My fear was not the fear of God but, as in the case of the whole Turkish secular bourgeoisie, fear of the anger of those who believe in God too zealously{...} I experienced the guilt complex as something personal, originated less from the fear of distancing myself from God than from distancing myself from the sense of community shared by the entire city .
In his book "Istanbul: Memories and the City," Orhan Pamuk reflects on the complex emotions surrounding faith and societal pressures. He articulates a different kind of fear—one that stems not from a deep reverence for God, but rather from the concern about the reactions of fervent believers in his community, particularly within the secular bourgeoisie of Turkey. This indicates a conflict between personal beliefs and the expectations of the collective.
Furthermore, Pamuk describes a sense of guilt that arises from feeling disconnected from this communal faith. His apprehension is linked to a desire to belong, rather than a simple fear of divine judgment. It highlights the struggle he faced in reconciling his individual identity with the prevailing sentiments of the society he was part of, emphasizing the profound impact of cultural and religious dynamics on personal experience.
