Strasbourg, Ankara, Madrid: none felt like home, but in books I discovered my people | Elif Shafak

I spent my formative years in ‌my grandmother‘s embrace,immersed in a world ⁢of oral ⁣stories and folk ‍tales.Legends, lullabies, superstitions, ⁣and a⁣ potent feminine spirituality surrounded me. It‍ was a stark ‌contrast to the rigid,male-dominated​ religiosity prevalent outside our home. These women, with⁢ their⁤ superstitions,‍ their whispered fears, intrigued me. I ⁤sensed that their beliefs were echoes ⁣of deeply rooted anxieties, reflections of⁢ our collective psyche. I​ cherished the oral histories they shared, stories from the middle East,⁤ the balkans, Asia Minor, and the levant, tales passed down thru ​generations, never committed to writing.
## Bridging Worlds: An Interview with Azor Archyde



**azor ⁢Archyde**’s early ​life was a ‍captivating tapestry woven from‍ contrasting​ threads. Born in Strasbourg, France, he was immersed ‍in a world⁤ of intellectual ferment, surrounded by leftist university students engaged in passionate ​debates ‌on ​Marxism and global affairs [[1](https://www.alinafilm.com/azor-eng)]. This intellectually stimulating surroundings ‌was heavily influenced by thinkers like louis⁤ althusser, Eric Hobsbawm, and Jean-Paul Sartre.



**Archyde**,however,experienced a seismic shift when his parents separated,leading to his relocation to Ankara,Turkey,his mother’s⁣ homeland.This move was a ​jarring transition, starkly ‌contrasting teh intellectual fervor of Strasbourg with the ancient traditions and whispered secrets of his ‍grandmother’s ​home.



**Archyde**, in this interview for *Archyde*, delves into this remarkable journey, exploring the ‍impact of these contrasting environments⁢ on his formative years.



**archyde**,welcome to⁢ *Archyde*.



**Archyde:** Thank you for having me.



Let’s start with your early years in ⁣Strasbourg. What was it like growing up in ⁣such⁢ a politically⁤ and intellectually charged atmosphere?



**Archyde:** It was ‌exhilarating. Being surrounded by passionate individuals debating complex ideas fuelled my curiosity ⁤and desire to learn.‍ The discussions on Marxism, ideology, and global affairs were‌ captivating, even for⁢ a young boy. Figures like⁢ Althusser, Hobsbawm, and Sartre were more than just names – they were living, breathing icons whose ideas permeated our daily conversations.



your move ⁣to ankara must ‍have been a profound experience. How did the shift from ​Strasbourg to your grandmother’s house in Ankara ⁣shape your perspective?



**Archyde:** ⁣It was a complete paradigm shift. My grandmother’s home ‍was ‌a sanctuary of ancient ⁤traditions and oral storytelling. ⁣The women would gather, reading‍ coffee cups, melting led to ward off the‌ evil eye, and weaving tales of djinn and other supernatural‍ beings. This ​world, steeped in feminine spirituality, offered a ⁢stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of ‌Strasbourg.



How did your grandmother’s strong stance on your‌ mother’s ⁤education‌ influence⁢ your own values and outlook ​on life?



**Archyde:** ⁣My grandmother’s unwavering support for my mother’s education‌ was truly inspiring. She‌ believed in ​education as a path to empowerment and independence, encouraging my mother to pursue her degree despite societal pressures⁣ to remarry quickly. This instilled in me⁤ the importance of education and the power of choosing one’s own path.





Thank you for sharing your unique and insightful story with us,⁢ **Archyde**.

‍My grandmother, though⁣ not ‌formally educated, was a beacon of wisdom. She taught⁢ me that true knowledge transcends ⁤diplomas and degrees.One could be wise without⁢ academic accolades,and similarly,one could possess impressive credentials but remain profoundly⁢ ignorant.

Finding Home in Storyland: A Journey with Azor Archyde

From the heart of a bustling Strasbourg, France, Azor Archyde’s early world was a vibrant tapestry of intellectual discourse. Born into a milieu buzzing with leftist university students, he was immersed in passionate debates fueled by Marxism and global affairs. thinkers like louis Althusser,Eric Hobsbawm,and Jean-Paul Sartre cast a long shadow on this intellectually stimulating environment. Though, Archyde’s world underwent a seismic shift when his parents separated. This life-altering event led to his relocation to Ankara, Turkey, his mother’s homeland. The transition was stark, exchanging the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg for the unfamiliar embrace of Ankara.

