Crescent and Star

A vivid portrait of modern Turkey at the turn of the twenty-first century, this book explores a nation poised between East and West, Islam and secularism, tradition and modernity. Drawing on extensive travel and reporting, the author—an experienced foreign correspondent—examines the legacy of Atatürk’s secular revolution, the role of the military, the rise of political Islam, and Turkey’s complex relationship with Europe and the United States. Through encounters with politicians, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens, he reveals the cultural and political tensions shaping the country’s future. Insightful and accessible, this is an engaging introduction to Turkey’s history, identity, and strategic importance.