The Town

The unnamed town in which the majority of the novel’s action takes place is by the sea in Turkey near a major city. The town is frequently referred to in personifying terms, creating a sense that it is a holistic entity with its own thoughts, feelings, and motivations which directly reflect those of the common people inside it. Though the town seems calm and peaceful on the outside even when embroiled in conflict, frequent murders and instances of violence occur. This reflects the exclusivity of the town as well, as outsiders are frequently chased out of town after a period of time. The town is beloved by its inhabitants, and influence over the town is the principal motivation behind the overarching conflict between Mustafa and Raci.

The Coffee Shop

The coffee shop run by Centipede serves as a watering hole for the townspeople and the principal...