The book is divided into four parts. The first looks at the history of psychoanalysis in Turkey. The second investigates the psychology of mothers, fathers, siblings, and the adolescent phase in Turkey. The third addresses the complexities and nuances of identity formation, nostalgic rumination, massive trauma, and female aggression in the context of Turkish society at large, including the use of film and literature. The fourth pertains to technical clinical issues, dealing with matters as diverse as grief, spirituality in the context of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, tenacious maternal transferences and the handling of nonverbal material in the clinical session, to name but a few. While the book is psychoanalytic, not all contributors are analysts; many belong to other fields including psychology, sociology, psychiatry, and cultural anthropology. Thus, this is a book not only for psychoanalysts, but also for members of those fields, psychotherapists, and anyone with an interest in Turkish culture.
Zack Eleftheriadou, MA, MSc, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, British Psychotherapy Foundation, London, Author of ‘Psychotherapy and Culture: Weaving Inner and Outer Worlds’ –
‘Professor Akhtar’s masterfully edited text explores the intricate relationship between “inner and outer” psychological spheres within a Turkish cultural context. Drawing from multiple disciplines and a broad psychoanalytic frame, the authors explore poignant themes, such as motherhood, fatherhood, siblings, spirituality, and the arts, skilfully illustrating the rich nuances of identity. This is a most original contribution which will enrich the cross-cultural psychotherapy field and anthropological psychoanalysis.’
Nilofer Kaul, PhD, Training and Supervising Analyst, New Delhi, Author of ‘Plato’s Ghost: Minus Links and Liminality in Psychoanalytic Practice’ –
‘Turkey’s palimpsestic history is an apt metaphor for the psychoanalytic model of the mind. And who better than Salman Akhtar to put it together with his sweeping knowledge and his formidable comprehensiveness? This edited volume covers everything from cultural to developmental and contemporary issues. It introduces us to the elusive and fascinating encounter between two equally intriguing bedfellows: Turkey and Psychoanalysis.’
Michael Shoshani, PsyD, MBA, Training and Supervising Analyst, Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Tel Aviv, Coauthor of ‘Timeless Grandiosity and Eroticised Contempt’ –
‘As someone deeply invested in the global discourse of psychoanalysis, I find Freud in Istanbul: Turkish Contributions to Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis to be a truly special and enriching volume. Salman Akhtar has curated a collection that goes beyond mere academic inquiry, offering profound insights into how psychoanalytic thought beautifully intertwines with the unique cultural tapestry of Turkey.’
Sumru Tüfekçioğlu, PhD, Director of Clinical Education, William Alanson White Institute, New York, Executive Editor of ‘Contemporary Psychoanalysis’ –
‘Turkey, where East meets West, never disappoints when it comes to synthesizing eastern and western culture in its melting pot. Neither does this book. The reader will be pleasantly surprised, moved, and will fall in love with the Turkish culture and with psychoanalysis – in the ability of both to thrive against all odds.’