The most important element in our Westernization is entertainment… We are modernizing through having fun. We are a country that practices the most entertaining form of modernization in the world.’
Özlem Kumrular
If there is one book that has ignited my imagination about Istanbul recently, that is ‘İstanbul is Having Fun’ by Özlem Kumrular.
The book was written by a very talented female professor of history that has recently passed away at a very young age. We will always remember her with her great charm, boundless enthusiasm and exceptional talent.
‘İstanbul is Having Fun’ published by İstanbul Municipality
The book was the first of a series of two books about the history of entertainment in İstanbul covering the period of 1870-1955. It is so sad that the book has not been translated into English but if you ever get a hold of the book, please look through the pages to see the photographs of the rich cultural life of İstanbul with its dancing halls, revues, jazz bands, ‘beer gardens’ and ballrooms. You will be amazed to see the rich diversity of entertainment in Istanbul at the end of the 19th century and in the beginning of the 20th century where men and women mingled, fell in love, danced and enjoyed life to its fullest. Not much has remained from the cosmopolitan İstanbul of that era and one can not stop feeling a deep nostalgia for the joy the city once had.
Have a glimpse at the queen of Turkish historiography in this video, where she delightfully talks about her book. It is such a pity that the video does not have English subtitles, but make sure to watch it if you understand Turkish.
