What to Watch and Read Before You Go to Turkey

Art and literature are some of the best sources of knowledge when it comes to learning about the culture and history of a country. Turkey especially is highly popular in the world of literature and film due to its association with the Sufi poet, Rumi. The country has been talked about by many famous authors and visited by various notable television personalities. If you too wish to see Turkey as the authors and artists do here is a list of what to watch and read before you go to Turkey.

Forty Rules of Love

Forty Rules of Love, by Elif Shafak. This book is based on the life of Rumi and his dervish. This is a nice, light read for anyone planning to visit Konya.

Snow

Snow, by Orhan Pamuk. This most modern novel set in Turkey talks about the complicated political history of the country and is a great way of learning more about the culture and mindset of the Turkish people today.

My Name is Red

My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk. Art, Ottoman history, and intrigue come together in this period fiction novel

Istanbul: The Imperial City

Istanbul: The Imperial City, by John Freely talks about the rich history of Istanbul and even contains a comprehensive gazetteer of all major monuments and museums of the city.

Documentary and Show Recommendations:

Netflix series, Rise of Empires: Ottomans

Late chef/ traveler, Anthony Bourdain’s shows : (episodes based in Istanbul)

-Parts Unknown

-No Reservations