Traveling through the western side of Turkey, from Istanbul to Antalya, was an inspiration for one of my novels. The cultural aspects of social interaction, history, and beauty kept my attention. Istanbul sits astride two continents, separated by the Bosphorus Canal that channels north into the Black Sea.
One of the amazing and historic sites that charmed me was the Basilica Cistern, an underground aqueduct built in the 6th century during the reign of Roman Emperor Justinian I. Visitors can walk along the floating bridges and view the craftmanship that formed this mysterious structure. Another amazing and beautiful sight is The Grand Bazaar, constructed in 1455 and still the center for local trade. Visitors flock to buy delicious teas, food, and all manner of objects in this open but roofed marketplace.
The final push for me to visit Turkey came to me after reading Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon, . I had planned to visit eventually, but his book increased my desire. The story is about life after WWII and the beginning of the Cold War . The US undercover protagonist is drawn into one last duty. But unexpected, deceptive circumstances interfere with his assignment. The story is in the 1940s but is reads like a contemporary world.
In my third novel Majors Remmich and Miller are drawn into a shadow world. Grim realities of an assignment in Istanbul, Turkey, are forced upon these protagonists, instigated by a kidnapping. The Tariq’Allah (Shining Star of Allah) once again finds their prey.
Fatal Identity is the unforgettable story of two men swept into a labyrinth of espionage. They are forced into a tradeoff to save their spouses, then into an untenable situation where they must betray their country.[SC1] The officers failed negotiations. The ending does not come to a life-and death compromise.
