Turkiye: Cycling Through a Country´s First Century

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The complex story of modern Turkiye unfolds in a deeply thoughtful and gripping narrative, showcasing Sayarer's trademark style from the saddle and roadside. On the eve of its centenary and pivotal elections, Julian Emre Sayarer embarks on a cycling journey across Turkiye, from the Aegean coast to the Armenian border. Along the way, he meets Turkish farmers, Syrian refugees, and Russians seeking to avoid conscription, weaving a rich cultural tapestry of a region where Asia, Africa, and Europe converge. This journey serves as a love letter to Turkiye and its neighbors, offering a clear-eyed perspective on the country and its evolving role in the world. However, the route is shadowed by tragedy, as Sayarer cycles along a major fault line just months before one of the most devastating earthquakes in the region's history. Engaging with significant historical and political questions, Sayarer uses his bicycle and roadside encounters to connect with the human experience. By the end of his journey, readers gain a deeper understanding of Turkiye and the universal nature of political power, both within the country and in a broader context.