From delectable tales to history texts masterfully presented in fiction stories, these books are must-reads before traveling to Turkey.
Last updated: September 11, 2025
Traveling to Turkey through Books
Multicultural, traditional, vibrant… Turnkey is a country that has been luring travelers for centuries. In the early days, the abundant markets of the Ottoman Empire gathered merchants from all corners of the world. Flavorful Turkish cuisine inspired many, enticing world-famous chefs, cooks, and spices experts.
When a new wave of travelers interested in natural wonders emerged, Turkey grabbed their attention with unforgettable air balloon flights over the Cappadocia region, the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and the scenic Köprülü Canyon.
For many, though, the country is still a rather untrodden destination. A place that lies both in Europe and Asia, Turkey is sometimes looked down upon as a controversial country compared to its western neighbors.
If you find that any of these worries creep into your heart, grab one of these books and learn about Turkey, its history, culture, customs, traditions, and – of course – cuisine. For the most part the works of fiction, these books set in Turkey are sprinkled with historic events and abound with cultural illustrations that will ignite your interest in the country beyond anything you already know.
BOOKS TO READ BEFORE TRAVELING TO TURKEY
1. A Recipe for Daphne
A fiction book set in Istanbul, Turkey, and Florida, the U.S., by Nektaria Anastasiadou
Miami-born and raised, Daphne travels to Istanbul to visit her aunt, Gavriela. Other reasons that prod the young woman to fly across the world are a years-long relationship that is in question now and her desire to learn about her roots. Daphne’s family comes from a long lineage of Rums, Greek Orthodox Christians that have lived in Turkey for centuries.
In Istanbul, Daphne meets Kosmas, a master pastry chef who is looking for a good Rum wife. The man instantly falls in love with the “American”. But the happy ending may never happen for a few reasons. First, Daphne still has a boyfriend back in Florida. Second, a family secret intertwined with the painful history of Istanbul and the entire country, once discovered, threatens to ruin any vague chances for happiness.
The book A Recipe for Daphne opens the window into the rich and complicated culture and traditions of Turkey, generously slathered with Turkish traditional dishes and sweets. The book is a masterful depiction of Turkey and a must-read before planning a trip.
2. The Pasha of Cuisine
A delicious tale, the book is set in the Ottoman Empire, now Turkey, by Saygin Ersin
Once every few centuries, a person is born who is excellent in spices, flavors, and aromas. This person is the Pasha of Cuisine. What surprises one of the empirical chefs the most is the recognition of this superior talent in one of the young princes. The boy detects flavors and uses spices better than anyone in the sultan’s kitchen. The gift saves his life.
The chef takes pity and saves the future Pasha of Cuisines after the bloodiest massacre within the Imperial Palace. The boy has to forget that he was born a prince and starts his apprenticeship to become the Pasha of Cuisine.
During this journey, the now young man falls in love with the beautiful girl, Kamer. But before the two lovers can elope, Kamer is sold into the Imperial Harem. The young chef finds his way back into the Imperial Palace. Using his culinary gift as a powerful weapon, he is ready to bring down the empire if needed to save his love.
The book The Pasha of Cuisine is a captivating and delectable tale about the old-day Turkey, its traditions, history, and the flavorful Turkish cuisine.
3. Last Train to Istanbul
A book set in Turkey and France by Ayşe Kulin
Spirited Selva is the youngest daughter of one of the last Ottoman pasas. Together with her sister, Sabiha, Selva gets a good education and enjoys the freedom to see the world for what it is now, free from any old prejudices and cultural constraints. Or do these liberal thoughts extend only to hours-long debates with her father?
Selva comes face to face with her father’s stubbornness and devotion to the old traditions when she falls in love with Rafael Alfandari, the son of an esteemed Jewish physician in Istanbul.
The young couple defies their families’ disapproval, marries, and flees to Paris to find a better life in a place where no one judges and humiliates them. But the dream life turns into a desperate search for survival when Nazis invade France. Jews are the first to suffer.
In the midst of the imminent danger, there is a hope that comes from a handful of courageous Turkish diplomats. Presenting the interests of the neutral country in World War II, the Turkish officials in France come up with a plan to save Turkish nationals. They are Selva and Rafo’s along with hundreds of other innocent Jews’ last hope for survival, freedom, and dignity.
Read More
- BOOKS ABOUT CHINA: 3 Books to Read before Traveling to China
