‎The past is always an invented land.

To read a novel is to wonder constantly, even at moments when we lose ourselves most deeply in the book: How much of this is fantasy, and how much is real?

Colour is the touch of the eye, Music to the deaf, A word out of darkness.

The urbanized life has lead to the destruction of the legends.

My religion is complicated. Literature is my true religion. After all, I come from a completely non-religious family.

The beauty and mystery of this world only emerges through affection, attention, interest and compassion . . . open your eyes wide and actually see this world by attending to its colors, details and irony.

Life can't be all that bad,' i'd think from time to time. 'Whatever happens, i can always take a long walk along the Bosphorus.