IMPLICATIONS OF EAST-WEST INTERACTIONS IN SELECT NOVELS OF ORHAN PAMUK

Abstract

Orhan Pamuk, one of Turkey's most celebrated contemporary writers, is widely recognized for his exploration of the cultural and ideological intersections between the East and the West. Through his novels, Pamuk delves into the complexities of Turkish identity, particularly in the context of modernization and Westernization. His works, including My Name is Red, Snow, and The Museum of Innocence, examine the ongoing interaction between Eastern traditions and Western influences, reflecting the tensions, contradictions, and exchanges between the two cultures. Through these novels, Pamuk portrays the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges faced by societies undergoing rapid transformation. His work provides a nuanced commentary on the broader implications for postcolonial societies navigating between heritage and globalization. Therefore, the present study aims to study how he portrays cultural exchanges, ideological conflicts, and the search for identity.