Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan
Turkey Book Talk | 28 April 2026 | 0h 48m | Listen Later 
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Podcasts | Spotify
Interview with Suzy Hansen about her book From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan. Describes immersing herself in Karagümrük, an Istanbul neighbourhood, using its micro-history to explore Turkey’s broader modern challenges. Uncovers the paradoxes of Turkish identity and politics, particularly regarding Syrian refugees, through compelling characters like the local muhtar and an Erdoğan loyalist. Highlights how local complexities, from neighbourhood charity despite racist rhetoric to the significance of a muhtar election, reflect Turkey’s deeper historical patterns of migration, political tension, and the subtle interplay of national and individual identity.
