It would appear that my knowledge of Turkey, Turkishness and such things, is seriously lacking. This resembles my knowledge of chemical compounds found on Mars and the city map of New Delhi.

I would like to change this. Except the Mars and New Delhi bits.

Can any of you good folk recommend books on politics, economics, culture, social science and others, covering the period from 1890-now, that would enlighten me? They would have to be in English as my Turkish is not and probably won't be. A single volume, covering all subjects and no more than 150 pages would be preferable, but if I have to wade through more than this I will.

I found A Modern History Of Turkey a good introduction http://www.amazon.com/Turkey-History-Er ... 1860642225 (more than 150 pages), you can try the stuff in Homer Kitabevi down the street next to Galatasaray as they have a nice Turkish section with more specialist stuff

Star and Cresent by Stephen Kinzer, a Yank who had an obsession with Turkey. Doesn't really cover 1890 on, but does cover all your topics. I think you'll enjoy it. I can lend you a copy as we have two.

Cheers curryboy, in return I'll hand over the pringles carefully transported all the way from Blighty.

Thanks NewkieBrown, I'll get a copy.

i just finished a light read called "life with a view" about a woman & her partner who came to turkey in the 80s, bought land near a black sea village and built their dream summer home; the book was published in 2006 i think

nothing about economics or politics but just a nice, interesting glimpse into turkish village life for me; she discusses the transformation of the village and the people through the 15+ years they've spent there

she isn't condescending and keeps a positive attitude throughout some crazy ordeals, which i really admired!

The Turks Today by Andrew Mango is excellent (and under 300 pages), but only covers from Atatürk's death onwards. (I guess he wants you to read his gargantuan biography of Atatürk).

Turkey Unveiled: A History of Modern Turkey by Nicole Pope and Hugh Pope devotes its first 80 pages to a brief Turkic and Ottoman history previous to Atatürk's death and then continues on to today. It is a much less formal read and is interspersed with thier personal observations.

[quote user="David Simpson" post="88592"]It would appear that my knowledge of Turkey, Turkishness and such things, is seriously lacking. [/quote]
Found myself in a similar predicament so have recently bought and read The New Turkey by Chris Morris which, combined with The Turks Today (as mentioned by burbaco) seems to have done the trick. Have now started Atatürk by Andrew Mango which is going ok but the heat isn't helping my concentration levels...

What was the New Turkey like BC? I have a copy but can't help of thinking of Brass Eye and Cake when I see the name Chris Morris.