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A young gay expertise in smuggling refugees to Greece gains widespread recognition, attracting dangerous attention from both CIA and ISIS.

Synopsis

A young gay Syrian, after watching his cousin executed by ISIS for being homosexual, flees to Istanbul for safety. He develops such a good reputation for his resourcefulness in smuggling other refugees to Greece that he’s approached by both the CIA and ISIS to smuggle high-profile individuals on the run, putting him in grave danger on many fronts. In the process of juggling their two operations, he falls in love with, and must decide between, two men who offer him very different futures.

Poignant and evocative narrative that captures the turbulent reality of a smuggler, Ahdaf, navigating the morally complex and perilous world of refugee migration in Istanbul. The story shines a light on the human stories often overshadowed by headlines, presenting the characters with depth and nuance while exploring themes of survival, resilience, and morality.

The protagonist, Ahdaf, is a relatable and layered character. Despite operating in the morally gray space of human smuggling, his motives stem from empathy and a desire to help others. This complexity is exemplified in his interactions with Yusuf's family. From securing seats on the bus to providing life jackets and pink caps, Ahdaf demonstrates care and resourcefulness. His connection with the family—particularly Yusuf's gratitude and Meryem’s affectionate gesture—creates emotional weight, reminding readers of the personal stakes in every act of migration.

The setting is richly detailed, bringing the bustling streets of Istanbul and Leyla’s Café vividly to life. The café, with its cowboy-themed décor and cloud of shisha smoke, is a microcosm of the wider world Ahdaf inhabits—a place where stories, deals, and dangers intersect. Leyla’s banter and her tacit understanding of the café’s social dynamics add authenticity to the narrative.

Selim’s mysterious appearance introduces an undercurrent of tension, hinting at larger forces at play. His ambiguous affiliation possibly CIA or another clandestine organization raises questions about the intersections of power, politics, and the precarious lives of refugees. The exchange between Selim and Ahdaf reveals the protagonist's skepticism and wariness, traits shaped by his perilous environment.

The prose is fluid, balancing moments of quiet reflection with bursts of action and dialogue. The emotional resonance of Yusuf’s family’s departure is particularly impactful, illustrating the fragility of hope amid uncertainty. However, the narrative occasionally dips into exposition, which slightly interrupts the pacing.

effectively humanizes a complex issue, offering a window into the lives of those who risk everything for safety. It neither glorifies nor vilifies Ahdaf role but instead highlights the moral ambiguities of his choices. By combining vivid imagery, authentic dialogue, and emotional depth, the story compels readers to reflect on the human cost of displacement and the thin line between survival and exploitation.

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i am fueled by a deep love for writing. spends countless hours exploring the vast library of content. But, turned this passion into a project dedicated to helping others.

Featured → LGBTQ Fiction

Istanbul Crossing

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Loved it! 😍

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