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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

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The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: Postcards from Istanbul

The Essay: Postcards from Istanbul: Episode 4: Moris Farhi

Postcards from Istanbul

Episode 4

Episode 4: Moris Farhi

Moris Farhi

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Turkish author Moris Farhi on the mythical past of Istanbul through childhood memories.

Distinguished Turkish author Moris Farhi, exiled from Turkey for more than 50 years, explores the mythical past of Istanbul though his childhood memories.

The Merman of Istanbul: Celebrating Istanbul's year as European Capital of Culture, distinguished Turkish author Moris Farhi recaptures the spirit of Istanbul through one of its unique characters, a modern-day merman who swims round the islands and grottos of the city in search of a meaning for his unusual gift. Exiled from Turkey for more than fifty years Moris Farhi recaptures some of his love for the city of his youth through this contemporary merman, who takes him back to the myths and fishermen's tales of the mythical Istanbul mermen who brought life to the waters round the city. 

Istanbul, historically also known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey, and uniquely straddles both the continents of Europe and Asia. It was chosen this year as the joint European Capital of Culture. These essays paint five very different and very personal views of this extraordinary city.

Moris Farhi was born in Turkey in 1935. After studying in Istanbul, he came to Britain in 1954, where he has lived ever since, though he still visits Istanbul regularly. He has written several novels, including 'Children of the Rainbow', 'Journey through the Wilderness' and 'Young Turk'. He has been Vice-President of International PEN since 2001.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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Factual: History

Factual: Travel

Five writers and intellectuals give their views on Istanbul, Turkey's largest city

Celebrating Istanbul's year as European Capital of Culture in 2010, five writers and intellectuals give their views on Turkey's largest city

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