Category Archives: Cross-cultural learning moments

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

Perihan Hanim speaks: On the limits of sharing


Perihan Hanım, my fairy Godmother puppet paid an unusual visit to me tonight. You may recall meeting her, several months ago, in this post.  I found her on my shoulder, stroking my hair and watching over my shoulder as I … Continue reading

Posted in Cross-cultural learning moments, On writing about my life with the Karagöz puppets, Visits from the Karagöz puppets | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Karagöz bangs the marriage counseling drum: Explains tone and twirl


Karagöz came into my mango room to have tea with me today at teatime. He was unusually calm and collected – not in trickster mood at all. This surprised me. Hacivad Bey called up the stairs, “We sent Karagöz because … Continue reading

Posted in Cross-cultural learning moments, Visits from the Karagöz puppets | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments