Cyrus from Istanbul

One of 900 (!) ways to cook eggplant

Interview with Cyrus Carter

Tell us about yourself
I am a teacher who came to Istanbul 14 years ago. I had planned to stay long enough to learn some Turkish and move on. I am still here.

What made you come to Turkey?
I had planned to teach overseas and my love of history as well as the desire to learn a non-Indo European language brought me to Turkey. After my original 2-year contract, I had been so taken by the people that I renewed it and now 14 years have passed.

What do you do in your daily life?
My work takes up the bulk of my time but I still explore the city when I can. I enjoy walking along the shore of the Sea of Marmara with my wife, taking visitors through the old city, and buying fruits and vegetables in the city's markets. Cooking is a past time as is writing; the seeds of both are here in Istanbul.

Family?
I married my Turkish wife almost 8 years ago. We spoil our niece when we can and I have been lucky to have my nephews visit me from Canada.

Can you compare your first days here with today?
There were amazing changes throughout the 1990s. My first years were scented with winter coal that burned my eyes from time to time - now we use natural gas. Shopping was local and the first malls were just being built. High inflation was a given. Now, life is definitely more convenient, however I really think that the tomatoes aren't quite as tasty.

Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
Yes, I have had to exercise more patience and take things a tad more slowly. My expectations are still high but I no longer think they will be met immediately. My belief that mankind is generally giving has grown.

Turkish language?
I tell people that I "get by". I learned late, keep working at it, and understand more than I can comfortably produce. I read "Radikal" newspaper everyday because there is less jargon and more things of interest in it than in other papers. My niece corrects my spoken Turkish, but not the adults around me. My wife speaks fluent English.

Let's talk about the region you are living in?
Istanbul. No more need be said. If you don't know it, visit.

Have you traveled in Turkey? Tell us your discoveries
I have traveled through most regions. The Black Sea is wonderful for hiking but if you need a minibus in the most far-flung corner, it can be found. The Southeast is a hidden joy of great food and historical treasures. Even the most frequented places like Cappadocia and Efes cannot be totally ruined by the press of group tourists. At night, they are gone and these magical places relax allowing the local population to sit and drink tea with you.

What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
"Misafirperverlik" or hospitality. People give of themselves to an extreme. May it continue.

What was the annoying one?
Discourteousness on the road. I like assertive drivers but think aggressive drivers who are on the phone and with a cigarette are dangerous.

Turkish Cuisine?
900 ways to cook eggplant. Who can be more creative than that? I have gained more than a few kilos since my arrival a few years ago and am still exploring the food. I don't have a family doctor who could forbid it.

Any suggestion to new comers to Turkey?
One day at a time. Be open. Those moustaches hide a wonderful inner smile.

Any suggestion to people planning to visit your region?
There is far more to Istanbul than the area around Topkapı Palace, Aya Sofia and The Blue Mosque. Take a ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side and walk around.

Latest comments about this article

 By anna  27.8.2004

Greetings to all foreigners who have made Turkey their home (even if temporarily) I am a Turk living in Australia. I have been here for about 33 years, so my English, I guess is OK. I came across this site by accident and what a surprise. I am glad to hear so many ”Guests” to my homeland are happy. Turks really aren´t as bad as what everyone thinks right guys? We don’t all wear turbans and wave swords in the air and kill on site. I am hoping to visit Turkey again soon. I will be going to Antalya, I can’t wait. Best wishes to all. A.

 By arlenecarol  13.4.2004

HELLO CYRUS!! Nice to see you here too! We´ve been in Turkiye the same number of years and I´d say we both have ´settled down´ nicely. We´ve had similar positive experiences and I´m sure neither of us regret having stayed. I will never forget your cooking - that Christmas feast you fixed for your colleagues is still on my hips! HA HA HA!! Take care and drop me a line! Arlene

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