[flowing music playing]
ALÇAKDAM SLOPE
A STEEP, UNREGULATED STREET AT A LARGE FIRE SITE,
GULLY-LIKE, ESPECIALLY AT THE BOTTOM, WITH HALF-STONE, HALF-DIRT STEPS,
DESTINED TO BECOME A STAIRWAY.
[indistinct chatter]
[flowing music continues]
[beeping]
-[rhythmic hiss] -[beeping]
[flowing music continues]
ISTANBUL ENCYCLOPEDIA
I was ready for this. It was part of the plan from the beginning.
-I swear I was. [giggles] -It's just completely impossible.
[both laugh]
[humming]
Thank you, though, really.
I mean, letting me stay at your house.
I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for your help.
It's nice that you're here, Zehra.
I…
I think you and I will have a nice time together, don't you?
-And what do you think of this spot? -It sucks.
Oh, you don't like it? Uh, we could have gone somewhere else.
Oh no, I didn't mean to be rude.
When your mother was here last, we came here, the two of us.
That's why I brought you to this restaurant.
She spent the only day she had in Istanbul eating in this restaurant?
It seems like a waste to me.
[scoffs] I brought her someplace so boring she would never want to come back here.
[both laugh]
Yeah, good plan.
-What's your mother said about me? -Not much, really.
I just know that you and my mother
haven't seen each other in at least 20 years, maybe more.
I'm not sure where you both stand now,
I'm not good at keeping track of distant relatives.
-I just know you don't speak. -It's actually been 19 years.
We've got a picture of us when I was a baby,
when I was one, remember?
-Yes! -Yes!
Of course, I think you were one, so that would make me about 24, uh…
-It was my fifth year of college. -Uh-huh.
You're wearing green, and I think I'm in a pretty red dress I used to have.
Our copy is only in black and white,
but if you have it in color, it'd be nice. to see it.
[both laugh]
You still have that photograph?
Um, I do.
It caught my eye as I was trying to pack up all my stuff, you know?
So, I brought it with me, but where did I put it?
Ah.
You're beautiful. What a cute baby you were.
And your favorite song's "Büklüm Büklüm," isn't it?
[laughs]
She told you that? Wow.
Well, I figured just 'cause she banned that song.
I know I cast her as this total monster, but she's actually a pretty great person.
Was it just always banned?
I was really into retro stuff a while back.
And biographies and things of that sort.
And I was always scrolling through the Internet looking for stuff.
And Tülay Özer's name showed up one day.
Her sister Zerrin Özer made a comment about it.
You know, "This perfect song," she said,
"Büklüm Büklüm" is the top of her game once again,
but for the last time.
If my mom banned something I would've listened to it out of spite.
The song itself wasn't actually banned.
She banned the Tülay Özer version, but not the other one.
I was allowed to listen to the Sezen Aksu version.
She said it was Sezen Aksu's song, she sang it better.
But Tülay was banned. I had no idea why.
Well, she was always a bit strange, right?
Right.
Do you know why we don't talk anymore?
No.
-We don't talk about stuff like that. -She never mentioned it?
She really hates me, I guess.
Though maybe not, I mean, she is letting you stay with me.
Yeah.
Human beings are so interesting. It's hard to make sense of it.
First, they put you at the center of their world. You get used to it.
You feel like you can't live without them, and then they just turn around…
Hmm…
…and they're gone.
But then after they leave, their past, their pride,
all the values that they've held on to, so strongly, for so many years…
How can they abandon principles so freely?
It doesn't make any sense to me.
It's inconsistent at best, anyway, I guess.
It's not very virtuous.
[tense music playing]
I suppose a person can only do a thing like that
for someone they adore more than anything.
For example, their dear daughter.
I lied to you, Nesrin.
What did you lie about?
My mother doesn't know I'm coming to stay with you.
What do you mean?
I wasn't gonna tell you so soon.
But maybe it's better to get it all out in the open now
before it becomes an even bigger problem.
What are you saying, Zehra?
The dorms were all booked up.
Rent prices in Istanbul and Miami are basically the same,
but everyone goes on about, "Istanbul" like it's the old "Istanbul."
I had limited options, you know?
I had to come 'cause I've already missed the entire first term.
Your plan was to lie to me?
I didn't have any choice.
It was either stay with a cult or "Nesrin, who I'm not supposed to be around."
