4 months agoOrhan Pamuk: I don't want to live in the US and cry for Turkey's fate
Periskopi(7 years ago)
(7 years ago)On the occasion of France's publication of this novel on the history of a Ustaí and a well - dug trap, he has given the magazine “Le Point” an interview as literary as it is expressing today's situation in Turkey and Erdogan. The pen.al has chosen and translated only the political part of this [...]
Lapsy.al has chosen and translated only the political part of this conversation to take a first-hand look at the situation in the country Albania has declared its strategic ally. And it's the keen look of the Bosphorus Balboa.
Le Point: Do you have the same desire to walk the streets of Istanbul?
Orhan Pamuk: Not because of the political situation. I no longer go to sophisticated, crowded restaurants. I hate to see that crowd laughing while they shouldn't. I don't want to see those happy clients.
Le Point: You have written: “I am angry and very disappointed at the way my country has changed. You did this after the imprisonment of journalist Mehmet Altan and his brother, Ahmet Altan, in September 2016. Despite adding that you are optimistic, do you still feel that way?
Pamuk: No, I don't feel anymore. My humor isn't like two years ago. Then there were elections, referendums, there was a prospect, and I tried to keep my optimism alive. Today I am sad, the opposition is broken, no alternative. Erdogan's largest opposing party rivals him in the nationalist race, and this strengthens even more the atmosphere packed with nationalism and authoritarianism in the country. I am also extremely disappointed with Europe's stance.
Le Point: For what reason?
Pamuk: Disfellowshipping a handful of idealistic intellectuals, Europe is insensitive to democracy in Turkey. This is all France and Germany say. And this is the only message they send to the Turkish Democrats. They seem very happy to pay cash to the Ankara government to get rid of the poor Muslims. And then they call this a Islamic government. Is Islam to be paid for Europe not being filled with Muslim immigrants?
Le Point: What should Europe do?
Pamuk: Don't judge the government today or tomorrow according to this one criterion, which is very selfish and that allows their conversationor to blackmail them all the time.
Le Point: Erdogan, among other things, has stated: “Europe dedicates its current peace to the sacrifices of Turkey and the Turkish people”...
Pamuk: You can't openly criticize the government. Two years ago, before the referendum, Turkey's largest newspaper, Hurryet asked me an interview about why I would vote no, etc. I was very pleased with that until the editor-in-chief called and said that unfortunately he couldn't publish it. I am one of the most important writers in the country, but I do not have the right to publish in the largest Turkish newspaper. My only consolation is that my last book sold more copies than its circulation.
Turks love the rule of law, but they are upset that it has become arbitrary. The government no longer respects the constitution. People stay 14 months in prison without a regular process, while the government spokesman rejoices that new prisons are being built.
Le Point:Why do you continue to stay in Turkey?
Pamuk: Because it's my place. I don't want to live all the time in the United States, where I teach during a semester and then cry there for the fate of the homeland. I want to live in Turkey and I love people who say to me: “that are everywhere here” I want to be restored to my country that is not just the place of those in power.
Le Point:Still being guarded by a bodyguard?
Pamuk: I have one offered by the government. I stress this to realize that things are more complicated than they look on the surface.
