If Turkey lived up to its potential, it could rule the world – but will it? A passionate report from the front lines
For centuries few terrors were more vivid in the West than fear of “the Turk,” and many people still think of Turkey as repressive, wild, and dangerous. Crescent and Star is Stephen Kinzer’s compelling report on the truth about this nation of contradictions – poised between Europe and Asia, caught between the glories of its Ottoman past … More >>
Crescent and Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds
This book seems to have been written from a safe distance; maybe from the barcony of a five star hotel. It’s oversimplified at best, although I have to say it does make a good attempt to describe the people of Turkey.
It’s only when talking about the goverment and politics where Mr. Kinzer fails us. He fails to mention HOW a coutry with the most genocides in recent memory, and a military that runs things can be a true democracy. Conviniently skipping the genocides of Greeks, Armenians and Kurds jumping from the present to an ancient past that in no way connects to the current inhabitants in the area (who came from central Asia and in no way are associated with the history sang by Homer in the Iliad), he would have us think that history can be re-written.
History can help explain the present, because history shapes the present.
Very dissapointing.
Maybe Mr. Kinzer can make another attempt after he studies the history of the region.
Rating: 1 / 5
Writer in general tries to be neutral in his views but did not divert himself from prejudgment, tales and fabrications regarding the Armenian allegations.
Rating: 3 / 5
For anyone who is interested in present day Turkey this is a book that is very informative and interestingly told. His subject — a very complicated land — is brought to life clearly and colorfully.
V. Green
Rating: 1 / 5
WOW, THIS IS A GREAT BOOK, HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT, I HOPE TURKEY GETS RID OF ISLAMIST FASCISM, AND TURNS COMPLETELY TO THE WEST, AND LET FREEDOM OF SPEECH RULE.
Rating: 5 / 5
Having lived in Turkey makes a person too much get accustomed to Turkish way of thinking. This is, of course, not a good thing, if you are wondering about how Turkey can become more civilized, or join European Union.
This book gives a fresh perspective on Turkey by an outsider who understands Turkish culture and mentality. Its points are well made, writing style is crisp, and occational prose is delightful. Perhaps most importantly, the author’s points on Turkish state, democracy, and Ataturk are worth thinking for any Turkish person.
I would recommend you to see what a US person thinks when he goes to live in Turkey.
Rating: 4 / 5