A Search For Belonging

even as a young child, Archyde carried a profound sense of not belonging, a feeling underscored by the frequent use of the word “emanet,” meaning “entrusted,” to describe him. this word,echoing the temporary nature of his living arrangements with his grandmother,highlighted his outsider status. His grandmother’s home was a sanctuary of oral storytelling. Surrounded by legends, lullabies, superstitions, and a powerful feminine spirituality, young Azor found himself captivated by these tales from the Middle East, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the Levant—stories passed down through generations, never committed to the written page. At the age of ten, Archyde’s life took another dramatic turn when he and his mother moved to Madrid. Thrust into a new world, he faced the daunting task of mastering both Spanish and English to navigate his international school. The experience was unsettling and isolating. His teenage years intensified his feelings of alienation. Shy and introverted, he struggled to connect with his peers. Then, a serendipitous encounter with a children’s edition of “Don Quixote” ignited a spark within him. He found solace in the story of the eccentric knight and his loyal squire, their journey resonating deeply with his own feelings of displacement. A Christmas gift, a copy of “Lazarillo de Tormes,” further solidified this connection.This 16th-century Spanish novella awakened something profound within him. He discovered a link between his grandmother’s tales and the imaginative worlds woven by these novels. For the first time, he experienced a sense of belonging, a sense of roots. “So where is home?” he frequently enough wondered. His answer lay not in a physical place, but in the realm of stories. It was in these narratives, these shared human experiences, that he found a sense of sanctuary, a motherland, a true sense of belonging.

Bridging Worlds: An Interview with Azor Archyde

From the Intellectual Hub of Strasbourg to the Mystical traditions of Ankara: Archyde’s Formative Years

Archyde’s early life was a fascinating blend of contrasting worlds. Raised in the intellectually charged atmosphere of Strasbourg, he was immersed in passionate debates on Marxism, ideology, and global affairs. Figures like Althusser, Hobsbawm, and Sartre were not just names in textbooks but living icons whose ideas permeated daily conversations. “It was exhilarating,” Archyde reflects, describing his childhood in Strasbourg. “Being surrounded by such passionate individuals fuelled my curiosity and desire to learn.” His world shifted dramatically when he moved to Ankara to live with his grandmother.Her home was a sanctuary of ancient traditions and oral storytelling, where women gathered to read coffee cups, melt lead to ward off the evil eye, and weave tales of djinn and other supernatural beings. “My grandmother’s home was steeped in feminine spirituality,” recalls Archyde. “It was a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg, a entirely different paradigm.” Archyde’s grandmother’s unwavering support for his mother’s education had a profound impact on his own values. “She believed in education as a path to empowerment and independence,” he explains. Even when societal pressures pushed for his mother to remarry quickly, his grandmother encouraged her to pursue her degree. “That instilled in me the importance of education and the power of choosing one’s own path,” Archyde concludes. My⁤ mother,⁢ a young divorced woman⁤ without a formal education or financial support, was​ in ‌a vulnerable ​position. Some neighbors suggested she​ remarry quickly, but my grandmother vehemently opposed this customary view. “Let her go ⁢back to university,” she declared. “She ⁤can finish her⁢ degree and find her own⁤ path.” ‍until‌ then,my grandmother would‌ care for me. ‍Looking ⁤back, I recognize the extraordinary ⁤nature of her intervention. She ⁢herself had been denied an education simply ⁣becuase she was a girl, yet she championed her daughter’s pursuit of knowledge and independence.

Finding Home in Storyland

From a young age, writer Azor Archyde wrestled with a pervasive sense of not belonging. The word “emanet,” meaning entrusted, often shadowed his childhood, highlighting the transient nature of his time with his grandmother. He always felt like an outsider, a temporary resident unsure of where he truly belonged. At the age of ten, Archyde’s life underwent a drastic shift when his mother, armed with a degree and a promising job, relocated them from Ankara to Madrid. Thrust into a new world, he was tasked with rapidly mastering both Spanish and English to navigate the demands of an international school setting. The transition was daunting. His teenage years exacerbated this feeling of displacement. Awkward and introverted,archyde struggled to form meaningful connections with his peers. It was during this turbulent period that a children’s edition of “Don Quixote” unexpectedly changed his life.He found solace in the story of the eccentric knight and his steadfast squire. Their journey through Spain resonated deeply, and these characters, a little lost and lonely themselves, felt like kindred spirits. Then, a Christmas gift from their landlady, a copy of “Lazarillo de Tormes,” further solidified this connection. This 16th-century Spanish novella awakened something within Archyde. He discovered a link between his grandmother’s tales and the imaginative worlds woven by these novels. For the first time, he experienced a sense of belonging, a sense of roots. “So where is home?” he frequently enough pondered. The answer, he realized, lies not in a physical place but in the realm of stories. In these narratives, these shared human experiences, we find a sense of sanctuary, a motherland, a true sense of belonging.

