The Diary of a Turk

"The Diary of a Turk" by Çerkesseyhizade Halil Halit is a memoir that offers an intimate glimpse into Turkish life during the early 1900s. The story is told from the author's point of view, painting a portrait of his upbringing in Asia Minor and his thoughts on the customs of the time. The book centers around issues such as family background, learning and the cultural rules about women and multiple wives in Ottoman society. Kicking off the story, the author speaks about where he comes from in Asia, tells tales of his family's religious importance, and remembers his younger days in the town of Angora. He chats about his father's kindness, what led to his father's death, and the obstacles he faced in school. The first parts also mention his initial experiences with the harem system, the traditions of keeping women separate, and his childhood adventures. Figuring out his family's traditions and what society expects, he shines a light on how personal dreams and strict Ottoman customs meet.