In Europe the rich are refined enough to act as if they're not wealthy. That is how civilized people behave. If you ask me, being cultured and civilized is not about everyone being free and equal; it's about everyone being refined enough to act as if they were. Then no one has to feel guilty.

There's been quite a clear upswing in nationalist sentiments. Everyone is talking about it, in Turkey as well.

I see Turkey's future as being in Europe, as one of many prosperous, tolerant, democratic countries.

When Turkey began approaching the EU, I wasn't the only one who worried that the dark stain in Turkey's history - or rather the history of the Ottoman Empire - could become a problem one day. In other words, what happened to the Armenians in World War I. That's why I couldn't leave the issue untouched.

Books, which we mistake for consolation, only add depth to our sorrow.

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

I really don't want to portray the Islamists as simply evil, the way it's often done in the west.