A Turkish Woman's European Impressions

"A Turkish Woman's European Impressions" by Zeyneb Hanoum is a memoir that recounts the daring journey of Zeyneb and her sister, Melek, as they flee the restrictive environment of the Ottoman Empire to seek liberation in Europe. The heart of the story is how they handle the clashing cultures of Turkey and the West, especially in terms of women's rights and what society expects from them. The memoir starts with Zeyneb's deep thoughts about their risky situation and the mix of emotions that come with escaping Turkey. In a letter to a friend, Zeyneb shares her excitement about finding freedom and experiencing new and challenging things. She paints a clear picture of her former life in a harem, full of secrets and fear, which is very different from the open and lively atmosphere she finds in Europe; this contrast shapes the story as she deals with the happiness of being independent and the worries she still has from her past.