Istanbul is certainly in the process of transforming itself into an attractive cultural, tourist and financial center. But there are also millions of sad stories in this giant sea of immigration, poverty, misery and contradictions. So much anger, frustration and fury.

Tell me then, does love make one a fool or do only fools fall in love?

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

It may not happen in the first instant, but within ten minutes of meeting a man, a woman has a clear idea of who he is, or at least who he might be for her, and her heart of hearts has already told her whether or not she's going to fall in love with him.

We're not stupid! We're just poor! And we have a right to insist on this distinction

I don't read newspapers in the morning. I take a look at the dailies in the afternoon, but only when I've finished my work for the day. Reading about what is happening in Turkey once again would only be demoralizing for me.

There's a lot of pride involved in my refusal to believe in god.