...i have in all honesty believed that two people with similar names must have similar characters, that an unfamiliar word - be it Turkish or foreign - must be semantically similar to a word spelt like it, that the soul of a dimpled woman must carry something of the soul of another dimpled woman i knew before, that all fat people are the same, that all poor people belong to a fraternity about which i know nothing, that there must be a link between peas and Brazil - not just because Brazil is Breziliya in Turkish and the word for pea is bezelye but also because the Brazilian flag has, it seems, an enormous pea on it....
In "Istanbul: Memories and the City," Orhan Pamuk reflects on his personal beliefs regarding the connections among people and concepts. He expresses a tendency to assume that individuals with similar names share comparable traits and that unfamiliar words might have meanings akin to familiar ones. This endeavor to draw parallels extends to physical appearances and socioeconomic status, suggesting a belief in an intrinsic link among people based on shared characteristics.
Pamuk's observations highlight a whimsical yet profound way of interpreting the world, where he associates seemingly disparate elements—like the Brazilian flag and peas—through cultural connections. This exploration reveals the complexities of identity and perception, as he grapples with the intertwining of personal memories and broader societal notions. His reflections serve as a lens into the rich tapestry of his experiences in Istanbul.
