I love both writing and reading. One of life’s great pleasures is opening a book—fiction or nonfiction—that moves you, sparks curiosity, and inspires you to make the most of each day. With that in mind, here is my curated list of books about the country of Turkey.
I have read each title on this list and update it as I finish new books. The selections cover guidebooks, history, novels and memoirs to help you explore Turkey from many angles. For easier browsing, I have grouped them into categories.
Recommended Books about Turkey the Country
Guidebooks That I Love
Istanbul Select
Istanbul deserves its own compact guide and Pat Yale’s pocket-sized Istanbul Select is my go-to. It covers attractions with practical details like opening hours, Turkish dishes to try, recommended restaurants and hotels, regional trends, travel tips and cultural notes. Available in Kindle and paperback formats, its small paperback fits easily in a bag and is ideal for exploring the city.
Insight Guide Turkey
For travel beyond Istanbul, I reach for Insight Guide Turkey. Organized by region from east to west, it blends a concise historical introduction with local information to enhance stays across the country. Co-authored by Marc Dubin and Pat Yale, the 448-page volume includes regional recommendations for eating, shopping and accommodation, plus short articles on popular cultural topics such as Turkish carpets and the Ottoman Empire. It’s especially useful if you plan to visit multiple destinations in Turkey.
A Traveller’s History of Turkey
Richard Stoneman’s A Traveller’s History of Turkey isn’t a guidebook but is invaluable for anyone who loves historical sites. Turkey’s history is rich and complex, shaped by many empires; this book pieces the timeline together in accessible, readable chapters. The edition was revised and updated in 2015 and provides a clear narrative from prehistory to the modern era, making it a helpful companion for history-focused travelers.
An Armchair Traveller’s History of Istanbul
Richard Tillinghast’s lyrical and anecdotal account of Istanbul hooked me from the first chapter. He blends vivid personal stories—trading currency on black-market streets, smoking hash on a rooftop, enduring a small earthquake, sleeping on the floor of the Orient Express—with historical vignettes about Byzantine rulers, Ottoman sultans, mosques and the city’s diverse neighborhoods. The book is available in hardcover and Kindle and has earned strong reader reviews for its evocative, personal portrait of Istanbul.
Interesting Novels About Turks and Turkey
Honour by Elif Safak
Elif Safak’s Honour follows a Turkish family who emigrates to London in the 1970s. Their efforts to adapt to Western life clash with ingrained Turkish traditions, culminating in a devastating act of violence that tears the family apart. It’s a gripping, emotionally powerful novel by one of Turkey’s most celebrated contemporary authors.
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Safak
This novel explores the intertwined histories of two families—Turkish and Armenian—living in Istanbul. The book provoked controversy in Turkey and sparked intense debate about identity and memory. It opens slowly but gains momentum toward a memorable, thought-provoking conclusion. It’s a demanding read at times but rewarding for readers interested in complex social and historical themes.
Paradise Lost: Smyrna 1922: The Destruction of Islam’s City of Tolerance
Giles Milton’s novel is grounded in extensive research into the Levantine communities of Smyrna (modern Izmir). The story reconstructs events leading to the catastrophic fire of 1922 and examines the lives of Turks, Jews, Armenians and Greeks whose diverse coexistence shaped the city. Although fictionalized, the book draws on historical testimony to evoke the city’s multicultural past.
Birds Without Wings
This acclaimed novel, set around the time of the Turkish War of Independence, weaves love stories and community life against the backdrop of turbulent historical change. The setting is widely believed to be inspired by the ghost village of Kayaköy on the Mediterranean coast, though the author has not confirmed this. The book vividly captures the era’s shifting loyalties and personal tragedies.
Books Reviewed on This Website
Perking The Pansies
Jack Scott’s humorous memoir explores British expat life in Bodrum through the eyes of a gay couple adjusting to life in a predominantly Muslim country. The book is full of memorable anecdotes—one line about fear at 30,000 feet perfectly captures its comedic voice—and has received many positive reviews for its candid, funny perspective.
Exploring Turkish Landscapes
If your interest lies in cultural experiences, this book by an Australian expat living in Istanbul offers a thoughtful look at daily Turkish life that can enrich your travels. It’s a heartfelt account of adjusting to a different culture and learning to appreciate local rhythms and traditions.
Ayse’s Trail
Ayse’s Trail blends a true personal story with historical context and a guide to the Lycian Way along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Written by a friend of Ayşe, the book celebrates a woman who defied societal expectations and offers both inspiration and practical insight for walkers and cultural travelers.
Pomegranates and Grapes
Nuray Aykin’s memoir explores raising a Turkish son in the United States while preserving cultural traditions. The book shares family stories and memories of childhood places—from a small Mediterranean town to Ankara—providing a warm, personal view of Turkish family life and customs.
Note About Orhan Pamuk
No list of books about Turkey would be complete without mentioning Orhan Pamuk. Born in Istanbul, Pamuk is one of Turkey’s best-known writers and a Nobel Prize laureate in Literature. Although I respect his achievements, his style does not personally resonate with me, so his works are not featured here. He remains an important and influential voice in contemporary Turkish literature.