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Turkish Author - Elif Shafak

Does the West get anywhere close to understanding Turkey's complex culture and politics? Stephen Sackur speaks to Elif Shafak, the Turkish novelist and writer.

Stephen Sackur speaks to Elif Shafak, the Turkish novelist and writer who lives much of her life in London. A dozen years ago Europeans looked at Turkey and thought they saw a country becoming more like them - embracing western values and on a long term track to EU membership. But today Europe sees authoritarianism, conservatism and repression embodied in the all-powerful figure of President Erdogan. Does the West get anywhere close to understanding Turkey's complex culture and politics?

(Photo: Author Elif Shafak taking part in a debate for the 大象传媒's 100 Women season. Credit: Henry Iddon)

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23 minutes

Last on

Wed 24 May 2017 19:06GMT
大象传媒 World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa

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  • Wed 24 May 2017 01:06GMT
    大象传媒 World Service except News Internet
  • Wed 24 May 2017 06:06GMT
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    大象传媒 World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa

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