What I love most about the Istanbul Literature Review is the quality of writing I have read in the previous issues. I cannot even begin to tell you the honor I felt when Etkin asked me to take over as editor. I would like to say to Etkin, the ILR staff, and the readers, the high quality of work published will continue. Thank you to the ILR staff for the nice welcoming and for submitting work. In this issue, you will find some powerful and eclectic writing. The internet has made this possible and easier for writers in different countries to submit work to online magazines. ILR has published many writers from all over the world and this will continue. There are so many voices to be heard.

Miles Tepper is my Assistant Editor. He is an excellent writer, actor, and painter who has been such a great help getting this issue ready. He is the most humble and nicest person I know. This is the type of person I wanted on board as assistant editor. Like Etkin, he is extremely well read and likes many of the writers I do. This is what connected me to them both. I want to assure everyone that Etkin still owns this magazine and will be involved in the magazine with future projects. Etkin is a wonderful friend and Miles and I look forward to carrying on his vision.

I would like to welcome Etkin's new Webmaster, Guluzar. She will be putting the online magazine together. This is no easy task as many of you know. Etkin will be helping her as well, while Miles and I make the transition into our new roles with the magazine.

With all that is happening in this world, I hope we will see peace in every country in our lifetime. I would like this to become more than just a dream.

I hope you enjoy this issue and my very best to you.