In an age where boundaries often feel insurmountable, literature serves as a bridge, inviting readers to traverse vast historical and cultural landscapes. This was evident last week as I delved into “The Byerley Turk,” authored by Jeremy James.
The narrative chronicles the remarkable journey of a horse, tracing its path through the Ottoman Empire, the staunch battlefields of Europe, and the bustling streets of London. Yet, woven within these pages are themes that resonate profoundly across cultures, particularly the Turkish phrase “At, Avrat, Pusat” – literally translating to horse, woman, and weapon.
This phrase embodies the essential elements of Turkish life, signifying values deeply entrenched within the cultural fabric of the Turkic peoples. It harkens back to a time of nomadic existence, where the horse was not merely a companion,…
