Orhan Pamuk speaks to Albanians on books, cultures and love

TIRANA, Feb.10- In an interview for national Albanian TV Top-Chanel, writer Orhan Pamuk, the famous Turkish Nobelist of 2006, spoke about his connection to Albania, his books and the intermarriage of cultures in a city like Istanbul. Pamuk also referred to his mentioning of Albania in several books.
According to Pamuk, Turkish and Albanian cultures are so similar they could be seen as extensions of each other. He is aware that the first Turkish dictionaries with Latin letters were prepared by Albanians and knows very well the influential Albanian figures in the Ottoman politics. On mentioning the Bektashi conspirancy behind Enver Hoxha’s communist regime, mystical and provocative Pamuk calls on the audience to always keep looking for the secret mysteries that lurk inside politics and life.
Pamuk praised the work of Albanian Nobel aspirant Ismail Kadare and wished that this continues in the future. He also commented on the fact that the entire Turkish population did not reacted positively to his victory but that he enjoyed it nevertheless.
Pamuk shared the feelings of frustration over the visa issue and said that it is humiliating and despairing when people do not have the rights to move freely.
Pamuk, asked about similarities in the psyche of people, says he explained that he believes in the kidness of a soul but feels more like exploring the dark side of it so that the audience can accept it with benevolence and reach a thorough understanding. Pamuk said that he does not appreciate smartness without kindness. Finally, he referred to his first love in life which is thought to be an Albanain girl, saying that he knows Albanians know how to love beautifully and strongly.