Author Bio
Author Bio
Mr. Korhan is a Turkish-born writer who has spent over two decades living between Southeast Asia and Turkey. Drawing from his extensive experience in international business and cultural exchange, he crafts narratives that bridge East and West.
After graduating from Istanbul University with a degree in International Relations, he established businesses in Cambodia while maintaining deep connections to his Turkish roots.
His unique perspective on cross-cultural dynamics and the complexities of expatriate life informs his storytelling. “The Fraud Game” is his debut novel, inspired by real events he witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author’s Note
The events that inspired this novel took place during one of modern history’s most disruptive periods – the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the characters and specific situations are fictional, the underlying themes of desperation, survival, and moral compromise reflect the real challenges faced by countless individuals during that unprecedented time.
As an author, I sought to explore not just what people do when pushed to their limits, but how they rationalize those choices to themselves. The line between right and wrong often blurs in the shadow of necessity, and judgment becomes a luxury few can afford when survival is at stake.
This story is dedicated to all those who faced impossible choices during impossible times, and to the eternal human capacity for both deception and redemption.
– Writing philosophy
My approach to writing centers on authenticity and cultural nuance. I believe that stories should not just entertain but also illuminate the intricate ways different societies interact, especially in our increasingly interconnected world.
By drawing from real experiences and observations, I aim to capture the subtle complexities of cross-cultural relationships and the moral dilemmas that arise when different value systems collide.
I write with a commitment to:
- Presenting authentic cultural details without exoticization
- Exploring moral ambiguity rather than clear-cut heroes and villains
- Depicting realistic consequences of choices in the criminal underworld
- Capturing the nuances of expatriate life and cultural adaptation
- Balancing action with meaningful character development
– Cultural background
“The Fraud Game” draws from several distinct cultural contexts:
Turkish Elements:
- Traditional codes of honor and respect
- The importance of personal connections (torpil)
- Istanbul’s unique position between East and West
- Turkish business practices and hospitality customs
- The role of traditional relationships in modern crime
Cambodian Context:
- Expatriate community dynamics
- Post-pandemic economic pressures
- The intersection of Asian and Western business practices
- Cultural adaptation and identity maintenance
- The transformation of urban Southeast Asia
Criminal Underworld:
- Honor codes among criminals
- International money laundering networks
- The impact of COVID-19 on illegal operations
- Modern criminal enterprises’ use of technology
- Traditional criminal hierarchies in a globalized world
The story weaves these elements together to create a realistic portrayal of international crime and personal redemption against the backdrop of a world transformed by pandemic and economic upheaval.
Through this cultural framework, the novel explores universal themes of loyalty, revenge, and redemption while maintaining authentic cultural specificity.
The narrative aims to provide readers with both an engaging story and a window into the complex realities of int