Your grandmother called and asked. She called and asked.
I convinced her to do it. She's sick, but she still knows what's going on.
Did you really think that I would be allowed to come,
that my mother would let me stay with you?
[Nesrin] Oh! Before I forget…
[door opens]
The keys.
And a fully-loaded Istanbul Card. For you.
Oh. [chuckles softly]
Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
By the way, you've got a beautiful home here. It's…
not a bit like I imagined it'd be.
Can I call you Auntie?
Nesrin is totally fine.
Since we haven't really established anything between us,
-I wanted to run it by you right away. -Hmm.
It might be a little awkward for me. I'll try my hardest, though.
-[chuckles] -I'll try to call you Nesrin.
-Should I call you ma'am, or what? -It's really okay, Zehra, whatever.
I'll make everything passive, no pronouns, it'll work. [chuckles]
If you like.
By the way, we have the same one.
Speaking of which,
you know what I need you to do.
You have to call your mother and tell her you're here.
Or you can't stay with me in this flat anymore.
Am I clear?
Yes, ma'am.
Okay, good.
Well then, I will say good night.
-You got everything you need from me? -Yes, thank you.
[cat meows]
-[meows] -[kisses]
PRACTICAL ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
[chuckles]
[laughs]
[sighs]
[click]
[floorboards creaking]
[birds chirping]
[mechanical rattle of automatic feeder]
[meows softly]
[chewing]
-[Zehra] Morning. -Good morning.
How did you sleep?
Oh! [sighs]
I slept like a bird. [chuckles]
Wait, that's not the expression. Like a bird, what am I saying?
Like a baby, or whatever. I slept great. Uninterrupted.
That's great. It means you felt at home here.
I often have a hard time sleeping when I'm in a new place.
-Well, it's not really a new place. -How's that?
I've been going to Istanbul now for months in my dreams, you know?
I've been sleeping in the guest room all this time.
Was it the same as you dreamed?
Well, it was and it wasn't.
Like, I always drive when I'm dreaming, you know? I'm not kidding.
I'm driving every night, even big trucks.
[Nesrin giggles]
-It's gonna be a breeze to get my license. -That's nice.
That you dream big things.
You're at that age you live and experience things.
And you?
-Have you given up dreaming or what? -[sighs]
No, of course not, but, you know, it's different.
-I don't do it like you, I guess. -Mm.
What do you dream about?
[sighs]
You know, breaking out of Istanbul.
And… uh, look.
-It came true. -What's this?
I got accepted to the hospital that I applied to in France.
Oh wow, that's awesome!
-I'm so happy for you! -Thank you, yeah.
I'll take a language exam in a couple of months,
and then, if I actually pass, I'll be getting ready to go.
You're gonna move?
Mm-hmm.
I guess you're leaving soon.
Seems that way. That's what I hope.
It's not easy to find a place in Istanbul, I know that.
But of course I'll help you however I can.
Don't you worry about that, okay? It's fine.
[flowing music playing]
Yes, ma'am.
[flowing music intensifies]
[seagulls squawking]
ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
[door opens]
Hello, everyone.
[all] Hello.
Welcome to the first lecture of the second term.
Well, as long as nobody has a class beginning at 7:00.
-You don't, right? -[students chuckle]
I'm Özlem Varlık.
Over the course of this class, and as long as you're a student here,
your site of study is going to encompass two sides that don't meet,
but together are one. Istanbul.
For some of you, this city is new and unfamiliar.
and for some of you it's home.
But it can be a brave new world, actually, as long as you open your eyes.
Because as you walk around, my hope is you'll learn to see.
People's countenances, their faces, the facades of buildings.
All of this you'll learn to read.
The slums, the plazas.
The mansions will become something to you,
Like old, tired, sorrowful, anxious, carefree faces.
Everything will change quickly, including yourself.
As the city changes, you will change as well.
You have all got your own pasts, do you not?
You do, of course.
A past, a history.
You were born before today.
So, in this class, we will study the city from yesterday until today.
We'll read a book, or rather it'll be an encyclopedia, actually.
The Istanbul Encyclopedia.
From this encyclopedia, you will choose a place
and you'll prepare a project on that place. I'm wondering,
is there anyone who's heard of the Istanbul Encyclopedia before?
