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September 01, 2005
Censorship in Turkey
One of the books I read in Turkey was My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk. I thought it was facinating for it's insight into Ottoman art, but could have done with about a hundred fewer pages.
I read today in the Washington Post that Pamuk has been charged with the "public denigrating of Turkish identity" and faces a possible prison sentence of three years.
The charge stems from an interview that Pamuk gave to a Swiss newspaper in February in which he said certain topics were regarded as off-limits in Turkey. As examples, he listed the massacre of Armenians in 1915 and the ongoing war between Turkish security forces and Kurdish guerrillas.
When in Turkey, I was surprised at how the country has managed to mix Islam with a completely secular government. But there are still topics that are VERY taboo--such as the Armenian genocide (which they claim was just a war where both sides sustained heavy casualties). In fact, Jess had several very interesting discussions on this very topic during our three weeks in the country.
Under Turkish law, people can be jailed for differing with the government's line on the deaths, as well as on the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus, which Turkey invaded in 1974, and other "fundamental national interests."
In addition, if you say anything derogatory (like the fact that he died of alcoholism) about their esteemed former leader, Kemal Atatürk, you can be sent to jail. No kidding. And by law, all public buildings (think restaurants, banks, and retail establishments) must has a picture of Atatürk prominently displayed.
On the other hand, you can walk around in a tube top and stilleto heels. It's such a complex place.
Comments
I read most of Pumak's "Snow" this summer. Very interesting book, and he is a gifted writer. I had the book out from the library, and didn't get it finished. Have to say that I wasn't motivated to renew it. I got bogged down in the length, as well as the downward spiral of emotions.
Posted by: Sheila at September 1, 2005 11:21 AM
