Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Jan 27 2007
Pamuk returns home, optimistic about future
Nobel Prize-winning Turkish author Orhan Pamuk said "I don’t think of
these things any more" in response to reporters’ questions over
threats as he arrived at the airport in İstanbul.
Pamuk was coming from Cairo where he joined the 39th Cairo Book Fair
as an honorary guest. Reporters asked him about the threat made by
Yusuf Hayal, one of the names behind the murder of Armenian editor
Hrant Dink, Pamuk dismissed claims by saying he was not giving them a
second thought.
Regarding the death of former Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, Pamuk
said, "He was a very valuable author. I grew up reading his works. I
am deeply sorry."
Pamuk underlined the significance of the Cairo Book Fair in
bridging the Turkish and Arabic cultures, as well as the importance
of translating books between the two languages. He said, "Maybe this
Nobel Prize will contribute to that, God willing. Six or seven of my
books have been translated into Arabic and they are going to be
re-released. With support of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, my
other novels will be translated soon. There is huge interest in all
aspects of Turkish literature and culture. I hope the reciprocal
works continue."
Customs officers at the border offered chocolate to Pamuk on the
occasion of International Customs Day.
27.01.2007
Seyfettin Koçak İstanbul