[closes loudly]
Ah, the gentleman who walked in late, could you tell me your name please?
Harun, ma'am.
Mister Harun, have you heard of the Istanbul Encyclopedia?
I have, yes, ma'am.
-Tell us a little about it, if you would. -Sure.
Reşad Ekrem Koçu wrote it.
Uh… it's unfinished, but it's a cultural encyclopedia.
Would you be able to tell us the years in which the encyclopedia was published?
[whispering] '44 and '73.
Between the years 1944 and '74.
Thank you, you may sit down, Harun.
But don't be late to class, though, next time.
First of all, Reşad Ekrem Koçu's Istanbul Encyclopedia has an exhibit.
It's on right now, so don't forget to go see it as long as it's open.
[whispers] Thanks.
Alright. If you're all ready, then let's begin.
[in French] This is my favorite course.
This is my favorite because once we're finished here,
we will be able to talk about interesting stuff in French.
For example, how much Beyoğlu has changed in the last ten years.
Or the strange contradiction between
being angry at immigrants in Turkey, yet dreaming of settling in France.
-[chuckling] -Pardon me, it's a joke, of course.
I hope you don't mind.
Alright, let's get started.
-Could you introduce yourself, sir? -[man] Okay.
Please state your name, your profession, the reason why you are learning French.
Okay, my name is Kenan.
I'm a real estate agent. I have a lot of French clients.
That's why it benefits me to learn French.
-[Louis] That's very pragmatist. -[Kenan chuckles]
Very well.
Uh…
Um…
[chuckles nervously]
[in French] Hello.
My name is Nesrin Caner.
I'm a cardiovascular surgeon.
I'm learning French because I want to move to France.
Because…
Um… because…
Because I hate Istanbul.
I like…
I like Istanbul.
[both chuckle]
[in English] It was designed for the Imperial School of Medicine.
-[Zehra giggles] -[Harun] It's obvious.
Renaissance style, of course. This is an architectural school after all.
If I remember it right, it was between 1846 and '52.
-So, our school has a pretty rich history. -Were you born here?
-Yeah. -Hmm.
You were born in Istanbul, wow.
So, which one is your building?
I think the one with an illegal balcony and three bedrooms. And you?
-Guess. -Hmm.
Beats me, man. We've only known each other for a couple of hours.
Well I've known myself for over 19 years. What difference does that make?
I'm going out tonight with a few friends. Would you like to come with us?
-I can't. -No?
It-- It's just I'm still getting to know Istanbul, you know? There's a line.
-It's fine, fine. Social media handle? -I don't have one.
-Mysterious woman. -[chuckles] Yeah, what is she hiding?
Can I get your phone number, then?
Not memorized yet.
It's all very new, even my number.
well if you change your mind, maybe come see me here.
[gentle music playing]
[camera shutter clicks]
Diego.
Pst.
[camera shutter clicks]
[click]
MOSQUES REŞAD EKREM KOÇU
ISTANBUL ENCYCLOPEDIA REŞAD EKREM KOÇU AND ISTANBUL
[gentle music continues]
NAME: ZEHRA, HER CRIME BORN IN TRABZON IN 1902
Such a long long hallway. It goes on and on.
There's a door. it's painted blue.
Every room at the hospital is yellow, but this one's blue.
I'm dying to know.
A voice in my mind says, "No, Serdar, please don't die."
"Not before the mystery of that door has been solved."
Serdar…
I get you didn't want me there with you at the hospital.
I even get the telephone could've been too much,
but come on, I can't take this game anymore.
I gotta go beat by beat. Don't you wanna hear it?
[Nesrin] Serdar.
I'm begging you, please, just give it to me straight.
[Serdar sighs]
They told me I'm clear.
[voice breaks] I don't have cancer anymore.
-[cries] Really? -Really.
-[crying] I mean it. I mean it. -[Nesrin cries]
-Really. -[Nesrin cries]
[Nesrin exhales]
Can I check your report?
Forget about the report, baby. I threw it away!
-It's over, it's done. It's all over. -[Nesrin sobs]
-It's over. -I'm so glad, Serdar.
-[kisses] -I'm so glad.
[laughing]
-Let's dance, honey, let's go. -Oh, you mean this minute?
-Come on. -No, come on, not now.
How could you reject a healthy man like this?
Mm [laughs]
Because I'm drinking. I want to drink a little bit.