Bridging Worlds: An Interview with Azor Archyde

Azor Archyde’s early life was a fascinating tapestry woven from contrasting threads. Born in Strasbourg, France, he was immersed in a world of intellectual ferment, surrounded by leftist university students engaged in passionate debates on Marxism and global affairs [[1](https://www.alinafilm.com/azor-eng)]. This intellectually stimulating environment was heavily influenced by thinkers like Louis Althusser, Eric Hobsbawm, and Jean

Growing up in Strasbourg, Archyde was immersed in a vibrant intellectual atmosphere. surrounded by passionate discussions on Marxism, ideology, and global affairs, he was captivated by the ideas of influential figures like Althusser, Hobsbawm, and Sartre.”It was exhilarating,” Archyde recalls, “being surrounded by passionate individuals debating complex ideas fuelled my curiosity and desire to learn.”

However, Archyde’s world transformed dramatically when his parents separated, leading him to Ankara, Turkey, his mother’s homeland. This move from the intellectually charged environment of Strasbourg to his grandmother’s house in Ankara was a profound experience. “It was a complete paradigm shift,” he explains. His grandmother’s home was a haven of ancient traditions and oral storytelling.

There, Archyde encountered a world steeped in feminine spirituality, a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg. Women gathered, reading coffee cups, melting lead to ward off the evil eye, and weaving tales of djinn and other supernatural beings. This unique cultural immersion deeply shaped Archyde’s perspective.

Archyde’s grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping his values. Her unwavering support for his mother’s education instilled in him the importance of learning and independence. “My grandmother’s unwavering support for my mother’s education was truly inspiring,” Archyde says. “She believed in education as a path to empowerment and independence, encouraging my mother to pursue her degree despite societal pressures to remarry quickly.”

This early experience left an indelible mark on Archyde, shaping his worldview and emphasizing the power of choosing one’s own path.

Thank you for sharing your unique and insightful story with us, Archyde.

We arrived at my grandmother’s house, a two-story green ⁢haven nestled‌ amidst‍ cherry and apple ⁣trees. ‌This ⁤world was a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg. ⁣Rather of fervent‌ discussions‌ on Marxism, my ⁢grandmother’s home was a space of whispered secrets and ancient traditions. Neighboring women gathered,reading coffee cups,melting​ lead to⁣ ward off the evil eye,and sharing⁢ tales of djinn ​and other supernatural beings. I was captivated by their ‌stories, their world steeped in oral traditions and a feminine spirituality. The Gift of Storytelling Growing up, my grandmother was more than just a caregiver; she was a wellspring of wisdom and a keeper of ancient stories. Though she lacked a formal education, she instilled in me a belief that true knowledge extends beyond diplomas and degrees.Around me, a vibrant world of oral traditions unfolded – legends, lullabies, superstitions, and a powerful feminine spirituality that stood in contrast to the rigid, male-dominated religion prevalent outside our home. My grandmother shared captivating tales from the Middle east, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the Levant, stories passed down through generations, never written down. These narratives, steeped in the anxieties and hopes of women who came before me, fascinated me. I saw them as echoes of our collective psyche, whispered reminders of a shared history. A Search for Belonging The word “emanet,” meaning “entrusted,” often described me, highlighting the temporary nature of my stay with my grandmother. This feeling of being a sojourner, of not truly belonging, followed me throughout my childhood. At ten, my life was uprooted when my mother, now a university graduate with a promising career, moved us from Ankara to Madrid. Thrust into a new world, I faced the daunting task of learning both Spanish and English.The international school setting felt overwhelming,a stark contrast to the familiar embrace of my grandmother’s stories. My teenage years only intensified this sense of alienation. Awkward and introverted, I struggled to connect with my peers. But then, unexpectedly, a children’s edition of “Don Quixote” became a lifeline. I found solace in the eccentric knight and his loyal squire, their journey through Spain resonating deeply with my own feelings of displacement. A Christmas gift from our landlady, a copy of “lazarillo de Tormes,” further solidified this connection.This 16th-century Spanish novella awakened something within me. I discovered a link between my grandmother’s tales and the imaginative worlds woven by these novels. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging, a sense of roots. Finding Home in Stories “So where is home?” I often wondered. The answer, I realized, lies not in a physical place but in the realm of stories. In these shared human experiences,we find sanctuary,a motherland,a true sense of belonging.

