Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Elif Shafak

Stephen Sackur speaks to Turkish writer Elif Shafak, who lives much of her life in London. Does the West get anywhere close to understanding Turkey's complex culture and politics?

Stephen Sackur speaks to Turkish novelist and writer Elif Shafak, 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?

30 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Stephen Sackur
Interviewed Guest Elif Shafak

Broadcasts