"The attack left only black eyes and bloodied faces, illustrating the local backlash against Syrian refugees in Karagumruk, a neighborhood once known for its tough reputation."
"Hansen traces a story that illuminates a politics of mass migration and nationalist backlash, resonating far beyond Turkey and reflecting on the experiences of ordinary people."
"The first third outlines a conventional history of Turkey, from early modernizing programs to the emergence of Erdogan, whose rule represents a repudiation of the country's founding project."
"Where the book really comes alive is when that history catches up to Hansen's own time in Turkey, particularly her reporting on Karagumruk and its diverse characters."
The narrative focuses on the transformation of Karagumruk, a neighborhood in Istanbul, due to an influx of Syrian refugees. Local resentment led to violent confrontations. The book, 'From Life Itself', explores the politics of migration and nationalism, reflecting broader themes beyond Turkey. It also recounts Turkey's historical evolution, from early secular reforms to Erdogan's rule, which challenges the founding principles. Hansen's observations capture the essence of Istanbul's culture and the experiences of its residents amid authoritarianism and societal change.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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