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Rating: 
Summary: Terrible...
Review: I resent the writer with all my heart, everything written here is totally UNREALISTIC and WRONG. As a Germany-born Turk, I cannot understand why Arin Bayraktaroglu could be so utterly biased and narrow-minded. The book does nothing but mislead the reader. It is quite upsetting to think that probably readers who don't know much about modern and democratic Turkey will believe some things in it and build a wrong opinion. The best thing is to ignore this, or come visit Turkey on a holiday and see the modern, European, and REAL country. I would have given 0 stars to this if it were an option. --
Rating:
Summary: BAD!
Review: This book is a complete failure. Read Mary Lee Settle's "Turkish Reflections" instead! Arin Bayraktaroglu (apparently an expatriate Turk living in London) seems even more ignorant about Turkey than the avarage tourist. At some points, the book is deliberately misleading, and the attempts at humor are particularly unsuccesful. Don't waste your money on this. Buy Mary Lee Settle's "Turkish Reflections" instead.
Rating: 
Summary: extremely enjoyable
Review: This is not an academic book with pedantic overtones, nor is it a promotional book which shows only what the Turks would like the outsiders to see. One cannot claim it is a literary piece either, although it is dotted with some poetic expressions. Instead, it is an extremely enjoyable book with useful explanations and tips to prepare the reader for a variety of contexts and characteristics, well beyond the stereotypes. The style is chat-like and personal, the tone is level-headed. Certain things need updating. For instance, since the publication of this book, Istanbul has been introduced to a new subway system and a second bridge. The author, however, excels in the description of the national spirit and the cultural features, which do not change so easily. Furthermore, local characteristics such as the vitality of an Istanbul street, the rustic colours of the intercity areas, the serenity of the old graveyards on the Bosphorus, the slow-paced offices of the state sector, the friendly `corner-shop`, etc. are so vividly portrayed that ones feels as if one strolling through these places. I think it is an essential text for not only those who are planning to settle down in Turkey, but also those who are going there on a short visit.
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