The bridge
Subtitle: a journey between orient and occident
By: Geert Mak ; translated from the Dutch by Sam Garrett
Publisher: Harvill Secker
Published: 2008
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 151
ISBN-13: 9781846551383
Subjects: Bridges; Manners and customs; History; Social life and customs
Work titles: Brug
Description: "Istanbul's Galata Bridge has spanned the Golden Horn since the sixth century AD, connecting the old city with the more Western districts to the north. But the bridge is a city in itself, peopled by merchants and petty thieves, tourists and fishermen, and at the same time a microcosmic reflection of Turkey as the link between Asia and Europe." "Geert Mak introduces us to the woman who sells lottery tickets, the cigarette vendors and the best pickpockets in Europe. He tells us about the pride of the cobbler and the teaseller's homesickness. And he describes the role of honour in Turkish culture, the temptations of fundamentalism and violence, and the urge to survive, even in the face of despair." "These stories of the bridges denizens are interwoven with vignettes illuminating moments in the history of Istanbul and Turkey and shedding light on Turkey's relationship with Europe and the West, the Armenian question, the migration from the Turkish countryside to the city and the demise of the Ottoman Empire." "The Bridge is a charming, learned and unique gem of a book by the author of the acclaimed international bestseller in Europe."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 149-151) and index.

Translated from the Dutch.