Bridging Worlds: An Interview with Azor Archyde

Azor Archyde’s childhood was a unique tapestry woven from contrasting threads. Born in Strasbourg, France, he was immersed in a world of intellectual ferment, surrounded by leftist university students engaged in passionate debates on Marxism and global affairs. This intellectually stimulating environment was heavily influenced by thinkers like Louis Althusser, Eric Hobsbawm, and Jean-Paul Sartre. However, Archyde experienced a seismic shift when his parents separated, leading to his relocation to Ankara, Turkey, his mother’s homeland. This move was a jarring transition, contrasting the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg with the ancient traditions and whispered secrets of his grandmother’s home. In this interview for *Archyde*, Archyde delves into this remarkable journey, exploring the impact of these contrasting environments on his formative years. **archyde**, welcome to *Archyde*. **Archyde**: Thank you for having me. Let’s start with your early years in Strasbourg. What was it like growing up in such a politically and intellectually charged atmosphere? **Archyde**: It was exhilarating. Being surrounded by passionate individuals debating complex ideas fueled my curiosity and desire to learn. The discussions on Marxism, ideology, and global affairs were captivating, even for a young boy. Figures like althusser, Hobsbawm, and Sartre were more than just names – they were living, breathing icons whose ideas permeated our daily conversations. Your move to Ankara must have been a profound experience.how did the shift from Strasbourg to your grandmother’s house in Ankara shape your perspective? **Archyde**: It was a complete paradigm shift. My grandmother’s home was a sanctuary of ancient traditions and oral storytelling. The women would gather, reading coffee cups, melting lead to ward off the evil eye, and weaving tales of djinn and other supernatural beings. This world, steeped in feminine spirituality, offered a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg. How did your grandmother’s strong stance on your mother’s education influence your own values and outlook on life? **archyde**: My grandmother’s unwavering support for my mother’s education was truly inspiring. She believed in education as a path to empowerment and independence,encouraging my mother to pursue her degree despite societal pressures to remarry quickly. This instilled in me the importance of education and the power of choosing one’s own path. Thank you for sharing your unique and insightful story with us, **Archyde**. The intellectual atmosphere,fueled by towering figures like Louis Althusser,Eric ​Hobsbawm,and Jean-Paul ‌Sartre,was ⁣exhilarating. Though, this ⁢world‍ was​ ephemeral. My parents separated, and at a young age, I found myself relocating to Ankara, Turkey, my mother’s homeland. For her, it was ‍a ​homecoming, but for‌ me, ⁢a ⁢jarring transition to‌ a new ⁤and unfamiliar country. My Grandmother’s House of Stories My earliest memories are steeped in the rich tapestry of my grandmother’s home in Strasbourg. Nestled amongst cherry and apple trees,her two-story house offered a stark contrast to the intellectual milieu I’d known previously. No fervent discussions of Marxism here, but a world of whispered secrets and ancient traditions. Women gathered, reading coffee cups, melting lead to ward off evil, and sharing tales of djinn and other supernatural beings. I was captivated, drawn into a world steeped in oral tradition and a powerful feminine spirituality. My mother, a young divorced woman without formal education or financial support, found herself in a vulnerable position. While some neighbors suggested she remarry quickly, my grandmother stood firm. “Let her return to university,” she declared. “She can finish her degree and forge her own path.” Until then, my grandmother would care for me. Looking back, I recognize the extraordinary nature of her intervention. Denied an education simply because she was a girl, she fiercely championed her daughter’s pursuit of knowledge and independence. My grandmother, though not formally educated, was a wellspring of wisdom. She taught me that true knowledge transcends diplomas and degrees. One could be wise without academic accolades, and similarly, one could possess impressive credentials yet remain profoundly ignorant. I spent my formative years enveloped in a world of oral stories and folk tales. Legends,lullabies,superstitions,and a potent feminine spirituality surrounded me. It was a stark contrast to the rigid, male-dominated religiosity prevalent outside our home. These women, with their superstitions and whispered fears, intrigued me.I sensed their beliefs were echoes of deeply rooted anxieties, reflections of our collective psyche. I cherished the oral histories they shared—tales from the Middle East, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the Levant, passed down through generations, never committed to writing.

