Pamuk says Turkish bourgeoisie ‘infuriates' him

Responding to questions from Die Zeit on the attitude of the secularist upper class in Turkey, which Pamuk often depicts in his novels, the writer said: “They infuriate me. I don't like their arrogance, selfishness or their hatred for their fellow citizens.” He admitted, however, that he belongs to that class and shares the same streets and habits as them. The Nobel laureate author went further and criticized their  ''condescending attitude towards many women in Turkey only because of their headscarves,” adding that “their attitude reminds me of white Apartheid's attitude towards blacks.”

Pamuk went on to criticize the political stance of this class. “The secular upper class is bothered neither by military interventions nor the oppression of the Kurds,” he said.

In the interview Pamuk also commented on changes taking place within this class, saying that “the smart ones came to terms with reality and began to make progress in respecting others.”