[Serdar] Alright.
["Anılar" by Uğur Akdora playing over stereo]
[chuckles]
[Serdar] 2014.
March 3rd.
It's nighttime and it's pouring buckets.
It's raining so bad, I make my way to a bar to take cover.
Inside it's dark and crowded.
-Only something is glowing. -Hm.
The most beautiful woman.
I stare at her across the room.
Finally, I work up my courage to walk over to her and ask her…
"Pardon, sorry, do you have a light I can borrow?" [laughs]
[Serdar] I love you so much, honey.
Believe me, everything's gonna be great.
From now on, you and I are gonna live life to the fullest.
Because we're alive and we're together.
From now on, we're going to hold each other's hands tight
and never, ever let go.
What's this?
Our plane tickets.
Paris. I was listening when you said you wanted to go there.
Serdar.
-Serdar… -Hmm?
Why would you ever--
Oh, hello, Zehra.
-[Zehra] Good evening. -Good evening to you.
I interrupted. Sorry.*
Oh? Oh!
That's amazing! What good news for you!
I don't know what's appropriate to say in this situation, probably something,
but let's assume I said the exact right thing, because that's what I mean.
I appreciate it.
[Serdar] Let me get a glass for you.
-I shouldn't drink. -[Serdar] On a special night like this?
I've expressed that badly, I'm sorry. I should've maybe said I don't drink.
What do you mean? Never?
That's right.
That's why I used the present tense to describe it.
Yeah, but why?
Well… [chuckles]
Mayonnaise is also off-limits, but people don't usually ask me about my motivations.
[Serdar chuckles softly]
[Zehra chuckles]
Sorry.
-Let me help you. -[Serdar exhales]
Thank you.
[Nesrin] Whoa! [laughs]
You poured it like a soda.
Sorry.
We were gonna drink all of it anyway.
Did you call your mother, Zehra?
I will.
Um…
Well, I'll be going now.
Because I've got a thing with some people I met today at the university.
I just came to change my clothes for it.
That sounds nice.
[Serdar] Go on then.
[gentle music playing]
[phone chiming]
Hello?
Alaikum salam, Mother.
Mm.
I'm fine, I'm fine, don't worry. It's okay, I'm fine.
No, I've handled it, Mom. You don't have to worry.
Mm-hmm.
Yes, don't worry, Mom.
And Allah's blessings upon you.
-♪ In the next one ♪ -♪ It don't get no better ♪
♪ Shoulda learned your lesson from it ♪
♪ We're just having fun Don't get your feelings attached ♪
♪ And I know your best friend want it ♪
♪ Don't say I didn't warn you baby You can't be mad ♪
♪ If I let you hit this Don't get addicted ♪
♪ I just wanna party Don't care ‘bout what your ex did ♪
♪ This ain't what you want ♪
♪ Ain't no misses Cross your name off ♪
♪ On my hit list ♪
♪ This ain't what you want… ♪
Ah.
-Hey there. -Good eve--
-Good evening. [giggles] -Happy to see you.
-Let me introduce you to my friends. -Sounds good.
-Don't talk like a dumbass. [Dodo] Yeah, I'm the dumbass, sure.
[Selin] Okay, enough.
Wow! Zehra?
It's obvious, I guess.
Harun won't stop talking about you, honey.
This is everyone, Pelin, Dodo Selin.
Need a drink?
-Beer? -Sounds good.
Good, okay.
Look… [chuckle] …Zehra just got here. We met literally a second ago.
I mean, there is no way she'd know what I'm talking about.
What's social jet lag.
It's jet lag, just social.
-See that, did you? -[Zehra laughs]
I saw it, whatever.
She ought to be elaborating on that. That doesn't cut it.
I mean, like, when you're flying, you've gotta-- Thanks.
When you're flying, your whole biological clock gets out of sync,
so it's just the social version, you know?
Oh shoot. Anybody know how late it is?
-[Dodo] 9:00. -[Selin] Melatonin is strong this time.
But you're out now.
And then at 10:30, bowel movements start to decrease.
But then, you're drinking beer.
-[Dodo] Yeah, right. -To our health and our friends.
-So lame, what? -[Dodo] To Amazon.
[all] To Amazon!
[Selin] Alright.
-Lovely. -[Pelin] I'll smash that over your head.
[Dodo] I just wanna say I didn't understand the jet lag thing at first.
But when Zehra explained it I got it.
Zehra. I don't remember you from first term.
[Zehra] I just started.
Why so late?
I like to keep things up in the air, that's why.
Wow!
So, anyway. Better late than never.
Now that we've got Zehra with us, we've found the fifth member.
-Oh for sure. -We moving in together?
[Selin] To the stage.
We've gotta find, uh, people to, uh, to make a cute little play called Amazon,
but we still need one more person.
We're not missing anyone. We were abandoned.
Come on, man, really? Call it what you will.
A friend backed out last minute and we've gotta find a new person.
Would you be interested?
Hold on, honey, we don't even know if Zehra would be able to pull it off yet.
Come on, what's the big rush?
Like, we don't even know her.
Sorry, sometimes things don't happen right away.
We have to wait, honey.
-Hmm. -[Selin] What does she have to do, honey?
Show what she's made of, duh.
That's why I'm here. To prove myself. Don't worry, "honey."
[Harun and Dodo] Whoa!
[laughter]
-[Dodo] "Honey." -[Pelin] I'll smack you on the head!
Serdar.
You know how much I care about you. And love you.
I've been…
I-- I just got the best news of my whole life, and I'm so relieved.
There's a but.
I'm breaking up with you.
But, hon… Come on, hey.
Look. I know you've been through a lot lately.
Serdar, no, I'm telling you, there's no point making a big production anymore.
Okay, fine. Couples therapy then.
We'll go the best therapist, we'll go to that woman who wrote that TV series.
I'm going away to Europe. Do you understand, Serdar?
[inhales]
You never, ever give up.
When I say you're just like your father, this is what I'm talking about.
But what’s my dad got to do with whether I’m the type to give up?
It’s true I won’t give up.
Okay, look. Moving isn't an issue, alright?
I'll visit you. This is easy to solve. it isn't a problem.
Serdar, we live separately,
We set ground rules for ourselves. It didn't happen, okay?
I mean, the longer this goes on, the harder it gets.
Even when I was in the country, babe, we made it work.
You'd say, "Come," and I'd come. You'd say, "Go," and I'd go.
Istanbul to Paris is easier than to the countryside.
-Serdar… -It'll be fine. just fine.
Serdar!
Please, I wanna move there by myself.
I'm desperate to get a brand-new life.
It's not just you, it's my sick mother, my addicted sister!
Chaotic Istanbul, This country hangs over me like a nightmare!
It hangs on my shoulders, I'm tired of this burden.
-I just want to be done for a while! -Shh.
[Serdar] Shh.
Please, honey, please, please. Please, hon, please. Not now.
Please. Shh. Please calm down, babe. Please calm down.
Yes, but now's the time, Serdar!
-This very day, you mean. -Yes, today!
I beat this fucking cancer today, come on! Can't we speak tomorrow?
I've been waiting for this for over a year now, Serdar!
You had cancer and you were just miserable,
and I just wanted to be there for you, so I just forgot about all of my own.
All of my own pain!
I made peace with it and just shut up until I heard this news.
-What have I done to you, Nesrin? -[sighs]
Just tell me for the love of God, please.
What on earth have I ever done except love you with all my heart?
I don't want your love anymore!
It's just suffocating me! But you're dragging it out!
Have I gotta have a motivation for it? Huh?
Some perfect argument for it? I can't break up with you when I want?
Nesrin, sorry. My apologies.
The cancer was my fault, I'm sorry.
I didn't believe you when you told me you had cancer the first time, you know?
I mean it. I didn't believe it.
"He's probably manipulating me," I was thinking at the time.
But I figured, "He'd never do that, right?"
I was convinced you could never go that far, you could never do that to me.
[sigh] How could you think that about me?
What did I do that could make you have such a thought?
I believe in astrology now.
I do, although I'm a doctor, I'm too smart you know?
You're the absolute god of destruction, Serdar!
Manipulative, you're a Scorpio!
Stop the bullshit. Fuck your Scorpio, horoscope shit.
We were together for ten years! You're gonna throw it away?
I don't want your love anymore!
-Yesterday you seemed to want it. -Yesterday, but not today!
I want to break up, but I can't! Come on! Please!
Let me go! Let me go!
Please, it has nothing to do with you!
It's not us, there's nothing wrong! I'm telling you, it's about me.
Just tell me what it is at least so I can fix it!
I've been fantasizing about other men all year while we've been fucking
and you think you're making me come.
And so you won't feel sad about it, I cry into the goddamn pillows,
so you won't fucking see me!
[screams]
[exhales]
-What the hell did I ever do to you? -Come on, what are you doing?
-Just tell me what I did. -No, Serdar, listen!
Tell me what I did to you, just tell me, you have to.
What have I done? What?
-Stop hitting yourself! -What did I do? Just fuck you, Nesrin!
-Fuck you! -No, Serdar, you fuck off.
Fuck you, Nesrin, and you know what? Fuck those guys.
I will fuck those guys. I'm supposed to ask if you're okay with it?
-Fine, then dream of me when you do it! -Fuck off, Serdar! You go to hell!
Your boyfriend has cancer, you were dreaming about other guys?
Fuck off! [screams]
[screaming excitedly]
[in Turkish] ♪ Istanbul made you lost ♪
♪ Drugged you and messed you up ♪
♪ Who knows who beat the drum, oh, God On your tight skin? ♪
♪ Hundreds, thousands of people, oh, God ♪
♪ They all sang this song ♪
[cheering]
Thank you very much!
This song is for all the sisters out there.
-Yes, bitch! -[Dodo] For the sisters.
-Yes. -[Dodo] I think I know it.
-What's that? What's the song? -I'll remember.
-Come on. -I will.
♪ Whatever you say Whatever you expect ♪
♪ From the Creator ♪
Oh, here you go!
♪ Or your fate ♪
-♪ You can't have it your way ♪ -[Pelin] Look at her go.
♪ Unless you fight for it ♪
-♪ It feels like… ♪ -[Pelin] She's amazing!
-♪ It drowns you ♪ -[Pelin] Oh my God! Get it, sister!
♪ It feels like ♪
Wow! She's pretty good.
-I like you. Welcome to Amazon. -♪ Being reborn ♪
-Cheers. Come on. -[Dodo] Come on.
♪ It feels like ♪
♪ Dying over and over ♪
♪ If you haven't suffered through ♪
♪ That pain and ordeal ♪
♪ Winding round and round Your weary neck ♪
[chuckling]
♪ Scattered through your fractured soul ♪
-Oh, you're fantastic, thank you. -[Pelin] Here you go, one for you.
-One for you. -Come on!
[indistinct chatter]
Yes!
♪ Your bitter memories remain ♪
♪ Winding round and round Your weary neck ♪
♪ Scattered through your fractured soul ♪
♪ With questioning eyes at your door ♪
♪ Your bitter memories remain ♪
[sighs]
[cheering]
[Harun and Pelin] Bravo!
[retching]
[breathing heavily]
["Bombalar" by Soft Analog playing]
[clears throat]
[exhales]
-[Harun] Here, I'll read your fortune. -[Zehra] You'll tell me my future?
Manifestation, more like. How would I know the future?
-Mani-fes-ta-tion. -What is this?
-Don't laugh. It's serious. -I'm sure.
[laughing]
Hey, look at me.
All right.
Put your hands on your knees.
But you gotta trust me, alright?
I don't trust you one bit, though, dude. [laughs]
-Why not? -Not one bit, man.
No? [laughs] Close your eyes, come on.
Follow my lead, it's fine. You'll be fine.
Close your eyes for me.
The thing… that is your heart's desire,
is you wanna be understood.
-No. -How's that?
I think my guess was spot on. Yeah.
Close 'em please. And don't open.
-'Cause I see a whale in those pupils. -[both laugh]
Yeah, I guess,… Yeah, if only someone understood me
-just as the great sperm whale… -Yeah, "for love, she wished as well."!
Stop joking around!
Every single table I visit I'm a stranger.
What else? Is there anything you feel you need to do?
Hm. To be successful.
I guess I feel I've got one chance to make my life happy, right here.
I'm a person who probably can't afford to really fail.
-What is your biggest worry? -Just being homeless.
You're really going crazy with it tonight. You got a lot going on, Zehra.
It's a weak spot for me. You hit where it hurts, that's all, sorry.
-How's that? -It just is, is all. Mm. I don't know.
No, go on.
Just, if I could feel I was myself in my own house,
I feel all my problems would be solved, you know?
