It's a great relief for me that no one will ask me anymore: "Orhan, when will you get the Nobel Prize?"

I think perhaps it is a generational thing. I talk to younger people and they say, Where is this melancholy city you talk about My Istanbul is a sunny place.

Whatever anybody says, the most important thing in life is to be happy.

I do not believe in a personal connection to God; that's where it gets transcendental.

Sometimes I sensed that the books I read in rapid succession had set up some sort of murmur among themselves, transforming my head into an orchestra pit where different musical instruments sounded out, and I would realize that I could endure this life because of these musicales going on in my head.

Well, on the one hand the Turks have the legitimate need to defend their national dignity - and this includes being recognized as a part of the west and Europe.

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