Stories for The People by The People

Gabriel had never liked the Turks. They were barbaric, he thought, and their religion was false. He had come to Istanbul as the ambassador of the French king, but he had no interest in learning about their culture or their people. He preferred to spend his time in Pera, the European quarter, where he could drink wine and mingle with his fellow Christians. But one day, as he was walking to his favorite tavern, he saw her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had dark hair, almond eyes, and a fair complexion. She wore a colorful silk dress and a veil that covered her hair and neck. She was walking with a group of women, escorted by a man who looked like her father. He felt a sudden surge of attraction and curiosity. He wanted to know her name, her voice, her story. He followed them discreetly, hoping to find an opportunity to approach her. But he soon realized that it was impossible. The customs of the Turks were strict, and women were not allowed to talk to strangers, ...

Ali was a coffee salesman in Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. He had a small shop near the Grand Bazaar, where he sold his aromatic brew to locals and tourists alike. He was proud of his coffee, which he made from beans that he roasted and ground himself. He claimed that his coffee was the best in the city, and many of his customers agreed. One day, a man came to his shop and ordered a cup of coffee. He was dressed in a suit and a hat, and spoke with a strange accent. He introduced himself as John, a journalist from New York. He said he was in Istanbul to write a story about the Ottoman culture and history. He asked Ali if he could interview him and learn more about his coffee business. Ali was curious and flattered by the request. He agreed to talk to John, and they sat down at a table. John asked Ali many questions, such as how he learned to make coffee, how he sourced his beans, how he prepared his drinks, and how he marketed his shop. Ali answered them all with enthusia...