspiracy theories have gotten so rampant that Turks aren’t sure what to believe.
Conversations of the prime minister (now president) caught on tape talking about bribes and other illegal schemes are not believed by his supporters despite the convincing physical evidence.
Ordinary citizens protesting things as simple as the government plan to develop a cherished public park are branded as “terrorists”.
The government has legal access to your social media history and can ban any site at any time without going to court. The country has more journalists imprisoned than any other country in the world.
She ends her book with a note of hope however, which I am hopeful will also be the case in the US. An energetic generation of young people of Turkey will soon come of age and move past the last century stilted by doctrinaire Kemalists and overbearing and corrupt AKP officials.
June 1, 2022
I am half English/Turkish, born and raised in England - just like the author. I thought she would have a great perspective on things that would make sense to me or provide things of value, I was more right than I hoped.
Alev does a great job of exploring Turkish culture from the eyes of a Westerner to help them see how their norms differ, and some of the hilarity that comes from these cultural asymmetries. Moreover she manages to present various facets of Turkey that are of value to the Turkish people, such as some of the spirit of the Gezi par protests and the powerhouse that is Turkish tv dramas.
Super glad I read this book and it has probably done the most in helping me understand some of the culture here and motivate myself to speak to taxi drivers more freely and ask them questions to keep learning.
Alev does a great job of exploring Turkish culture from the eyes of a Westerner to help them see how their norms differ, and some of the hilarity that comes from these cultural asymmetries. Moreover she manages to present various facets of Turkey that are of value to the Turkish people, such as some of the spirit of the Gezi par protests and the powerhouse that is Turkish tv dramas.
Super glad I read this book and it has probably done the most in helping me understand some of the culture here and motivate myself to speak to taxi drivers more freely and ask them questions to keep learning.
September 16, 2017
I read this in Turkey, wanting to understand the country, but without having to read a heavy historical or political non-fiction tome, which I am not good at! This was ideal, a social exploration of Turkey, based around the Gezi park protests. Chapters covered all sorts - gender and sexual politics, media, the rise of Erdogan - which I am quite fascinated by, the Turks' nationalistic pride, - all from the perspective of a British born woman, born to Turkish parents, who decides to go and experience life in all of its East/West contradictions, there for herself. Her style was highly readable, funny at times and, for me, the ideal way of learning through personal experiences and anecdotes.
February 7, 2018
In this wonderfully written book on modern Turkey, Alev Scott introduces the audience to a rapidly changing nation caught at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East. The book was written before the major overhaul of the governance system after the July 2016 'coup' that has led to a significant change in Turkish body-politic. However, the book still holds its own when dealing with non-political topics.
August 31, 2017
It is great to read interesting topics of Turkey from a British born Turkish journalist.Even she aimed to stay objective on most of the topics due to her short time spent in community she could not managed this.Anyway I hope more people follow Alev Scoutt and let us to have different perspectives on constructive interpretion.
May 20, 2021
A fun introduction to Turkish politics, personal identity and travel.
September 9, 2023
2,5 estrelles, l’autora parla tot el rato de la seva opinió i no era el que buscava/pensava
February 8, 2024
Very informative.
March 28, 2025
What an interesting time to read this book. It progressively grew on me and got more interesting, the less superficial the study and analysis became.
November 12, 2016
re-read - just as enjoyable
4* I liked it
4* I liked it
September 13, 2016
In her introduction, Alev Scott states that Turkish Awakening is as much about her personal discovery of the land of her mother’s birth as it is an exploration of contemporary Turkish life and politics, and she is true to her word. She skilfully combines personal insights with an objective gaze to focus on a confusing and often contradictory culture, teasing out a much fuller picture of Turkey than is usually offered. As a result Scott goes beyond the overused East meets West paradigm usually applied to writing about Turkey, to try to unravel the complex relationship between modernity and religion which is so much a feature of daily life in Istanbul.
I particularly liked her chapter titled ‘Conversations with Taxi Drivers’. As a long term resident of the city, with reasonable Turkish, I’ve come to know that if you want the low down of what’s going on, your local taxi driver is a great source of information. Scott goes well beyond what I’ve ever managed to find out, and reveals some surprising facts about Istanbul and its inhabitants.
From this first chapter she goes on to detail the ‘village in the city’ nature of many Istanbul neighbourhoods. Most surprising is the way prostitution and transgender inhabitants coexist, albeit sometimes uneasily, alongside their devout Muslim neighbours who have relocated from the country. She goes on to explore the influence of popular soap operas featuring the new rich, living in ostentatiously flashy homes most Turks can only dream of, and the way these surreal stories have brought Arab tourists to Turkey in search of their new heroes and heroines.
She even writes about her experiences teaching in a highly regarded government university. Through her experience, we see how the respect with which teachers are regarded in Turkey clashes with low salaries, a serious lack of resources and students whose primary aim in learning is to know only the answers to the exam questions and nothing more. Indepth academic research is shunned in favour of multiple choice based exams, and excellence for its own sake has become a sad remnant of a distant past.
The book is rounded out by looking at Turkey’s changing relationship with the EU, no longer seen as a positive aspiration, and the rise and rise of the ruling Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi (AKP – Party for Justice and Progress). Having initially been seen as a praiseworthy example of moderate Islam, Scott reveals how the AKP is now seen as the harbinger of a darker future facing Turkey.
Many of her observations were made against the backdrop of the 2013 Gezi Park protests. During that summer Istanbul, Ankara, Eskisehir and numerous other Turkish cities saw extraordinary displays of public unity against what many saw as an increasingly Draconian government. Scott captures the vitality and hope of those days brilliantly, but her perspective is very much coloured by being in that particular moment. Consequently the book ends on a high which could be misleading to readers unaware of more recent Turkish history. Granted, Scott does offer some analysis of events from the perspectives of supporters of Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish republic, as well as those who continue to support the AKP. However I suspect she might offer a significantly different take on events were she to rewrite the final chapter now.
Nonetheless this is a seriously good read which will see you turning the pages non-stop until you reach the end. Scott gives us fascinating glimpses into her personal experiences in Istanbul and Turkey, breathing fresh life into modern history so that we live and feel it as we read. Turkish Awakening A Personal Discovery of Modern Turkey is one of the most engaging histories of contemporary life in Turkey I have read for a long time. I highly recommend it.
I particularly liked her chapter titled ‘Conversations with Taxi Drivers’. As a long term resident of the city, with reasonable Turkish, I’ve come to know that if you want the low down of what’s going on, your local taxi driver is a great source of information. Scott goes well beyond what I’ve ever managed to find out, and reveals some surprising facts about Istanbul and its inhabitants.
From this first chapter she goes on to detail the ‘village in the city’ nature of many Istanbul neighbourhoods. Most surprising is the way prostitution and transgender inhabitants coexist, albeit sometimes uneasily, alongside their devout Muslim neighbours who have relocated from the country. She goes on to explore the influence of popular soap operas featuring the new rich, living in ostentatiously flashy homes most Turks can only dream of, and the way these surreal stories have brought Arab tourists to Turkey in search of their new heroes and heroines.
She even writes about her experiences teaching in a highly regarded government university. Through her experience, we see how the respect with which teachers are regarded in Turkey clashes with low salaries, a serious lack of resources and students whose primary aim in learning is to know only the answers to the exam questions and nothing more. Indepth academic research is shunned in favour of multiple choice based exams, and excellence for its own sake has become a sad remnant of a distant past.
The book is rounded out by looking at Turkey’s changing relationship with the EU, no longer seen as a positive aspiration, and the rise and rise of the ruling Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi (AKP – Party for Justice and Progress). Having initially been seen as a praiseworthy example of moderate Islam, Scott reveals how the AKP is now seen as the harbinger of a darker future facing Turkey.
Many of her observations were made against the backdrop of the 2013 Gezi Park protests. During that summer Istanbul, Ankara, Eskisehir and numerous other Turkish cities saw extraordinary displays of public unity against what many saw as an increasingly Draconian government. Scott captures the vitality and hope of those days brilliantly, but her perspective is very much coloured by being in that particular moment. Consequently the book ends on a high which could be misleading to readers unaware of more recent Turkish history. Granted, Scott does offer some analysis of events from the perspectives of supporters of Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish republic, as well as those who continue to support the AKP. However I suspect she might offer a significantly different take on events were she to rewrite the final chapter now.
Nonetheless this is a seriously good read which will see you turning the pages non-stop until you reach the end. Scott gives us fascinating glimpses into her personal experiences in Istanbul and Turkey, breathing fresh life into modern history so that we live and feel it as we read. Turkish Awakening A Personal Discovery of Modern Turkey is one of the most engaging histories of contemporary life in Turkey I have read for a long time. I highly recommend it.
