The historical Asansör (escalator) building in Karataş, one of İzmir”s landmarks, was erected by the wealthy banker Nesim Levi as a public service to the community at the beginning of the 20th century.
After almost a century, his grandson, the famous French author of the books “If only it were true,” “Seven days for an eternity,” “Will you be there?” and “In another life,” Marc Levy, visited İzmir as a guest of the İzmir Chamber of Commerce (İZTO) on Thursday.
Levy underlined his happiness, noting that it was the first time he had been to İzmir, speaking at a press conference with İZTO Board Chairman Ekrem Demirtaş held at Asansör on Thursday. Levy also noted that his aunts told him the story of his grandfather who has built an elevator and a hospital in İzmir and stressed that he didn”t know whether these stories were legend or truth.
“My teacher at school used to tell me “you aren”t quick”. I guess that was true since it took 39 years for me to write my first novel. I hope to have a long life because I find everything late,” said Levy. He went on to say that it is crucial to find one”s roots, asserting that World War II had terminated the relationship between the past and the present. He added: “You gave me a wonderful present after all these years; you gave me the opportunity to visit the places where my grandfather and aunts were born. I am very happy to find out that my childhood stories were true.”
As a response to Demirtaş”s request to support the İzmir EXPO 2015 project, Levy stated that he will be honored to do whatever necessary for İzmir to win. “When my friends ask me why I am doing this, I will tell them İzmir is my city and where I come from,” he added.
Demirtaş explained that they contacted the French writer after he mentioned that his family”s roots lay in İzmir, noting their happiness at hosting such an important guest on the 100th “birthday” of Asansör.
In addition to Asansör, Demirtaş emphasized that Levy”s grandfather had also donated the land for the hospital in Karataş and sold his house to cover the hospital”s expenditures. Saying that they tried to attract Levy”s attention by telling him about İzmir, Demirtaş added: “We hope that he will write a book about İzmir in the future.”
He also stressed that Levy is a world-renowned writer whose books attract a lot of interest -- hence his support for EXPO 2015 would be great. Demirtaş gave a replica of a bust of Nesim Levi to Levy and a shawl to his girlfriend Paoline Levegue as a present at the Karataş hospital.
