The challenge is to lend conviction even to the voices which advocate views I find personally abhorrent, whether they are political Islamists or officers justifying a coup.

East and West are coming together. Whether in peace or anarchy - they are coming together. There needn't be a clash between East and West, between Islam and Europe.

As much as I live I shall not imitate them or hate myself for being different to them

What is the thing you want most from me? What can I do to make you love me?' Be yourself,' said Ipek.

I have hired a bodyguard, on the recommendation of my friends and the government. It's outrageous, having to live like this.

No one drives me into exile, not even the nationalists.

When two people love each other as we do, no one can come between them, no one," I said, amazed at the words I was uttering without preparation. "Lovers like us, because they know that nothing can destroy their love, even on the worst days, even when they are heedlessly hurting each other in the cruelest , most deceitful ways, still carry in their hearts a consolation that never abandons them." (p.191)