For the traveler we see leaning on his neighbor is an honest and well-meaning man and full of melancholy, like those Chekhov characters so laden with virtues that they never know success in life.

Life is short, and we should respect every moment of it.

Nationalism stems from catastrophes, whether they are caused by earthquakes or lost wars.

I certainly see myself more as a craftsman than as an artist.

I need the pain of loneliness to make my imagination work.

The writers secret is not inspiration - for it is never clear where it comes from - it is his stubbornness, his patience.

What is love?” “I don’t know.” “Love is the name given to the bond Kemal feels with Füsun whenever they travel along highways or sidewalks; visit houses, gardens, or rooms; or whenever he watches her sitting in tea gardens and restaurants, and at dinner tables.” “Hmmm … that’s a lovely answer,~ But isn’t love what you feel when you can’t see me?” “Under those circumstances, it becomes a terrible obsession, an illness.