Author Archives: lizcameron

The oppositional Q, or, “only Allah is perfect”


It was midnight, I couldn’t sleep, and cleaning out my closet seemed like a very good idea for what to do with myself. At the back of the closet, I found a set of framed photos, silk-screened prints and paintings … Continue reading

Posted in Cross-cultural learning moments, Early exposure to Islam, Visits from the Karagöz puppets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Hacivad Bey whispers on what is most important…


Today started early with Hacivad Bey, who crept up onto the windowsill above us in what the French refer to as “crepuscule“ or that ephemeral fleeting neon-turkuaz blue only found at dawn and dusk. Leaning over the edge of the cream-colored … Continue reading

Posted in Visits from the Karagöz puppets | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Of orchid roots and chilly fingertips by the Bosphorus


It is late at night and the night owl spirit, egged on by Hacıyatmaz  (“hah-juh-yacht-mahz”), the incessant institagor of personal writing, is at it again.  He is rocking and rolling, back and forth, keeping me up way past my bedtime.  … Continue reading

Posted in Karagöz puppets in dreamland, Turkish Food!, Visits from the Karagöz puppets | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments