Amanpour

'Nation of Strangers' 

Feb 13, 2026
Ece Temelkuran, writer and activist who left Turkey, reflects on rising authoritarianism and the feeling of being unhomed. Sheikha Al Mayassa, Qatar museums leader, discusses building cultural institutions and Art Basel in Doha. Tig Notaro, comedian and producer, and Megan Falley, poet and partner of Andrea Gibson, talk about making the documentary, caregiving, grief, humor, and honoring a legacy.
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ANECDOTE

Homesickness Diagnosis And Emotional Recovery

  • A Viennese doctor diagnosed Temelkuran with homesickness, forcing her to confront emotional exhaustion and the need for self-care.
  • She recovered compassion for vulnerability and wrote Nation of Strangers to reconnect emotionally with others.
INSIGHT

Belonging To Two Realities At Once

  • Living in Berlin lets Temelkuran stay connected to Turkish culture because it hosts Europe's largest Turkish community.
  • She says one can belong to both the homeland lost and the adopted present reality simultaneously.
INSIGHT

Choose Faith Over Fragile Hope

  • Temelkuran prefers 'faith' over 'hope,' committing morally to believe in people's capacity to reclaim democracy.
  • She frames faith as an active choice necessary for social movements and democratic resurgence.
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