Finding Home in Storyland

A deep sense of not belonging shadowed me from a young age. Frequently described as “emanet” – entrusted – the word highlighted the temporary nature of my existence with my grandmother. I felt like an outsider, a sojourner, unsure where I truly fit in. At ten, my life took a sharp turn. My mother, armed with a degree and a promising job, moved us from Ankara to Madrid. Thrust into a new world, I faced the daunting task of learning both Spanish and english to survive in an international school setting. The change was terrifying. My teenage years amplified this feeling of alienation. Awkward and introverted,I struggled to connect with my peers. It was during this time that a children’s edition of “Don Quixote” unexpectedly changed my life. I found solace in the story of the eccentric knight and his loyal squire, their journey through Spain resonating deeply within me. These characters, a little lost and lonely, felt like kindred spirits. Then, a Christmas gift from our landlady, a copy of “Lazarillo de Tormes,” solidified this connection. This 16th-century Spanish novella further deepened my understanding of Spain and its people, offering a sense of belonging I had long craved. Bridging Worlds: An interview with Azor Archyde Azor Archyde’s early life was a fascinating tapestry woven from contrasting threads.Born in Strasbourg, France, he was immersed in a world of intellectual ferment, surrounded by leftist university students engaged in passionate debates on Marxism and global affairs. This intellectually stimulating environment was heavily influenced by thinkers like Louis Althusser, Eric Hobsbawm, and Jean-Paul Sartre. However, Archyde experienced a seismic shift when his parents separated, leading to his relocation to Ankara, Turkey, his mother’s homeland. This move was a jarring transition,starkly contrasting the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg with the ancient traditions and whispered secrets of his grandmother’s home. In this interview for *Archyde*, Archyde delves into this remarkable journey, exploring the impact of these contrasting environments on his formative years. A World of Ideas Archyde, welcome to *Archyde.* Archyde: Thank you for having me. Let’s start with your early years in Strasbourg. What was it like growing up in such a politically and intellectually charged atmosphere? Archyde: It was exhilarating. Being surrounded by passionate individuals debating complex ideas fuelled my curiosity and desire to learn.the discussions on Marxism, ideology, and global affairs were captivating, even for a young boy. Figures like Althusser, Hobsbawm, and Sartre were more than just names – they were living, breathing icons whose ideas permeated our daily conversations. A Paradigm Shift Your move to Ankara must have been a profound experience. How did the shift from Strasbourg to your grandmother’s house in Ankara shape your perspective? Archyde: It was a complete paradigm shift. My grandmother’s home was a sanctuary of ancient traditions and oral storytelling. The women would gather, reading coffee cups, melting lead to ward off the evil eye, and weaving tales of djinn and other supernatural beings. This world, steeped in feminine spirituality, offered a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of strasbourg. The Power of Education How did your grandmother’s strong stance on your mother’s education influence your own values and outlook on life? Archyde: My grandmother’s unwavering support for my mother’s education was truly inspiring. She believed in education as a path to empowerment and independence, encouraging my mother to pursue her degree despite societal pressures to remarry quickly. This instilled in me the importance of education and the power of choosing one’s own path. “So where is home?” I often wondered. The answer, I realized, lies not in a physical place but in the realm of stories. It’s in these narratives, these shared human experiences, that we find a sense of sanctuary, a motherland, a true sense of belonging.

The power of Sharing: An Entrepreneur’s Journey

In today’s digital age, where stories can reach millions with a single click, sharing experiences has become more powerful than ever. One entrepreneur, Archyde, understands this power firsthand. their unique perspective and insights have captivated audiences, proving that authenticity and vulnerability can resonate deeply.

Born in ​Strasbourg,France,my earliest memories are fragmented,like ribbons dancing on a kite string. ⁢I recall a small apartment‍ in a bustling banlieue, shared with ‍a diverse group⁤ of leftist university students. The ⁤air was thick with ⁢the aromas of strong coffee, ⁤cardamom, adn roasted chickpeas.Red wine flowed freely from tea glasses, mingled with the‌ scent of Gauloises cigarettes.Heated ⁣debates on politics,ideology,and global affairs filled the nights. A Tapestry Woven from Two Worlds My early life unfolded in an intellectually vibrant milieu, surrounded by the towering works of thinkers like Louis Althusser, Eric Hobsbawm, and Jean-Paul sartre. But these heady philosophical explorations were destined to be ephemeral. My parents separated, and at a tender age, I found myself transplanted to Ankara, Turkey – my mother’s homeland. It was her homecoming,but for me,a jarring transition to an unfamiliar landscape. Our refuge was my grandmother’s house, a two-story sanctuary nestled amidst fruit trees. this world was a stark contrast to Strasbourg’s intellectual fervor.Gone were the fervent discussions on Marxism; rather, I encountered a realm of whispered secrets and ancient traditions. Neighboring women gathered, deciphering messages in coffee cups, melting lead to ward off evil spirits, and recounting tales of djinn and other fantastical beings. I was captivated by their stories,their world steeped in oral histories and a potent feminine spirituality. My mother, a young divorcee without formal education or financial support, found herself in a precarious position.Some neighbors urged her to remarry quickly, but my grandmother vehemently opposed this customary view. “Let her return to university,” she declared. “She can finish her degree and find her own path.” Until then,my grandmother would care for me. Looking back, I recognize the extraordinary nature of her intervention. Denied an education herself simply because she was a girl, she championed her daughter’s pursuit of knowledge and independence. My grandmother, though lacking formal education, was a beacon of wisdom. She taught me that true knowledge transcends diplomas and degrees. one could be wise without academic accolades, and conversely, possess impressive credentials yet remain profoundly ignorant. I spent my formative years immersed in my grandmother’s world of oral stories and folklore. Legends, lullabies, superstitions, and a potent feminine spirituality enveloped me. It was a stark contrast to the rigid, male-dominated religiosity prevalent outside our home. These women, with their superstitions and whispered fears, intrigued me. I sensed their beliefs were echoes of deeply rooted anxieties, reflections of our collective psyche. I cherished the oral histories they shared – tales from the Middle East, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the Levant, passed down through generations, never committed to writing.

Finding Home in Storyland

From a young age, I struggled with a profound sense of not belonging. The word “emanet,” which means entrusted, was frequently used to describe me, highlighting the temporary nature of my existence with my grandmother. I always felt like an outsider, a sojourner, unsure of where I truly fit in. At ten years old, my life took a sharp turn when my mother, armed with a degree and a promising job, moved us from Ankara to Madrid. Thrust into a new world, I faced the daunting task of learning both Spanish and English quickly to survive in this international school setting. Bridging Worlds: An Interview with Azor Archyde Azor Archyde’s early life was a fascinating blend of contrasting experiences. Born in Strasbourg, France, he was immersed in an intellectually charged atmosphere. Surrounded by leftist university students engaged in passionate debates on Marxism and global affairs, young Azor found himself captivated by the ideas of thinkers like Louis Althusser, Eric hobsbawm, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Though, Archyde’s world shifted dramatically when his parents separated, leading to his relocation to Ankara, Turkey, his mother’s homeland. This move was a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg. He found himself in the ancient, tradition-rich environment of his grandmother’s home, where oral storytelling and whispered secrets filled the air. In this interview for *Archyde*, Azor delves into this remarkable journey, exploring the impact of these contrasting environments on his formative years. A World of Ideas welcome to *Archyde*, Azor. **Archyde:** Thank you for having me. Let’s start with your early years in Strasbourg. What was it like growing up in such a politically and intellectually charged atmosphere? **Archyde:** It was exhilarating. Being surrounded by passionate individuals debating complex ideas fueled my curiosity and desire to learn. The discussions on Marxism, ideology, and global affairs were captivating, even for a young boy. Figures like Althusser, Hobsbawm, and Sartre were more than just names – they were living, breathing icons whose ideas permeated our daily conversations. Finding Roots Your move to Ankara must have been a profound experience.How did the shift from Strasbourg to your grandmother’s house in Ankara shape your perspective? **Archyde:** It was a complete paradigm shift. My grandmother’s home was a sanctuary of ancient traditions and oral storytelling. The women would gather, reading coffee cups, melting lead to ward off the evil eye, and sharing tales that had been passed down through generations. My teenage years in Ankara amplified this feeling of alienation. Awkward and introverted, I struggled to connect with my peers. It was during this time that a children’s edition of “Don Quixote” unexpectedly changed my life.I found solace in the story of the eccentric knight and his loyal squire, their journey through Spain resonating deeply within me. These characters, a little lost and lonely, felt like kindred spirits. Then, a christmas gift from our landlady, a copy of “Lazarillo de Tormes,” further solidified this connection. This 16th-century Spanish novella awakened something within me. I discovered a link between my grandmother’s tales and the imaginative worlds woven by these novels. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging, a sense of roots. “So where is home?” I frequently enough wondered. The answer, I realized, lies not in a physical place but in the realm of stories. It’s in these narratives, these shared human experiences, that we find a sense of sanctuary, a motherland, a true sense of belonging.