November 14, 2015
I have to admit I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book.
The author demonstrated great talent in the writing and wide knowledge of the subject.
As mentioned by the author, the book is not actually a book on politics although politics and some history is also discussed throughout the book but within a social context.
The book actually reflects the social nature of the Republic of Turkey with it's various diversities and recent developments.
A great number of subjects were covered including verbal and body language , religion and female issues to ethnic and religious relations with questions of identity , business and money, urbanisation and the environment, media and education, relationship with Europe, finally reaching the scene of the gezi park demonstrations in the summer of 2013 in which the author was an actual real life witness as one of the people ending the book with a fair assessment of the Turkish political scene with it's main parties and leaders.
There are numerous real life experiences in this book shared by the author along with some interesting comparisons with British viewpoints in some aspects discussed.
I would like to thank the author for this exciting book which I believe she wrote with great passion and love of the society and people of Turkey.
The author demonstrated great talent in the writing and wide knowledge of the subject.
As mentioned by the author, the book is not actually a book on politics although politics and some history is also discussed throughout the book but within a social context.
The book actually reflects the social nature of the Republic of Turkey with it's various diversities and recent developments.
A great number of subjects were covered including verbal and body language , religion and female issues to ethnic and religious relations with questions of identity , business and money, urbanisation and the environment, media and education, relationship with Europe, finally reaching the scene of the gezi park demonstrations in the summer of 2013 in which the author was an actual real life witness as one of the people ending the book with a fair assessment of the Turkish political scene with it's main parties and leaders.
There are numerous real life experiences in this book shared by the author along with some interesting comparisons with British viewpoints in some aspects discussed.
I would like to thank the author for this exciting book which I believe she wrote with great passion and love of the society and people of Turkey.
August 26, 2014
It is very up to date - it includes commentary on the Gezi Park uprising, but consequently will become out of date very quickly. It is very much a personal view, and I fear at times a rather romanticised one - the author is half Turkish and has gone back to Turkey to discover her roots, complete with Turkish boyfriend. She is only 27 and Oxford educated - you get the sense that her journey is a spiffing adventure. My prediction is that when the novelty wears off and she is faced with the long term reality of living in Turkey as a foreigner, she will come back to England, marry a merchant banker and settle in Godalming.
That said the book is well written, an easy read and a helpful introduction to Turkish culture and society.
That said the book is well written, an easy read and a helpful introduction to Turkish culture and society.
February 12, 2016
I enjoyed this account of Modern Turkey, with all its complications and quirks, written from a personal perspective of the author. Definitely amusing and interesting, as well as informative, and written from a generally non-biased point of view as much as possible. An interesting window on a complex country... I also learned a lot I hadn't previously realised about various traditions and courtesies in Turkey/Turkish culture, and I feel more confident that my future travels will Turkey will be enriched as a result.
February 13, 2015
Very interesting book offering the author's insights into modern Turkey. I knew very little about the country before reading this, but this was an intriguing window into a country which is both ancient and very new at the same time. The author has a Turkish background, but had never lived in Turkey before. The title reflects both her awakening knowledge of Turkey and the awakening of the Turkish opposition movement in Gezi park and elsewhere.
June 16, 2020
An interesting read for a foreigner (Yabanci) living in Turkey. Alev Scott's mother is Turkish but she grew up in London so she brings the external view with some insider perspective.
This is more about modern Turkey and the recent changes. The best way in my view is through anecdotes and she peppers her book with many - some which struck a chord. Overall a good book for someone interested in or living in Turkey, though not sure if the locals will find it of much interest.
This is more about modern Turkey and the recent changes. The best way in my view is through anecdotes and she peppers her book with many - some which struck a chord. Overall a good book for someone interested in or living in Turkey, though not sure if the locals will find it of much interest.
August 29, 2016
A very well-written, interesting book for expats living in Turkey, regular travellers to Turkey, businessmen seeking to invest in Turkey, or anyone who wants to get a deeper understanding of modern Turkey.
June 16, 2017
Scott did a good job explaining the different details in Turkey and how the country has developed in recent history. But I read this for a class and I don't think this will have much use outside of it.
August 15, 2014
The best book I have read to understand Turkish culture. Now I understand much more. A good read for all interested or working in Turkey
July 12, 2015
Good introduction to to Turkey (and to Alev Scott) but a little too lacking in depth.
August 14, 2015
A vibrant and candid snapshot of modern Turkey, highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews