Yunus Emre InstituteOn a crisp evening this October, the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London hosted the latest edition of the Turkish Bookshelf, welcoming a vibrant community of literature lovers to delve into the world of Selçuk Altun’s evocative new novel, Farewell Fountain Street.
Even in the absence of the author, his presence was felt through his elegant prose and meticulously crafted plot, which served as the centerpiece for a deep analytical journey into the heart of contemporary Turkish fiction.
The event was organized as a collaborative literary forum, where readers came together to unpack the “architecture of storytelling” found within Altun’s work. Through a moderated discussion, the audience explored how the novel moves fluidly through time, tracing lives that intersect through chance and obsession against the layered backdrop of Istanbul. By drawing on Ottoman history and the city’s architectural heritage, the conversation illuminated how Altun transforms Istanbul into a metaphor where secrets accumulate in the corners of old streets and the boundaries between reality and fiction blur with deliberate elegance.
The evening was structured to encourage a communal interpretation of the text, moving seamlessly between readers’ personal insights and broader questions regarding identity, memory, and the place of Turkish literature in a global context. This collective exploration concluded with informal exchanges over refreshments, providing a relaxed setting for attendees to continue their debates. The fact that many guests lingered long after the programme ended was a testament to the novel’s resonance and the stimulating atmosphere cultivated by the London reading community.
The Turkish Bookshelf looks forward to welcoming readers again next month to continue showcasing the depth and diversity of Turkish literature.
