From the moment Lisa Morrow first stepped onto Turkish soil in 1990, her love affair with the country has been tumultuous. She came to stay forever and then left for good many times, but could never get Turkey and more specifically Istanbul, out of her mind. The chaos, intensity and spirit of the city repeatedly called her back. It’s a place where traditions clash with modernity and emotions overrule logic. In Istanbul Lisa’s heart beats contentedly at being home and when she’s away, whether in Turkey or elsewhere, she longs to return. Yet once there, a sense of longing remains. Istanbul’s essence is elusive. It shimmers seductively just out of reach. In Longing for Istanbul Lisa writes about the passion, disillusionment, joy, despair and sheer determination that fuel her love for Istanbul. She tackles head on the events, attitudes and issues which mean life in Turkey isn’t always plain sailing, while acknowledging she wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. Lisa is a Sydney, Australia born sociologist, author and travel writer. She’s lived in Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul with her husband for many years. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, CNN Travel, The Guardian, BBC Travel and elsewhere. Lisa shares her insights and experiences on her website Inside Out In Istanbul and in her three other books, I__nside Out In Istanbul, Exploring Turkish Landscapes and Istanbul Dreams.