Yunus Emre InstituteYunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is proud to unveil Turkish Bookshelf, a brand-new monthly book club dedicated to showcasing the rich literary heritage of Türkiye through English translations of iconic Turkish works. Designed for literature enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and curious minds alike, this initiative aims to open a window into the heart of Turkish storytelling—where East meets West and tradition meets modernity.
Each month, Turkish Bookshelf will feature a different book that has been translated into English, allowing readers to explore the vast and varied landscape of Turkish literature. Through guided discussions, readers will gain deeper insights into the historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts behind each work, fostering a greater appreciation of Türkiye’s literary contributions to the world.
The inaugural session will begin with a modern classic: A Mind at Peace (Huzur) by Ahmed Hamdi Tanpınar. Often hailed as one of the most important Turkish novels of the 20th century, A Mind at Peace transports readers to the streets of Istanbul in the early days of the Turkish Republic. Through its introspective narrative and richly drawn characters, the novel explores the emotional and intellectual dilemmas of a society caught between the pull of its Ottoman past and the push toward Western modernity.
Tanpınar’s work stands as a testament to the power of literature to capture the essence of a nation in transition. His prose, deeply poetic and philosophical, creates a vivid cultural mosaic that interweaves Ottoman aesthetics with Western literary structures. Reading Tanpınar is not merely a literary experience—it is an immersion into a unique cultural universe.
With Turkish Bookshelf, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London continues its mission to promote Turkish culture and language in the UK, building bridges through the arts and fostering intercultural dialogue. Whether you are discovering Turkish literature for the first time or revisiting a beloved author, this book club offers a welcoming space for thoughtful conversation and cultural connection.
Join us as we step into the evocative world of Turkish literature—one story at a time!