Elif Shafak - the famous Turkish novelist - who now, as she describes herself, is living in self-imposed exile in England, spoke in an interview with 'The Guardian' about her creative crisis, her childhood as a nomad, being pressured by the Turkish government, and overcoming depression to write her latest novel.
ISNA is a semi-official Iranian news agency (Iranian Students News Agency). This is a translation of that outlet's own report; it is the outlet's account, not Artesh's finding.
See what Iranian state media is saying today.
❓ Unknown
Does Writing a Story Hold Value in Times of Turmoil?
1w ago
October 18, 2026
1 min read
📰 ISNA
📋 Key Takeaway
Elif Shafak discusses her struggles with creativity, childhood experiences, and the pressures she faced from the Turkish government while living in exile in England. Her reflections highlight the challenges artists face in oppressive environments and the importance of storytelling during difficult times.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
Elif Shafak's reflections on creativity and oppression serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of artists in the face of authoritarianism.
👥 Key Players
Elif Shafak
MENTIONED
Turkish novelist
"Shafak is a prominent voice in contemporary literature, known for addressing themes of identity, exile, and oppression, which resonate in the context of political repression in Turkey and beyond."
Turkish Government
MENTIONED
State authority
"The Turkish government has been criticized for its authoritarian practices, including censorship and persecution of dissenting voices, which impacts artists like Shafak."
📰 What Happened
Elif Shafak discussed her struggles with creativity and the pressures she faced from the Turkish government during an interview. She reflected on her experiences living in exile and the importance of storytelling in times of crisis.
- Shafak is currently living in self-imposed exile in England due to pressures from the Turkish government.
- She emphasizes the role of storytelling as a means of coping with oppression and personal challenges.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: The struggles faced by Shafak resonate with Iranian artists and intellectuals who also face censorship and repression, emphasizing the universal challenges of creative expression under authoritarian regimes.
🌍 Regional: The article underscores the broader regional trend of artistic suppression, which can lead to increased solidarity among oppressed voices in the Middle East.
🌐 International: Internationally, Shafak's experiences highlight the importance of supporting freedom of expression and the arts, particularly in countries with repressive governments.
📚 Background
Elif Shafak is a well-known author who has faced governmental pressure in Turkey, a country where freedom of expression is increasingly under threat. Her experiences reflect a broader struggle faced by many artists in repressive environments.
Censorship in Turkey
Exile and artistic expression
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The Guardian is a reputable international news outlet known for its coverage of cultural and political issues, providing a balanced perspective on topics like artistic freedom.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
📰 Related Coverage
Just now •
Trump: Negotiations with Iran are progressing well but are not trustworthy
23 min ago •
Bolsonaro Has Fled Brazil with the Help of a Former Mossad Agent
29 min ago •
Why Do Some People See Spirits or Sense the Presence of an Invisible Being?
47 min ago •
The Necessity of Public Cooperation with Energy Consumption Management Programs/The Government Must Take Optimization Seriously
53 min ago •