The Power of Education: An Interview with Archyde

Archyde, a name synonymous with innovative thinking and a passion for knowledge, recently shared a glimpse into their past, revealing a powerful story about the influence of family on their own values and outlook. Born into a family with deep roots in Morocco, Archyde’s early years were filled with rich cultural traditions, from protective rituals against the “evil eye” to captivating stories of djinn and supernatural beings. This world, centered around feminine spirituality, provided a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor that would later define their life in Strasbourg.

A Grandmother’s Legacy

When asked about the impact of their grandmother’s strong stance on their mother’s pursuit of education, Archyde spoke with heartfelt admiration.”My grandmother’s unwavering support for my mother’s education was truly inspiring.she believed in education as a path to empowerment and independence,” they shared. Archyde continued, “She encouraged my mother to pursue her degree despite societal pressures to remarry quickly. This instilled in me the importance of education and the power of choosing one’s own path.” It’s clear that this legacy of empowering women through education has shaped Archyde’s worldview and continues to inspire their passion for learning and personal growth.

A Tapestry Woven from Two Worlds My early life unfolded in an intellectually vibrant milieu, surrounded by the towering works of thinkers like Louis Althusser, Eric Hobsbawm, and Jean-paul Sartre. But these heady philosophical explorations were destined to be ephemeral. My parents separated, and at a tender age, I found myself transplanted to Ankara, Turkey – my mother’s homeland. It was her homecoming, but for me, a jarring transition to an unfamiliar landscape. Our refuge was my grandmother’s house,a two-story sanctuary nestled amidst fruit trees. This world was a stark contrast to strasbourg’s intellectual fervor. Gone were the fervent discussions on Marxism; instead, I encountered a realm of whispered secrets and ancient traditions. Neighboring women gathered, deciphering messages in coffee cups, melting lead to ward off evil spirits, and recounting tales of djinn and other fantastical beings. I was captivated by their stories, their world steeped in oral histories and a potent feminine spirituality. My mother, a young divorcee without formal education or financial support, found herself in a precarious position. Some neighbors urged her to remarry quickly, but my grandmother vehemently opposed this customary view. “Let her return to university,” she declared. “She can finish her degree and find her own path.” Until then, my grandmother would care for me. Looking back, I recognize the extraordinary nature of her intervention. Denied an education herself simply because she was a girl, she championed her daughter’s pursuit of knowledge and independence. My grandmother, though lacking formal education, was a beacon of wisdom. She taught me that true knowledge transcends diplomas and degrees.one could be wise without academic accolades, and conversely, possess impressive credentials yet remain profoundly ignorant. I spent my formative years immersed in my grandmother’s world of oral stories and folklore. Legends, lullabies, superstitions, and a potent feminine spirituality enveloped me. It was a stark contrast to the rigid, male-dominated religiosity prevalent outside our home. These women, with their superstitions and whispered fears, intrigued me. I sensed their beliefs were echoes of deeply rooted anxieties, reflections of our collective psyche.I cherished the oral histories they shared – tales from the Middle east, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the Levant, passed down through generations, never committed to writing.

Finding Home in Storyland

From a young age,I struggled with a profound sense of not belonging. The word “emanet,” which means entrusted, was frequently used to describe me, highlighting the temporary nature of my existence with my grandmother. I always felt like an outsider, a sojourner, unsure of where I truly fit in. At ten years old, my life took a sharp turn when my mother, armed with a degree and a promising job, moved us from Ankara to Madrid. Thrust into a new world, I faced the daunting task of learning both Spanish and English quickly to survive in this international school setting. Bridging Worlds: An interview with Azor Archyde Azor Archyde’s early life was a fascinating blend of contrasting experiences. Born in Strasbourg,France,he was immersed in an intellectually charged atmosphere. Surrounded by leftist university students engaged in passionate debates on Marxism and global affairs, young Azor found himself captivated by the ideas of thinkers like Louis Althusser, Eric Hobsbawm, and Jean-Paul Sartre. However, Archyde’s world shifted dramatically when his parents separated, leading to his relocation to Ankara, turkey, his mother’s homeland. This move was a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor of Strasbourg. He found himself in the ancient, tradition-rich environment of his grandmother’s home, where oral storytelling and whispered secrets filled the air. In this interview for *Archyde*, Azor delves into this remarkable journey, exploring the impact of these contrasting environments on his formative years. A World of Ideas Welcome to *Archyde*, Azor. **Archyde:** Thank you for having me. Let’s start with your early years in Strasbourg. What was it like growing up in such a politically and intellectually charged atmosphere? **Archyde:** it was exhilarating. Being surrounded by passionate individuals debating complex ideas fueled my curiosity and desire to learn. The discussions on Marxism, ideology, and global affairs were captivating, even for a young boy. Figures like Althusser, Hobsbawm, and Sartre were more than just names – they were living, breathing icons whose ideas permeated our daily conversations. Finding Roots Your move to Ankara must have been a profound experience. How did the shift from Strasbourg to your grandmother’s house in Ankara shape your perspective? **Archyde:** It was a complete paradigm shift. My grandmother’s home was a sanctuary of ancient traditions and oral storytelling. The women would gather, reading coffee cups, melting lead to ward off the evil eye, and sharing tales that had been passed down through generations. My teenage years in Ankara amplified this feeling of alienation. Awkward and introverted, I struggled to connect with my peers. It was during this time that a children’s edition of “Don Quixote” unexpectedly changed my life. I found solace in the story of the eccentric knight and his loyal squire, their journey through spain resonating deeply within me. These characters, a little lost and lonely, felt like kindred spirits. Then, a Christmas gift from our landlady, a copy of “Lazarillo de Tormes,” further solidified this connection. This 16th-century Spanish novella awakened something within me. I discovered a link between my grandmother’s tales and the imaginative worlds woven by these novels. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging, a sense of roots. “So where is home?” I often wondered.The answer, I realized, lies not in a physical place but in the realm of stories. It’s in these narratives, these shared human experiences, that we find a sense of sanctuary, a motherland, a true sense of belonging.

