4 Mevsim Turizm

Herseye Ragmen Kitap

Seeing that there is no guidebook recommendable to tourists, Serif Yenen decided to write "Turkish Odyssey" based on his experience of ten years. And it is obvious that he did it very well . . .

- Why is it that all the guidebooks about Turkey had been prepared by foreigners?

It is a shame that there is no publication in this field except for a few promotional brochures by the Ministry of Tourism. Promotion of a country can best be accomplished by people of that country. When this is the case, if it is foreigners who are writing promotional books about Turkey, does that refer to incapability of Turks, or negligence by the related authority?

- What is your suggestion?

As a matter of fact, the "Turkish Odyssey" project is a whole consisting of a book, website, and CD-ROM. I requested sponsorship from the Ministry of Tourism, but did not even receive an answer. They do not care about such activities. I believe that the Ministry should prepare such publications in this "Age of Information", or at least support those who try to accomplish through their own resources. But I had to face indifference from their side.

- Are those books written by foreigners so awful?

Foreign publishers are sending their writers to Turkey. They travel around Turkey and gather information. In the end they write their books based on such short-term experience. Generally speaking, most of the books are full of incomplete and wrong information. Some of them distort the truth, some highlight unnecessary details, and some make fun of the people and the country. For instance, if we do not declare that Homer is an Anatolian poet born in Smyrna, all the foreign resources keep on accepting that he is a Greek poet.

- Was it difficult to prepare the book?

I could accomplish the project in four years. I had great contribution from my tourist guide friends during the preparations. They guided me with their views, and provided resources. I believe it is very important if a promotional book is prepared by someone who has experience in the related sector. At the end of a four-year period, when I thought it was finished, the real difficulties started. I could not arrange interviews with publishers. The Chairman of Turkish Promotion Foundation turned the phone down. The Ministry of Tourism commented that my work was useful, but they could not contribute to an unpublished book. Finally, I had to publish through my own capability. Then I re-applied to the Ministry. They held onto the excuse they had insufficient budgets. Is it my duty to send promotional books to the Turkish Tourism offices worldwide? I did it anyway. Now, I understand why no natives have ever written such a book.

- Will the book remain only in English?

I started with the most common language, which is English. But the Turkish version is ready now, to be followed by German, Japanese, and Italian.