British author Barbara Nadel recently took a nighttime stroll through Istanbul’s historic streets, following in the footsteps of her fictional detective Çetin İkmen. In her latest article for The Guardian, she brought the magical atmosphere of Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula to her British audience.
In this article, Nadel gives readers an unforgettable journey through the old streets of Istanbul as seen through Chief Inspector Çetin İkmen’s eyes. The piece highlights Istanbul’s touristic appeal and cultural richness, offering valuable promotion for Turkey’s tourism sector. Nadel is well-known in the world of crime fiction for her “Istanbul Tetralogy” series, which places Istanbul at its core. Her novels have gained a broad readership in the UK and are quickly becoming popular in Turkey as well. The character of Çetin İkmen reflects Nadel’s deep admiration for Istanbul and her fascination with its history. More than a mere detective, İkmen is a character who embodies a deep curiosity for the city’s ancient secrets, giving him a unique place in crime fiction. Through his eyes, Istanbul, as portrayed in Nadel’s recent Guardian article, emerges as a captivating destination, attracting interest from British readers.
Nadel tales goes on a nighttime journey in Istanbul
In said article, Barbara Nadel takes readers on a nighttime journey through the city’s historic sites. Starting in Ticarethane Street, she wanders Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome, retracing the steps of her detective character Çetin İkmen.
She pauses along Divan Yolu, hoping to glimpse the spirit of Sultan Abdulaziz, and imagines ghostly charioteers in the Hippodrome, capturing the city's rich history and Byzantine legends.
Her final stop is world famous Hagia Sophia
Her final stop, Hagia Sophia, brings forth tales of Byzantine priests and Sultan Mehmed II’s conquest, portraying Istanbul as a timeless cultural treasure. Through this evocative journey, Nadel introduces British readers to Istanbul’s captivating past, contributing to Turkey’s cultural tourism.