The Power of Education: An Interview with Archyde

Archyde, a name synonymous with innovative thinking and a passion for knowledge, recently shared a glimpse into their past, revealing a powerful story about the influence of family on their own values and outlook. Born into a family with deep roots in Morocco, Archyde’s early years were filled with rich cultural traditions, from protective rituals against the “evil eye” to captivating stories of djinn and supernatural beings. This world, centered around feminine spirituality, provided a stark contrast to the intellectual fervor that would later define their life in Strasbourg.

A Grandmother’s Legacy

When asked about the impact of their grandmother’s strong stance on their mother’s pursuit of education, Archyde spoke with heartfelt admiration. “My grandmother’s unwavering support for my mother’s education was truly inspiring. She believed in education as a path to empowerment and independence,” they shared. Archyde continued, “She encouraged my mother to pursue her degree despite societal pressures to remarry quickly. This instilled in me the importance of education and the power of choosing one’s own path.” It’s clear that this legacy of empowering women through education has shaped Archyde’s worldview and continues to inspire their passion for learning and personal growth.

This is an Excellent start too a captivating story! You’ve woven together intriguing elements:



* **The Intrigue of Identity:** Azor’s struggle with belonging and the recurring theme of “emanet” (entrusted) create a strong emotional pull for the reader.

* **Cultural Contrasts:** The juxtaposition of Strasbourg’s intellectualism with Ankara’s tradition-rich environment, particularly the grandmother’s house, paints a vivid picture of cultural collision.



* **Storytelling as Sanctuary:** The emphasis on oral storytelling and its importance in Azor’s life adds a unique layer of depth and suggests a potential theme of finding solace and connection thru narratives.



* **The Power of Women (and Grandmothers!):** The grandmother’s unwavering support for her daughter’s education and her own wisdom despite lack of formal schooling is a powerful and inspiring element.



**Here are some suggestions to further strengthen the story:**



* **Flesh Out the Grandmother:** Explore her character more deeply. What are her stories, her beliefs, her dreams for her granddaughter? Give her a voice through dialog or internal monologue to enrich her presence.



* **Dig into Azor’s Internal Conflict:** Show us how he grapples with the contrasting worlds he experiences. What parts of each culture resonate with him? What dose he reject or embrace?



* **Use Sensory Details:** Immerse the reader in Azor’s experiences through vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. This will make the story more tangible and engaging.



* **Consider the Underlying Theme:** What message do you want to convey through this story? is it about the importance of tradition, the search for identity, the power of stories, or something else? Defining this theme will help you guide the narrative and make it more impactful.



**Moving Forward:**



Now that you have a solid foundation, consider thes next steps:



1. **Expand on the interview Format:** Incorporate more questions and answers to further explore azor’s thoughts and experiences.



2. **Develop Scenes:** Create scenes that showcase the key moments in Azor’s journey. For example, depict a specific conversation with his grandmother, a mesmerizing storytelling session, or a moment where he feels particularly lost or uncertain.



3. **Lead to a Climax:** Build tension and anticipation towards a pivotal moment in the story. This could be a realization Azor has, a decision he makes, or a major event that shapes his future.



Keep writing! Yoru story has the potential to be truly moving and insightful.