Sometimes I turn my head
and feel-- I feel like I'm living someone else's life.
Like I've never been to this city before, like… like I'm a stranger.
But you get used to it eventually.
[chuckling]
Pretty quickly, Istanbul makes you feel like you've been here forever.
[both laugh]
That's why…
there's no problem. I think.
What do you absolutely not want?
I think becoming my mother.
I don't wanna be like my mother, I'm terrified.
-[rumble] -[bottles clatter]
I'm sorry.
Am I doomed now? What happened? And why?
No, no. Probably nothing is going to happen.
However, I'm sure of one thing.
You are incredibly peculiar.
Well I think you're peculiar too.
-You good? -Yeah, I'm fine.
-You're good, right? -Yeah, yeah.
It's freezing though.
Run!
[yelps]
-What the heck are you doing? -Run, run, run, run, run!
[both giggling]
Wait! [laughs]
-Wait! -Jump! Jump! Jump!
Jump now!
[breathing heavily]
You maniac!
You mean me?
-I was terrified. -Terrified?
That was nuts, man.
-Come on, selfie time. -What?
Selfie time, let's go.
[giggling]
-Wait… -Istanbul!
ALÇAKDAM SLOPE STREET
-[camera shutter clicks] -[giggles]
[Harun] "Alçakadam."
-[Zehra] It's written as "Alçakdam Slope." -[Harun] You can't believe all you read.
-You've gotta learn. -[Zehra] It's an encyclopedia.
Are we going to ignore it and say, "That can't be true."
[Harun] Professor Zehra. Was it 19… something?
[Zehra] Forty-four. Embarrassed? [laughs]
[Harun] But what year did they finish it? And why not? Alçakadam is easier.
[Zehra] Well, here we are.
Oh, you go on and on about being homeless, but you live in a castle.
Look at this place. Pretty nice, I've gotta say.
It's not my house. It's Nesrin's.
She's... [lip smack] like my aunt, sorta.
-Her name's Nesrin. Yeah. -Hm. Hm.
We're working out our relationship. I'm a bit confused right now.
[Harun] It's fine. It's nice.
Well, good night.
-Good night. -Good night.
Good night.
-Go now. -[Harun] When you're safely inside I will.
-You should go, it's cold outside. -I'll go after you're inside, it's okay.
I'm about to go up, go now. Go, go, go, go.
What? What? Go. I can't hear you.
-What? -[giggles]
-[laughs] Tell me. Tell me. -You gotta go.
What?
[exhales]
[Zehra] Letter A: Alçakdam Slope.
In this city with seven hills, two coasts, and two continents,
this is the first place I ran down the stairs.
The first place I took a selfie.
The best thing about those stairs, I think,
is that once you start running down them, you just can't stop.
When I reached the end of the street with my heart pounding,
I thought about the beautiful description of it in the encyclopedia.
"At the site of a great fire, is a very steep street
that is not yet leveled, and resembles a floodplain, especially at the bottom,
with half stone and half earth steps."
"And it is evident there will be a slope with stairs in the future."
Just like me.
It has great potential, but it's not been realized.
This prediction from the past about how it was going to be a steep slope
made me think about what this place will look like in 50 years.
When past, present, nd future all intertwine.
I feel my story with this city has just begun.
My personal history of Istanbul.
Good evening.
It's very late.
Uh…
I'm sorry about that. I was having a lot of fun.
And did you call your mother, Zehra?
I didn't have time.
You promised me you would call her today, didn't you?
Didn't you?
-You're right. -[Nesrin] So why didn't you?
-I just didn't. -I had a very rough night.
And I just don't have the strength to have this conversation patiently with you.
I was clear.
Now keep your promise. Call her.
You either keep your promise to me right now,
or you gather your belongings tomorrow. The decision is yours to make.
[Nesrin] What are you doing, Zehra?
Zehra!
[clattering]
Zehra, cut this out.
I know what it is that bothers you.
I guess everything was true, what she said about you.
I don't need somebody who's showing me pity.
You're selfish and you have no empathy, do you?
What do you know about feelings? You're completely shutting them down.
Go on then! Get out!
Go see what Istanbul is for yourself, kid!
And when it's rubbed your nose in the dirt you can come back and do as I say.
[dramatic music playing]
[closing theme music playing]