Celebrating Summer

Yes, that's what we are doing.

The warmest season of the year has evantually arrived. Long awaited rays of the shining sun delivers the unique sense of optimism -and that's probably the most righteous delivery ever seen- thus triggering the most humanistic feelings which lie beneath the very nature of mankind. Perhaps, until now you have never realized the glamour surrounding you. And while this realization drives some certain kind of people more and more productive to create new masterpieces; on the other hand, it leads some other kind more and more eager to discover the innovative work of the former group.

These two distinguished groups are those who enjoy somehow dealing with literature.

Namely, you and us.

At these times of optimism, I usually think that such an editorial position in an international literary magazine is probably the most rewarding one. With the positive intentions this season brings, I have the opportunity to make new priceless friendships all over the world. Thinking of my friends; Luis Benitez, Djelloul (Del) Marbrook, Denis Emorine, Christpher Woods, Dmetri Kakmi, Ronaldo Jiminez and many others; we all are the members of a broader multi-cultural family, whose members are scattered over the world.

In our correspondence with Del Marbrook, editor of Arabesques International Cultural Review, we came to a conclusion that if everyone on the world cooperated effectively like us -us,the members of this family- the world would be a totally different place than now.Right now, I'm spending much time reading famous Romanian author Panait Istrati who died in 1935 -nicknamed as the Maxim Gorky of the Balkans- and despite the time gap between his era and ours, most of the ideas in his books are still valid in today's world and his opinions really drew my interest. In his novel Mediterranean he puts an emphasis on the fast-vanishing intimate friendships and correspondingly how cold the world and how lonely people are growing. In fact, the life of Istrati is a perfect example itself.

Indeed, today most of us seem to be totally oblivious of the treasure in our own hands. In this era which lacks of intimate relations, our family  casts a unique model for a more sincere world.

Literature fits right here. It bridges people from diverse cultural backgrounds and helps them to beware of the common precious heritage of mankind.

Personally, I like my friends and appreciate their support throughout my journey.

By the way, among the great works of my friends, Del's novella Saraceno is something you shouldn't miss. With his splendid style and an engrossing plot set up in Manhattan, Saraceno is like no other mafia stories you know. Congratulations to my talented friend Del on his fine work and I do look forward to read more from him.

As for the contents of the Summer Edition; they are, needless to say, as warm as these beautiful summer days. Along with the delightful contents, beginning with this edition you will read memories of a journeyman at The Journeyman's Tale  by Ronaldo Jiminez. You are familiar with Ron by his stories in previous editions of Istanbul Literature Review. He begins with The New Orleans That Was. Among the others, Dmetri's Critical Eye hosts the legendary Flannery O'Conner which I think you will enjoy reading. Seasons Among The Tribes in the Poetry Section is another must-read by Robert Lietz, which is masterfully written for the Bosnian Resistance.

One final word about ILR Mobile. Our unique GPRS Service turns out to be a great success. The Delicate Sound of Thunder is now accessible via your mobile device and Haiku section is coming soon. There's a growing rate of ILR Mobile usage, which fulfills the meaning of our motto "Delivering Literature Everywhere" .

Another high-quality edition of Istanbul Literature Review is just clicks away. I hope you enjoy the company of the Summer 2006 Edition throughout the beautiful days of the warmest season. 

Cordially,

Etkin Getir
Founding Owner