Chinese Restaurants: Turkey (complete episode)

Istanbul’s China Restaurant is the oldest Chinese restaurant in Turkey. Its founder, Wang Zhengshan, fled China with his family in a dramatic trek over the Himalayas in 1949 when Chinese Communists took power, thereby earning a place in the urban legend as the man who “walked from China”. Wang died in 1961, leaving his widow Fatima and eight children struggling to survive. Now as Fatima contemplates retiring, the restaurant faces an uncertain future.

[@noellecms]

What an incredible story! I used to think that my mother’s life was hard enough walking from Guangzhou to Hong Kong to meet my dad after 1949. I think all Chinese had difficult lives in war torn China in that era. But, the story of this Chinese family is exceptionally intriguing, inspiring and makes me feel that I am fortunate because of my mother’s decision to walk to Hong Kong.

[@cheukkwan]

I understand how you feel as I am from HK as well

[@daisymozzy]

such a great book and great documentary!!! thank you

[@xiaoz3184]

Just finished the book and this is my fav episode. Nice work.

[@cheukkwan]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@elcinakdogan]

Hey! Thank you for this documentary. İt is a real present for me. I just watched it back like 20 years later!

[@cheukkwan]

Hi Elcin, are you Halime's daughter?

[@elcinakdogan]

@@cheukkwan yes, this Is me

[@catherinezhou5158]

Beautiful music, touching story ， really wonderful 🎉 thanks!

[@cheukkwan]

Thank you very much!

[@patl4668]

Love your book, just finished. Going to Istanbul soon, hope the restaurant is still there and still good.

[@cheukkwan]

unfortunately the restaurant is no longer there. Fatima has passed away recently.

[@papagen00]

I always look for chinese restaurants too when I travel. My first meal in Italy was actually Chinese in Rome. It was horrible and greasy but an interesting experience nonetheless.

[@user-wn5fu3ux6w]

❤

[@vincentbaykaladamusic6684]

🖤

[@papagen00]

no chicken or seafood?