The İstanbul Review: A Literary Journal

Abstract

This abstract examines *The Istanbul Review*, a semi-annual literary journal established in 2012, which aims to bridge cultural divides through literature. Edited by Miriam Johnson and Hande Zapsu Watt, the journal seeks to connect writers, critics, and influential figures from diverse backgrounds who have been shaped by literature. The first issue, themed "The State of Literature," featured interviews with prominent politicians like Tayyip Erdoğan and Gerhard Schröder alongside renowned authors such as Elif Shafak and Paolo Coelho. It also included creative works by canonical writers Ngugi wa Thiong'o and Sir Terry Pratchett. The second issue, titled "The Screen of Literature," explored the intersection between literature and cinema, focusing on cinematic adaptations and translation. This edition featured artistic contributions from Sena, Oğuz Demir, and Geoff Gossett, among others, and delved into how literary works are transformed through visual media. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and cultures, *The Istanbul Review* exemplifies its mission to build global literary connections.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)