Good People of vitruta: Funda Dündar
Who is Funda Dündar, how did it all start, what has she done, and how is it going?
Telling one’s own story is always challenging for me. Trying to fit into a mold or label feels intimidating, but I’ll give it a try: First of all, I’m a woman who’s been taking up space on this earth for 37 years. I worked as a special education teacher for years, but when I realized there was no longer any contribution I could give or take from that profession, I decided to retire. My close relationship with books throughout my life, and the book clubs I’ve hosted, led me to editing, and balancing both became difficult. For about the past seven years, I’ve been working as an editor, and for the past year, I’ve also been involved in story projects and scriptwriting. Words are, for me, the most powerful way to express what’s inside. I love shaping my work around them. Outside of work, I’m very interested in psychology and take courses on it due to my endless curiosity about people and myself. I’m also passionate about photography and ceramics, and I create paintings in my own way. Looking at it all together, I see that my life revolves around the soul of art...
What does art mean to you?
To me, art is the field that asks the most powerful questions and helps us find answers from the broadest perspectives. It’s the most vibrant and meaningful face of life.
Where do you find inspiration?
I actually draw inspiration from the world itself. The math within this chaotic universe, in those moments I can see it, inspires me deeply. If I had to be more specific, I’d say trees are my greatest inspiration. They stand tall no matter what, producing marvelous fruits, flowers, and leaves and then letting go of them gracefully when the time comes, without attachment or defining themselves by what they produce. And they keep giving, never giving up, for as long as they live. I admire their strength, which comes from their patience. Even if one branch dries up, they continue to grow fresh leaves from others with a bold kind of hope. Trees have so much to teach me.
During these cold days of the season, what gives you the most joy? What do you enjoy doing?
During cold days, I love being at home the most. Being in a warm cocoon when it’s cold outside feels like being in the womb—it’s comforting and peaceful. Though it’s been tough with the pandemic, two of my favorite winter activities are still going to the cinema and the theater.
Are there any plays you’d recommend?
Yes, of course... I can recommend two plays currently showing. Both feature an actress I really admire, Nezaket Erden. Sevgili Arsız Ölüm and Tırnak İçinde Hizmetçiler are both wonderful. I’m not sure if it’s still running, but another play called Eylül was incredibly impactful. I tend to prefer solo or small-cast performances. The next play I’m eager to see is Aşınma.
Starting a new day, what are your routines? How do you begin your day?
I can say that every day begins with the same ritual for me. I’m an early riser, and if I have to be up especially early for something, I make a point to wake up even earlier to complete this ritual. First thing, I always open my eyes to see my cat, Vanilya. I spend a little time with her, then get up and say good morning to myself. I air out the house, light some incense or palo santo, and put on some music. Then comes my coffee ritual. I grind the beans and brew my coffee, and the aroma fills the whole house. While enjoying my coffee, I might spend some time on my computer, read, sit quietly, move around a bit, or even dance alone. Whatever I feel I need for that morning, that’s what I do. In short, I begin the day by awakening all my senses. It does me so much good. I need more than just my body to be awake—I love starting the day fully alert.
Where do you spend most of your time in Istanbul? Your favorite cafes and restaurants?
I don’t have much of a café culture anymore, unfortunately. Living in Beyoğlu has created this situation—my home has become like a café where I can gather with all my friends. When I do go out, I like to stay around the neighborhood. Comedus is a place I stop by when I’m out. As for restaurants, I go to Aheste by far the most. I really love the atmosphere and the food there.
As a final question, can you recommend a book?
We’re preparing a special selection of books for vitruta together. Each month, a curated selection of local and international books will be available at vitruta stores. So the books I recommend will already be there for a while, and I don’t want to spoil the surprise here. But I can’t end without mentioning the book that’s most precious to me: Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. There are dozens of books and authors I love, but for me, Proust is a literary genius.