Leeann Murphy

Leeann Murphy has walked the labyrinth of streets in Istanbul, hiked the hills of Gallipoli, cruised the Aegean Sea from Ayvalik, visited ancient Ephesus and the quaint hillside village of Sirince, and paddled the warm waters of Pamukkale. As a professional belly dancer, she has long been infatuated with Middle Eastern culture and music, and these experiences won her heart.

Following the untimely death of her father in 2009, Leeann realized that she needed to follow her passion and moved to Turkey indefinitely. She has been feasting on the smorgasbord of attractions in the country ever since.

Today, friends consider Australian-born Leeann “Austolian” (half Australian, half Anatolian). Her life has never been so full of color, creativity, and adventure. Leeann hopes to pass on her Turkish hospitality through her writing, both in this book and at afar.com.