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I quit school when I was around 12-13 years old. I regretted it that same year. One day I had gone to Beyoglu Public House to watch a basketball game. It was a public place, open to everyone. I had a lot of friends, both Jewish and Muslim. The public house had a sports center, table tennis and pool halls. One day, one of my friends said, I am going up to the library. That day, I went upstairs too, with my friend. And after that day, he put the seeds of a great love for reading in me.
I started working too during that time. I worked as assistant to a tailor, and to a launderer. I was earning a little pocket money. I used to get out a little early from work and go to the library. My father knew this and did not say anything to me. In addition, there were people who sold or rented old books in Yuksekkaldirim. We rented books for ten cents a week. At the age of 16 – 17, I read romantic novels.
I started working too during that time. I worked as assistant to a tailor, and to a launderer. I was earning a little pocket money. I used to get out a little early from work and go to the library. My father knew this and did not say anything to me. In addition, there were people who sold or rented old books in Yuksekkaldirim. We rented books for ten cents a week. At the age of 16 – 17, I read romantic novels.
Period
Location
Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Türkiye
Interview
Nesim Levi