Istanbul as Palimpsest: The Black Book as a Postmodernist Representation of Turkish History and Culture

Orhan Pamuk’s novel, The Black Book is a postmodern chronicle of Turkey in which the author uses structure detective novel to delineate themes identity, culture and hybridity. paper aims depict how Pamuk foregrounds that identities are never determinate but forever eluding by presenting love triangle disappears underneath mystical quest for one’s true self. Galip’s assuming persona his alter-ego, Celal; Prince Osman’s pursuit knowledge through reading diverse books ultimately rejecting them; Bedii Usta’s disillusion with State disapproving mannequins, all represent interlacing cultures interdependence contemporary Turkey. Moreover, rich Ottoman tradition Islamic literature also revisited light so as present allegorical political connotations inherent them. examines portrays forced westernization erasure history memories use film ekphrasis highlight Turkish citizens were lured Western cinema indoctrinated about superiority West generate them sense anxiety their identities.