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Originally published in Turkey in September 2005 by Dogan Kitap (and in a Turkish language edition worldwide as "Türkçe Sevmek"), the English language edition has been a best-seller in Turkey for more than 19 weeks, reaching #1 in January. The critically-acclaimed collection -- praised by Turks and foreigners alike -- now invites American readers into the Turkey that 29 women from six nations know.

This anthology showcases the captivating Turkish lives of 29 foreign nationals from four continents in the past four decades. The anachronistic title ironically mirrors erroneous yet prevalent Western stereotypes about the Middle East, while also declaring that the writers are akin to foreign brides of the Seraglio, the 15th century seat of the Ottoman sultanate: wedded to the culture of the land, yet forever alien. This collection of expatriate literature takes readers to weddings and workplaces, down cobbled Byzantine streets, into boisterous bazaars along the Silk Road and deep into the feminine powerbases of steamy Ottoman bathhouses. All the while, the subtext illuminates journeys of the soul.

For more information, visit www.expatharem.com!

Anastasia M. Ashman is a native of Berkeley, CA, and holds a degree in Archaeology from Bryn Mawr College. A career essayist specializing in personal tales of cultural adventure, Ashman lives in Istanbul with her husband.

Jennifer Eaton Gökmen has lived in Turkey for the past twelve years. She has served as International Coordinator for the “Kadiköy Municipality Annual Folkdance Festival.” A Michigan native, she holds a degree in Creative Writing and American and English Literature from Western Michigan University.